As you settle into your new home and get comfortable in the space, a few early tasks can make the transition smoother and help you feel organized right away.
Here is a list of things to do in those first few weeks of owning your home.
Safety & Security
Keeping your home safe from day one helps give you peace of mind and protects your investment.
- Change Exterior Door Locks and Keypad Codes: You never know who may have a copy of your house key or who knows the house keypad codes.
- Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors: It is good to check these right after you move in to make sure they are working properly.
- Create a fire emergency plan & locate fire extinguisher: Hopefully you won’t need to use a fire emergency plan but discussing your plan with the members of your house and making sure you know where fire extinguishers are kept can help everyone respond quickly and safely in an emergency.
Update Addresses
Don’t forget to update your address! Here are a few key places you will want to update your address on as soon as possible.
- Financial institution
- Employer
- Insurance provider
- Driver’s license
- Canada Revenue Agency
- Subscriptions & deliveries
- Bill vendors
- Canada Post (forward your mail to your new address if necessary)
Set Up
Make sure all your home’s utilities are transferred to your name and are working properly.
- Confirm property tax and mortgage payments: Setting up automatic payments can make managing these regular expenses easier.
- Hookup Essential Services: This can include electricity, gas or propane, water & sewer, internet, TV, and any other services you need for your home.
Home Maintenance & Organization
Getting organized and keeping up with basic maintenance early can help prevent costly repairs and make your home easier to manage.
- Start a home maintenance/emergency repair fund: Setting aside money each month for unexpected repairs can save stress and protect your investment.
- Create a first 90-day maintenance list: Make a checklist of things to inspect or maintain in your new home during your first three months. This can include cleaning gutters, checking filters, and scheduling any needed repairs. If you completed a home inspection prior to moving in, reference this information to begin your maintenance list.
- Create a home file: This physical or digital file can be used to store items such as closing documents, inspection reports, and property tax in one place.
- Test Major features: Make sure your heating and cooling systems are working properly and are clean, check your faucets, stove, washer and dryer and other features.
Get Familiar with Your Home & Neighbourhood
Taking the time to learn how the functions of your home work and getting to know your neighbourhood can make your first month more comfortable and stress-free.
- Locate your shut offs: Know where your main water valve, electrical panel, and gas shut-offs are in case of emergencies.
- Check sump pumps: If you have a basement, make sure your sump pump is working properly to avoid flooding.
- Write down the garbage, compost, and recycling schedule: Look up PEIs schedule here princeedwardisland.ca/en/feature/waste-watch-collection-days or download the Recycle Coach app.
- Meet your neighbours: Don’t forget to take time to say hello and introduce yourself! It’s a simple way to feel more connected and welcome in your new community.😊
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Copyright 2026 Provincial Credit Union Ltd. All rights reserved.