New Homeowner Checklist: 4 Things to Do the First Week

TL;DR: Before you unpack the last box, four first-week tasks protect your new home and your peace of mind.

_Last reviewed: July 2026 · 2 min read_

The first week in a new home is the time to handle four things that protect you before anything goes wrong: find the shutoffs, change the locks, test the detectors, and map the breaker panel. None takes long, and each one saves you a frantic scramble later — the difference between a confident new owner and a stressed one.

Where are the main water and gas shutoffs?

Locate the main water and gas shutoffs on day one — before you ever need them. If a pipe bursts or you smell gas, you need to stop the flow in seconds, not spend ten minutes searching. Find the main water valve (often near where the line enters, the basement, or a meter box) and the gas shutoff, and make sure everyone in the house knows where they are.

Should I change the locks on a new house?

Yes — rekey or replace every exterior lock. You have no idea how many copies of the old keys exist — previous owners, agents, contractors, neighbors. Rekeying (cheaper) or replacing the locks the first week is the simplest way to actually control who can enter your home. Consider a smart lock while you're at it.

Why test the smoke and CO detectors first thing?

Because you can't assume the previous owner kept them working. Test every smoke and CO detector, replace any dead batteries, and check the manufacture dates — replace any unit over ~10 years old. Confirm there's coverage on every level and outside bedrooms. It's the fastest, highest-value safety task — see our detector schedule and fire-safety basics.

Why label the breaker panel?

When a breaker trips (and it will), a labeled panel turns a confusing hunt into a five-second fix. Walk the house with a helper, flip each breaker, and note which room or appliance it controls. A clear panel map is one of those small things that pays off every time something goes dark.

Start your home's records here

A new home is the perfect time to start one organized record of everything. Okoniq Property Hub keeps your shutoff locations, breaker map, contractors, and maintenance schedule in one private place from day one.

Frequently asked questions

What else should new homeowners do first?

Find the HVAC filter and change it, locate the water heater, do a quick roof and exterior look, and note appliance models. Then settle in.

How do I know if detectors are too old?

Check the manufacture date printed on the back. Smoke alarms are generally good for 10 years, CO detectors often 5–7. Replace anything past its date.

Okoniq Property Hub helps homeowners and landlords keep maintenance, bills, and contractor info in one calm place. Get started free.

FAQ

How soon after closing should I change the locks on my new house?

Change or rekey the locks within the first few days — ideally before you move in or the day you take possession. Every day you wait is a day someone with an old key could walk in.

What should I do if I can't find the main water shutoff?

Check the basement or crawlspace where the water line enters, look for a meter box outside near the street, or call the city water department — they can tell you the typical location for your neighborhood and sometimes send someone to show you.

Do I need to label the breaker panel if the previous owner already did?

Yes, unless you verify every label is accurate. Previous owners often mislabel or never update after remodels, so test each breaker yourself and relabel anything that's wrong or unclear.

Should I test fire extinguishers when I move in?

Check the pressure gauge and expiration date on any extinguisher left behind — if it's expired or the needle is in the red, replace it. If it's current and charged, keep it accessible in the kitchen or garage.

What's the difference between rekeying and replacing a lock?

Rekeying keeps the existing lock hardware but changes the pins inside so old keys no longer work — it costs around $20–$50 per lock. Replacing means buying and installing entirely new locks, which costs more but lets you upgrade to smart locks or better security at the same time.