You got the keys.
Here's what to do next.

Before you unpack a single box, take control of who can enter your home. Previous owners, contractors, dog walkers, and neighbors may all still hold copies of your keys.

• Re-key or replace every exterior lockHire a locksmith or swap deadbolts yourself. Don't forget the side door, garage entry, and basement walk-out.
• Reset the garage door opener codesClear all paired remotes and re-program your own. Update the exterior keypad PIN too.
• Reprogram the alarm systemChange master codes, remove old user accounts, and update the monitoring company with your name.
• Factory-reset smart-home devicesThermostats, cameras, doorbells, and smart locks may still be linked to the previous owner's account.

Confirm everything is in your name before the first bill cycle so you aren't paying for someone else — or losing service unexpectedly.

• Transfer hydro, gas, water, and internetSchedule transfers for your possession date. Record meter readings on day one and photograph them.
• Update your address everywhereDriver's license, bank, employer, insurance, subscriptions, and government services. Set up mail forwarding.
• Activate home insuranceYour policy should already be effective from closing day. Save the policy number somewhere you can find it fast.
• Confirm waste & recycling scheduleCheck pickup days and any required bins or tags from your municipality.

Empty rooms are the only chance you'll ever get to clean every inch easily. Work top-to-bottom so dust falls onto surfaces you haven't done yet.

• Deep-clean kitchen appliancesOven (baking-soda paste overnight, then vinegar wipe), microwave (steam with vinegar water), fridge coils and gaskets, dishwasher filter and spray arms, range-hood filters.
• Service the laundry appliancesClear the dryer exhaust duct end-to-end (a leading fire cause), wipe moisture sensors with alcohol, and run a vinegar + baking-soda clean cycle in the washer.
• Clean high-elevation surfaces firstCeiling fan blades, light fixtures, HVAC return grilles, and bathroom and laundry exhaust fans.
• Disinfect every high-touch pointDoorknobs, light switches, cabinet pulls, faucet handles, thermostats, and railings.
• Wipe baseboards, sills, and door framesUse a pH-neutral cleaner and a microfiber cloth to avoid damaging paint and finishes.
• Vacuum carpets and disinfect hard floorsSave floors for last. Let them dry completely before furniture goes down.

These take ten minutes and could save your life.

• Test smoke & CO detectors, replace batteriesReplace the entire unit if older than 10 years (smoke) or 7 years (CO).
• Buy a kitchen fire extinguisherMount within reach but away from the stove. Check the pressure gauge.
• Locate the main water, gas, and electrical shut-offsLabel them. Make sure every adult in the household knows where they are.
• Label the electrical panelWalk room-by-room flipping breakers to map every circuit. Tape a clear legend inside the panel door.

A short list of things that prevent expensive surprises down the road.

• Replace HVAC filtersNote the size, buy a multi-pack, and set a quarterly reminder.
• Check the water heaterConfirm the age (sticker on the tank), set the thermostat to 49 °C / 120 °F, and flush sediment if it has been more than a year.
• Inspect caulking and groutAround tubs, showers, sinks, and exterior windows. Re-seal anything cracked before it lets water in.
• Clear gutters and downspoutsMake sure water drains away from the foundation. While you're up there, check the roof for missing shingles.
• Collect appliance manuals & warrantiesSnap photos of model and serial numbers. Register warranties online while you're at it.