Getting the keys to your new home is exciting. After weeks (or months) of searching, paperwork, inspections, and planning, moving day finally arrives.

But once the boxes start piling up and the excitement kicks in, there are a few important things that can easily get overlooked.These aren’t the glamorous parts of homeownership, but they are some of the most important. 

Here are three things we always recommend buyers do as soon as they move into a new home.

1. Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

This should be one of the very first things you check after getting possession of your home.

Even if the alarms appear newer, it’s important to:

• Test every smoke alarm
• Replace batteries if needed
• Confirm carbon monoxide detectors are working properly
• Check expiration dates on older units

Many homeowners don’t realize that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors have a lifespan. Over time, sensors become less reliable and may need replacement entirely.

In Ontario:

• Smoke alarms are required on every level of a home
• Carbon monoxide alarms are required near sleeping areas if the home has fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage

Moving into a new property also means you may not know when these devices were last maintained.

Taking five minutes to test them provides immediate peace of mind.

2. Change the Locks

One of the simplest but most overlooked tasks after moving is changing the locks or rekeying them.

You may trust the previous owners, but you still don’t know:

• How many spare keys exist
• Whether contractors or cleaners were given copies
• If old tenants, neighbours, or family members still have access

Changing the locks ensures you know exactly who can enter your home moving forward.

Depending on the property, this could include:

• Front and back door locks
• Garage entry doors
• Smart lock codes
• Mailbox keys
• Shed or exterior storage locks

Many buyers choose to upgrade to smart locks during this process as well, allowing for easier access management and improved security.

3. Locate Your Main Shut-Offs

This is one of those things you hope you never need, until suddenly you do.

Every homeowner should know where to find:

• Main water shut-off valve
• Electrical panel
• Gas shut-off (if applicable)
• Sump pump
• Furnace filter and HVAC systems

If a pipe bursts, a leak develops, or there’s an electrical issue, knowing where these shut-offs are can save valuable time and potentially prevent significant damage.

Many buyers don’t think about this until there’s an emergency.

Walking through the home shortly after possession and identifying these systems helps you feel more comfortable and confident in your new space.

Bonus Tip: Create a “Home Info Folder”

One of the best habits new homeowners can start early is keeping important home information organized.

Consider creating a folder (digital or physical) for:

• Appliance manuals
• Utility account information
• Insurance details
• Paint colours and finishes
• Renovation receipts
• Contractor contacts
• Maintenance schedules

You’ll thank yourself later.

The First Few Days Matter

Moving day is exciting, chaotic, emotional, and exhausting...often all at once.

Between unpacking boxes and figuring out where everything goes, it’s easy to overlook the practical side of homeownership.

But taking care of these simple tasks early helps:

• Improve safety
• Reduce stress
• Prevent avoidable issues
• Help you settle into your new home more confidently

Homeownership comes with a learning curve, and these small first steps go a long way.

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Owning a home isn’t just about getting the keys. Make sure to take time to learn about how your home works and making it truly yours.

Testing alarms, changing locks, and locating shut-offs may not be the most exciting parts of moving day, but they’re some of the smartest things you can do as a new homeowner.

And trust us: future you will be glad you did them.