Let me share the five most important things to make the house feel like your home after closing!
I’ve already shared that I am an Enneagram 1 which makes me a big planner. The 30 days before closing on our first home seemed like the longest of my life- I knew there was a lot to get done and I was anxious to get started. I was also a first time home owner and due to that inexperience, did not know how to prioritize what needed to be done. Read on to learn the 5 most important things to do immediately after closing on your new home!
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience which may reward me in the event of a sale. Note that I only recommend tools and products I have personally used and loved.
1. Buy new toilet seats
This may sound strange, but after I heard this advice I couldn’t help but follow it. Make sure to measure and do a little research before to figure out what type/size you need, and get that sh*t changed (sorry, had to).
2. Change the locks
This was good advice that I had not previously thought about. For example, the seller of our house had lived here for 30 years. There is no telling how many people she had given a key to over the years! I think it’s best practice and an extra step to ensure your new home is safe and secure. To find someone local to do the job, I reached out on our NextDoor App and found a general handy man who changed all 8 locks (yes, we have 8 entry points into the house, it is excessive) in an afternoon!
3. Change out the hardware
Can’t afford new cabinets? Join the club. Updating the hardware completely changes the look of cabinetry that you may otherwise see as dated. