The first month sets up everything that follows. Spreading the work across four weeks keeps it manageable and means the important safety items do not slip behind the unpacking.

Week one: access and orientation

Change or rekey the exterior locks, since you rarely know how many keys are in circulation after a sale. Walk the house and find the electrical panel, the main water shut-off, the gas meter shut-off and the water heater, then photograph each one. Label the panel breakers as you identify them.

Week two: safety and detectors

Test every smoke and carbon-monoxide alarm and check the manufacture date printed on the back — alarms have a service life and older units should be replaced rather than re-batteried. Put a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and one in the garage, and agree a meeting point outside with everyone in the household.

Week three: systems and filters

Find the HVAC filter slot, note the exact size printed on the old filter, and replace it. Run the heating and the cooling briefly so you learn how each behaves before you actually need them. If something sounds wrong, is leaking, or smells of gas, stop and bring in a professional.

Week four: records and routine

Start a single binder or folder for the closing paperwork, permits, warranties, appliance manuals and every service visit. Then put the recurring tasks in a calendar — filters, gutters before the rains, and an annual alarm check. A maintenance history is genuinely useful the day you sell.

When to bring in a professional

Anything on the roof, inside the panel, on a gas appliance or behind a wall is specialist work. Some home projects require specialized training, permits, or a licensed professional. Request a Pro Match if you need help finding a participating local service provider.

Product suggestions

Products mentioned in this article

Informational suggestions only. We do not publish prices, ratings or reviews, and a product is never a substitute for professional work.

Safety and security

New Homeowner Essential

Smoke detectors

Photoelectric or dual-sensor alarms for hallways, bedrooms and each floor. California has specific placement rules — confirm current state and local requirements.