Congrats, homeowner! You’ve got the keys, and the excitement is real. Maybe this is the first home you purchased or your 5th. Either way, before you start planning that housewarming bash, here are…
5 Must Do’s After Buying Your New Home (Before the Pizza Party!)
1. Snap a Ton of “Before” Pictures
Before your couch claims its corner and your kitchen gets stacked with snacks, grab your phone and document everything. Take pictures of the walls, ceilings, floors and even the outside of your home. These photos aren’t just for nostalgia, they’re gold for insurance, repairs or if you ever need to prove the “it was like that when I moved in” card.
Plus, you’ll want those crisp “before” shots to compare when your DIY magic transforms the place. No one ever regrets taking too many pictures.
Who else thinks that homes should come with picture scrapbooks showing the progression of changes over the years?
Did you the previous homeowners let you know some of the changes they made over the years? Do you ever wish you could have seen what your home looked like prior? Homes (especially older homes) have a deep history and they change over time. Imagine flipping through a visual history of your house, seeing the original layout, the old kitchen before the remodel or the living room when it still had shag carpet and wood paneling. It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about honoring the story of a home and the people who’ve lived in it. Let’s start a trend of creating photo scrapbooks that stay with each house 😆.
2. Get Your Electric Service Sorted Out
No one likes a blackout, especially when you’re trying to assemble furniture. Set up your electric account pronto so the lights stay on and your fridge stays cold. If you took our advice prior to moving in and already set up you electric account, great job, check that off your list 😉.
If you live in south eastern PA, here’s quick access to the three common electric company providers in the area…
| Provider | Phone Number | Website |
| PECO | 1-800-494-4000 | peco.com |
| PPL | 1-800-342-5775 | pplelectric.com |
| Met-Ed | 1-800-545-7741 | firstenergycorp.com/met_edison |
3. Lock It Down
Even if the previous owners were saints, you never know who has a spare key. Swap out those locks or re-key to give yourself some peace of mind. Don’t forget the garage, back doors and shed out back.
Bonus tip: Consider adding a video doorbell or smart lock system for extra security and convenience.
4. Test Those Alarms
Smoke detectors? ✅
Carbon monoxide alarms? ✅✅
Swap out old batteries and make sure everything’s good to go.
Bonus points if you find your electrical panel and water shutoff valve before you need to know where they are. Knowing where these crucial systems are can save you from panic during a power outage or plumbing leak.
5. Clean Like You Mean It
Trust us…cleaning an empty house is way easier than dodging boxes. Give those floors a shine, scrub those walls and maybe even treat yourself to a professional carpet cleaning. It’s the perfect fresh start! Don’t forget hidden spots like vents, baseboards and behind appliances. A thorough clean will make your house feel like home from day one.
Nail these five steps, and you’ll be all set to kick back and enjoy your new home. Now, about that pizza party…