Buying a house is an exciting (albeit, stressful) adventure, and you might think you’re finished once you’re out of escrow, and you’re handed the keys. However, there’s still a lot to be done even after you purchase a home. There’s the packing, moving in, and a whole host of other things to check off your list. Here we break down everything you need to do after you buy a house.

Set up utilities

Transfer or connect all of your utility services before your move-in date. You will want access to water, garbage, electricity, and gas prior to moving in so you have all the essential necessities as you are unpacking. Once moved in, be sure to get your television, telephone, and internet set up as well (definitely call these services ahead of time to set up installation appointments). Contact local providers of electrical services in Marlboro, NJ to understand the process and how far in advance you need to schedule service to start. In case of an electrical problem or if your home needs an electrical repair, make sure your electrician has years of experience and is familiar with your new neighborhood.

Take photos of valuable items

As you set up your decor in your new home, be sure to take pictures of your valuables like computers, television, jewelry, electronics, and heirlooms. Then store these photos on your mobile device using a private Photo sharing app so you can share the images with family members in your household. You will want to keep a digital record of your family’s possessions in case of theft or burglary. A photo storage site that allows for communication in private groups is the best way to save these photos compared to storing them on social media or in a Google drive. Social networks, Google photos, or sites like Flickr don’t always allow for total privacy and unlimited uploads or storage, so turning to a safe, private photo sharing app is a better alternative.

And to help prevent your home and family from theft, change all the locks and security codes on alarms, gates, and garages. While you might trust the previous homeowners, you don’t know who else might have an old key.

Schedule a cleaning

Before moving in, schedule a professional cleaning and repaint the interior. A fresh coat of paint, clean carpets, and polished wood floors will make your new place shine. Plus, doing these things before moving in will be a lot easier than trying to paint a room full of furniture.

Update your address

Contact the U.S. Postal Service to make sure all your mail is forwarded from your old address to your new address. Update your contact information with your employer, creditors, friends, and family so you don’t miss any bills or holiday cards!

Focus on maintenance

Having your home cleaned and painted is good enough for when you move in, but won’t cut it in the long run. Once you receive the home inspection report, make a list of all of the items in need of maintenance or repairs and then prioritize them based upon urgency. Regular maintenance of your home is necessary to prevent expensive repairs and keep you and your family safe.

Dirty gutters can lead to mold and other property damage. Leaky pipes can hike up your water bill. Dryer vents and ducts can become a serious fire hazard if not cleaned out regularly. And regular maintenance and monitoring of your refrigerator can extend its life significantly. And to further protect your home and the people inside it, make sure your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working, you have a fire extinguisher handy, and a first aid kit is stored in your medicine cabinet in case of emergencies.

See if you need to take out supplemental insurance.

Another thing to think about, especially if you live in a hurricane-prone area is learn how to prepare for a hurricane. This goes for any natural disasters. In fact, when you’re going through the home-buying process, you’ll be made aware if your home is located in any flood or earthquake zones. This may require you taking out supplemental insurance.

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