The New Homeowner Starter Kit

Your Complete Guide to Surviving (and Thriving) in Your First Year

Welcome, Homeowner!

Congratulations on your new home! Whether this is your first house or your first time owning, the journey ahead is exciting, rewarding, and — let’s be honest — occasionally terrifying.

This kit is your companion for the first year. It’s everything we wish someone had given us when we bought our first homes: the checklists, the templates, the schedules, and the knowledge that takes most people years to figure out on their own.

Here’s how to use this guide:

Chapters 1-3 are for your first 30 days — start here
Chapters 4-6 are ongoing systems to set up in months 1-3
Chapters 7-8 are reference sections you’ll return to all year

Let’s get started.

Chapter 1: Your First 30 Days Checklist

The first month sets the tone for your entire homeownership experience. Here’s everything you need to handle, organized by priority.

Week 1: Security & Safety (Days 1-7)

Change all exterior door locks. Rekey kits cost $15-25 per lock at hardware stores, or hire a locksmith for $150-300 total. Don’t skip this — you have no idea who has copies.
Test every smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm. Press each test button. Replace all batteries regardless of age. Replace any unit older than 10 years.
Locate your main water shutoff valve. Usually in the basement, crawl space, or near the water heater. Turn it off and on once to verify it works. Label it clearly.
Find and label your electrical panel. Flip each breaker to identify what it controls. Label every one.
Locate your gas shutoff (if applicable). Know how to turn it off in an emergency.
Check all windows and doors for proper locking. Replace any broken locks or latches.
Inspect fire extinguishers. You should have at least one on each level, plus one in the kitchen and garage. Replace any that are expired or show damage.
Test your garage door auto-reverse. Place a 2x4 on the ground under the door. If the door doesn’t reverse when it hits the board, the safety mechanism needs adjustment.
Walk the perimeter. Check for obvious issues: damaged siding, gaps around windows/doors, standing water near the foundation, overhanging branches.

Week 2: Administrative & Utilities (Days 8-14)

Set up mail forwarding at usps.com ($1.10 online). Takes 7-10 business days.
Update your address with: driver’s license/DMV, voter registration, bank accounts, credit cards, insurance companies, employer/HR, doctors, dentist, pharmacy, subscriptions (Amazon, streaming, magazines), IRS (Form 8822).
Transfer or set up utilities: electricity, natural gas, water/sewer, trash/recycling, internet, cable/streaming.
File your homestead exemption if your state offers one. Deadlines vary — check your county assessor’s website. This can save hundreds to thousands on property taxes.
Register your home warranty (if included at closing). Save the policy number and customer service number.
Set up automatic mortgage payments to avoid any risk of late payment.
Review your homeowner’s insurance policy thoroughly. Verify dwelling coverage, personal property limits, liability coverage, and deductible amounts.

Week 3: Know Your Home (Days 15-21)

Photograph every room from multiple angles. Include close-ups of appliances with serial numbers and model numbers. Store in the cloud.
Create a home inventory (use the template in Chapter 5). List major items with estimated replacement values.
Check and replace the furnace filter. Note the size and set a calendar reminder to check monthly.
Locate your water heater. Note the age (check the serial number plate), type, and capacity. If it’s over 10 years old, start budgeting for replacement ($1,200-2,500).
Inspect the attic. Look for water stains, daylight through the roof, adequate insulation, and pest evidence.
Check crawl spaces. Look for moisture, standing water, pest activity, and insulation condition.
Run every faucet, flush every toilet, run every appliance. Identify anything that doesn’t work properly.
Check caulking around tubs, showers, sinks, and exterior windows/doors. Replace any that’s cracked, missing, or moldy.

Week 4: Community & Planning (Days 22-30)

Introduce yourself to neighbors. Exchange phone numbers. Ask for contractor recommendations.
Find your nearest hardware store. Build a relationship with the local independent store if you have one.
Collect vendor recommendations. Get names for a plumber, electrician, HVAC technician, and general handyman. Save these contacts before you need them.
Create your seasonal maintenance calendar (see Chapter 2).
Set up your home maintenance fund (see Chapter 3).
Start a house projects wish list. Write everything down but commit to waiting 3-6 months before starting non-essential projects.
Locate your property survey/plat. Know your exact property lines before planting anything or building fences.
Check your HOA rules (if applicable). Many new homeowners get fined for violations they didn’t know existed.

Chapter 2: Home Maintenance Schedule

Consistent maintenance prevents costly repairs. This calendar covers the major tasks for each season. Adapt it based on your climate and home type.

Monthly (Every Month, All Year)

Check and replace HVAC filter (or clean if reusable)
Test smoke detectors and CO alarms (press test button)
Check under sinks for leaks
Clean kitchen exhaust fan/range hood filter
Inspect fire extinguisher gauges
Run water in unused sinks/tubs to prevent drain trap dry-out

Spring (March - May)

Summer (June - August)

Check/clean dryer vent. Lint buildup is a fire hazard. Clean the full vent line, not just the trap.
Inspect and clean bathroom exhaust fans. Remove the cover and vacuum dust.
Check washing machine hoses for bulges, cracks, or leaks. Replace rubber hoses with stainless steel braided ones.
Monitor for pest activity. Look for signs of termites, carpenter ants, and rodents. Address immediately if found.
Deep clean kitchen appliances. Run dishwasher cleaner. Clean oven. Pull out refrigerator and clean coils and floor underneath.
Check attic ventilation. Ensure soffit vents and ridge vents are clear. Poor ventilation causes ice dams in winter and excessive heat in summer.
Maintain landscaping. Keep mulch 6 inches away from your home’s foundation to discourage termites.

Fall (September - November)

Winter (December - February)

Prevent ice dams. Keep attic well-insulated and ventilated. Remove heavy snow from roof edges with a roof rake if needed.
Check for drafts. On a windy day, hold a lit incense stick near windows and doors. If the smoke moves horizontally, you have a draft.
Test sump pump (if applicable). Pour water into the pit to verify it activates.
Inspect exposed pipes in unheated areas (garage, crawl space, attic). Add insulation where needed.
Keep sidewalks and driveway clear of ice. Use calcium chloride instead of rock salt — it’s less damaging to concrete and plants.
Monitor humidity levels. Winter air is dry. Keep indoor humidity between 30-50% to prevent wood cracking and static electricity. Too high promotes mold.
Plan spring/summer projects. Research costs, get quotes, and budget now while contractors aren’t busy.

Chapter 3: Home Budget Planning

Your mortgage is just the beginning. Here’s a realistic framework for budgeting your total housing costs.

Monthly Housing Budget Template

Category	Monthly Estimate	Your Amount
Mortgage (principal + interest)	varies	$__
Property taxes (if not escrowed)	varies	$__
Homeowner’s insurance (if not escrowed)	varies	$__
PMI (if applicable)	varies	$__
HOA fees	varies	$__
Utilities - Electric	$100-250	$__
Utilities - Gas/Heat	$50-200	$__
Utilities - Water/Sewer	$30-80	$__
Utilities - Trash	$20-50	$__
Utilities - Internet	$50-100	$__
Maintenance fund (1-2% home value ÷ 12)	$__	$__
Lawn care / landscaping	$0-200	$__
Pest control	$30-50	$__
Home warranty (if applicable)	$30-60	$__
TOTAL		$______

The Maintenance Fund: Your Most Important Budget Line

Why it matters: The average homeowner spends $3,000-5,000 per year on maintenance and repairs. Without a fund, these costs hit your credit card — and credit card debt on home repairs is one of the most common financial traps for new homeowners.

How much to save:

Minimum: 1% of home value per year ($250/month for a $300K home)
Recommended: 1.5% of home value per year ($375/month for a $300K home)
Older home (20+ years): 2% of home value per year ($500/month for a $300K home)

Where to put it: A separate high-yield savings account. Don’t mix it with your regular savings — you’ll spend it. Online banks like Marcus, Ally, or Discover typically offer the best rates.

First-Year Cost Surprises (Budget for These)

Even with a maintenance fund, first-year homeowners are often caught off guard by these costs:

Surprise Cost	Typical Range
Furniture & home goods	$2,000-15,000
Tools you never knew you needed	$200-500
Window treatments (blinds, curtains)	$500-3,000
Lawn equipment (mower, trimmer, etc.)	$300-1,500
Landscaping / garden startup	$200-2,000
Pest control (initial treatment)	$150-400
Painting (interior touch-ups)	$200-1,000
Locksmith / lock changes	$100-300
Minor plumbing fixes	$150-500
Cleaning supplies & products	$100-300

Pro tip: Budget an extra $3,000-5,000 beyond your maintenance fund for first-year-only costs. This is the “getting settled” money that won’t recur.

Chapter 4: Emergency Contacts Template

Fill this in during your first month and post it somewhere accessible (inside a kitchen cabinet, on a bulletin board, or saved in your phone).

Emergency Services

Emergency (fire/police/medical): 911
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
Non-emergency police: _______
Nearest hospital/ER: _______
Nearest urgent care: _______

Utility Companies

Electric company: _____ Account #: _________
Gas company: _____ Account #: _________
Water/sewer: _____ Account #: _________
Trash service: _____ Account #: _________
Internet provider: _____ Account #: _________

Home Emergency Contacts

Plumber: _____ Phone: _________
Electrician: _____ Phone: _________
HVAC technician: _____ Phone: _________
General handyman: _____ Phone: _________
Locksmith: _____ Phone: _________
Roofer: _____ Phone: _________
Pest control: _____ Phone: _________
Tree service: _____ Phone: _________

Insurance

Homeowner’s insurance: _______
- Policy #: _____ Phone: _________
Flood insurance (if applicable): _______
- Policy #: _____ Phone: _________
Home warranty company: _______
- Contract #: _____ Phone: _________
- Service call fee: $_______

Important Home Info

Main water shutoff location: _______
Gas shutoff location: _______
Electrical panel location: _______
Furnace filter size: _______
Water heater age: _____ Type: _________
HVAC system age: _____ Type: _________
Roof age/last replaced: _______
Septic or sewer: _______
HOA contact: _____ Phone: _________

Trusted Neighbors

Name: _____ Address: _______ Phone: _________
Name: _____ Address: _______ Phone: _________

Chapter 5: Home Inventory Starter

A home inventory is essential for insurance claims. If you ever experience a fire, flood, theft, or other disaster, this document (plus photos) is the difference between a fair settlement and losing thousands.

How to Create Your Inventory

Go room by room. List every item of significant value ($50+).
Photograph everything. Wide shots of each room + close-ups of valuable items.
Record serial numbers for electronics and appliances.
Save receipts for major purchases.
Store it in the cloud. Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud — anywhere that survives if your house doesn’t.
Update annually or when you make major purchases.

Room-by-Room Inventory Template

Living Room

Item	Brand/Model	Serial #	Purchase Date	Value	Receipt?
				$	Y / N
				$	Y / N
				$	Y / N

Kitchen

Item	Brand/Model	Serial #	Purchase Date	Value	Receipt?
				$	Y / N
				$	Y / N
				$	Y / N

Primary Bedroom

Item	Brand/Model	Serial #	Purchase Date	Value	Receipt?
				$	Y / N
				$	Y / N

(Repeat for each room: bedrooms, bathrooms, garage, basement, attic, outdoor/patio)

Category Totals:

Room	Total Value
Living Room	$__
Kitchen	$__
Primary Bedroom	$__
Bedroom 2	$__
Bedroom 3	$__
Bathroom(s)	$__
Garage	$__
Basement	$__
Outdoor/Patio	$__
Other	$__
GRAND TOTAL	$______

Important: Compare your grand total to your insurance policy’s personal property coverage limit. If your belongings exceed your coverage, contact your insurance agent to increase your limit.

Chapter 6: Lawn & Garden Quick Start

Your yard is a big part of your new home — and for many new homeowners, it’s completely unfamiliar territory. Here’s a quick-start guide to keeping things alive.

