Settling in will be just that much sweeter if you do these things.
1. Change the Locks
You really don't know who else has keys to your home, so change the locks. That ensures you're the only person who has access. Install new deadbolts yourself for as little as $10 per lock, or call a locksmith - if you supply the new locks, they typically charge about $20 to $30 per lock for labor.
2. Check for Plumbing Leaks
Your home inspector should do this for you before closing, but it never hurts to double-check. Keep an eye out for dripping faucets and running toilets, and check your water heater for signs of a leak. Here's a neat trick: Check your water meter at the beginning and end of a two-hour window in which no water is being used in your house. If the reading is different, you have a leak.
3. Wipe Out Your Cabinets
Another no-brainer before you move in your dishes and bathroom supplies. Make sure to wipe inside and out, preferably with a non-toxic cleaner, and replace contact paper if necessary.
4. Introduce Yourself to Your Circuit Breaker Box and Main Water Valve
It's a good idea to figure out which fuses control what parts of your house and label them accordingly. This will take two people: One to stand in the room where the power is supposed to go off, the other to trip the fuses and yell, "Did that work? How about now? You'll want to know how to turn off your main water valve if you have a plumbing emergency, if a hurricane or tornado is headed your way, or if you're going out of town. Just locate the valve - it could be inside or outside your house - and turn the knob until it's off. Test it by turning on any faucet in the house; no water should come out.
