Your First Month
AFTER CLOSING CHECKLIST
Use the first month to learn the home—not just unpack it.
The first weeks after a Southern Utah closing are a good time to document the property, learn its systems, and catch small maintenance issues before they become expensive. The right checklist depends on the home, season, HOA, and inspection findings, but these are useful prompts.
| Timing | Priority | Practical checks |
|---|---|---|
| Before move-in | Security and records | Change access codes and locks as appropriate; save closing, inspection, warranty, HOA, and utility records; confirm insurance and emergency contacts. |
| First 48 hours | Water, power, safety | Locate shutoffs, electrical panels, extinguishers, smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms; check for active leaks; confirm refrigerator and HVAC operation. |
| First week | Cooling and water use | Replace or record filter sizes; learn thermostat programming; inspect irrigation timing and emitters; review water-softener, pool, solar, and landscaping service needs. |
| First two weeks | Exterior and drainage | Walk rooflines from the ground, gutters where present, walls, gates, grading, drains, retaining areas, shade structures, and exterior penetrations; follow up on inspection items. |
| First month | Plan and budget | Create seasonal maintenance reminders; document model and serial numbers; prioritize repairs; confirm HOA contacts and rules before exterior, parking, or landscape changes. |
Keep a property record
Photograph major systems, meter readings, shutoff locations, exterior condition, and completed repairs. Store receipts, manuals, permits, contractor information, and warranties where another household member can find them.
Use the inspection as a living list
An inspection report is not only a negotiation document. Re-sort items by safety, water intrusion, system reliability, preventive maintenance, and long-term improvement; bring in qualified specialists where the report recommends it.
Ask before changing the exterior
HOA approval, permits, setbacks, utility locations, drainage, and recorded restrictions may affect walls, pools, shade structures, solar, landscaping, accessory buildings, RV parking, and additions. Verify first, then design.
Build the search around the way you plan to live.
Save the homes that fit, then ask one local team to help verify the details.