Lawn Care Basics

Mowing:

Mow high (3-4 inches for most grasses)
Never cut more than 1/3 of the blade at once
Keep your mower blade sharp
Leave clippings on the lawn (free fertilizer)

Watering:

1 inch per week, including rainfall
Water deeply 1-2 times per week, not daily
Water in the early morning (before 10 AM)

Fertilizing:

4 applications per year (early spring, late spring, early fall, late fall for cool-season; adjust for warm-season)
Follow the bag’s directions — don’t over-apply
Use a broadcast spreader for even coverage

Weed Control:

Pre-emergent in early spring (before soil hits 55°F)
Spot-treat weeds rather than blanket-spraying
A thick, healthy lawn is the best weed prevention

Know Your Zone

Your USDA hardiness zone determines what grows well in your area. This affects your grass type, planting schedules, and garden choices.

👉 Find your zone and get customized planting guides at GardeningByZone.com

Want to Start a Garden?

A vegetable garden can save you hundreds on groceries — and there’s nothing like eating food you grew yourself. If you’re interested:

👉 Harvest Home Guides — Our complete guide to starting a home vegetable garden, from soil prep to harvest.

Want the Full Lawn Guide?

This quick-start covers the basics, but if you want a deep dive into lawn care — including weed identification, soil testing, overseeding, aeration, and seasonal programs — we wrote an entire book on it:

👉 Lush Lawns — The complete guide to a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn.

Chapter 7: Utility Setup Guide

Setting up utilities in a new home can be confusing, especially if you’ve never done it before. Here’s a step-by-step process.

Before You Move In

Contact your real estate agent or closing attorney to confirm which utilities are being transferred versus which need new accounts.
Call each utility company at least 2 weeks before your move-in date. You’ll need: your name, new address, move-in date, and a form of ID.
Don’t assume anything was transferred. Verify every account, even if the seller said they’d handle it.

Utility Setup Checklist

Electricity

Contact provider: _______
Account set up? Y / N
Account #: _______
First bill date: _______
Auto-pay set up? Y / N
Average monthly cost (ask for historical data): $_______

Natural Gas

Water/Sewer

Trash & Recycling

Contact provider: _______
Pickup days: Trash ____ Recycling ____
Account set up? Y / N
Where to put bins: _______

Internet

Contact provider: _______
Plan speed: _______ Mbps
Monthly cost: $_______
Installation date: _______
Equipment: Own router / Rent from provider

Money-Saving Tips

Ask for historical usage data. Most utility companies can tell you what the previous occupants paid over the last 12 months. This helps you budget accurately.
Enroll in budget billing. Many electric and gas companies offer programs that average your annual cost into equal monthly payments, preventing winter/summer bill spikes.
Check for energy assistance programs. Many states offer discounts for qualifying households.
LED bulbs everywhere. If the house still has incandescent or CFL bulbs, replace them all. LEDs use 75% less energy and last 25x longer. A $3 bulb saves $50+ over its life.
Set your thermostat. A programmable or smart thermostat can save 10-15% on heating and cooling. Recommended settings: 68°F in winter, 78°F in summer when home; adjust 5-10 degrees when away.

Chapter 8: Insurance Basics

Your homeowner’s insurance is one of the most important financial products you own — and one of the least understood. Here’s what every new homeowner needs to know.

What Standard Homeowner’s Insurance Covers

Dwelling coverage: Repairs or rebuilds your home’s structure if damaged by covered events (fire, wind, hail, lightning, etc.)
Personal property: Replaces your belongings if damaged or stolen
Liability: Protects you if someone is injured on your property
Additional living expenses (ALE): Pays for temporary housing if your home is uninhabitable

What Standard Insurance Does NOT Cover

This is where people get burned:

Floods — Requires separate flood insurance (FEMA NFIP or private)
Earthquakes — Requires separate earthquake insurance
Sewer backup — Usually requires a separate endorsement ($50-100/year extra)
Mold — Often excluded or severely limited
Maintenance-related damage — If your roof leaks because you never replaced it, that’s on you
Home business equipment — May need a separate business rider
High-value items — Jewelry, art, and collectibles often have sub-limits ($1,500-2,500). Get a rider for expensive items.

Key Terms to Understand

Replacement cost vs. actual cash value (ACV): Replacement cost pays to replace damaged items with new equivalents. ACV deducts for depreciation — meaning you get far less. Always choose replacement cost if available.
Deductible: The amount you pay before insurance kicks in. Higher deductible = lower premium, but more out-of-pocket when you file a claim. Most homeowners choose $1,000-2,500.
Dwelling coverage amount: Should cover the cost to rebuild your home, not its market value. These are often very different numbers.

Action Items

Review your policy and verify you have replacement cost coverage (not ACV)
Check your dwelling coverage limit — is it enough to rebuild at today’s construction costs?
Verify personal property coverage exceeds your home inventory total (Chapter 5)
Add a sewer backup endorsement if not included
Consider flood insurance even if you’re not in a flood zone (premiums start ~$400/year)
Schedule high-value items (jewelry, electronics, musical instruments) if they exceed standard sub-limits
Take photos and maintain your home inventory (Chapter 5) — this is your proof for claims
Review annually. Your coverage needs change as you acquire more belongings and as construction costs change.

Filing a Claim: What to Do

If you need to file an insurance claim:

Document everything. Photos, videos, written descriptions. The more evidence, the better.
Contact your insurance company promptly. Most policies require “timely” notification.
Don’t throw anything away until the adjuster has seen it.
Get your own repair estimates. Don’t rely solely on the insurance company’s estimate.
Keep receipts for any emergency repairs or temporary housing costs.
Consider your deductible. If the damage is only slightly above your deductible, it may not be worth filing a claim. Claims can raise your premium for 3-5 years.

Appendix: Quick Reference Cards

What to Do When… (Emergency Quick Guide)

Pipe bursts / major leak:

Shut off main water valve immediately
Turn off electricity to affected areas (if water is near electrical)
Call a plumber
Document damage with photos for insurance
Contact your insurance company

Power outage:

Check if it’s just your house (look at neighbors)
If just yours: check breaker panel for tripped breakers
If neighborhood-wide: report to electric company
Unplug sensitive electronics to prevent surge damage when power returns
Keep freezer/fridge closed (food stays safe 4 hours in fridge, 48 hours in full freezer)

Furnace/AC stops working:

Check thermostat settings and batteries
Check air filter (replace if dirty — this fixes the problem surprisingly often)
Check breaker panel
If gas furnace: verify pilot light / gas supply
Call HVAC technician if above steps don’t resolve

Toilet won’t stop running:

Remove tank lid
Check the flapper — if it’s warped or not seating, jiggle the flush handle
Replacement flappers cost $5 at any hardware store
If the fill valve is the issue, replacements are $10-15 and take 15 minutes to install
YouTube is your friend for both of these fixes

Smoke detector keeps beeping:

If chirping every 30-60 seconds: replace the battery
If chirping after battery replacement: the unit may be expired (check manufacture date)
If alarm is continuous: evacuate and call 911
Hardwired units have a backup battery — replace it even though the unit is wired

You’ve Got This

Homeownership is a journey, not a destination. There will be surprises, unexpected costs, and the occasional “what do I do now?” moment. That’s completely normal.

The fact that you’re reading this guide means you’re already ahead of most new homeowners. You’re being proactive, planning ahead, and building the systems that will serve you for years.

Remember:

Maintain consistently — small efforts now prevent big expenses later
Save systematically — your maintenance fund is non-negotiable
Document everything — photos, receipts, warranty info, vendor contacts
Ask for help — neighbors, local hardware stores, and professionals are all resources
Be patient — your home will improve over time, and so will your confidence as a homeowner

Welcome home. You’ve got this.

LifeStarter — Navigate Life’s Biggest Moments lifestarter.com

More from EPM Labs:

Lush Lawns — The complete guide to a beautiful lawn
Harvest Home Guides — Home vegetable gardening made simple
GardeningByZone — Zone-specific planting guides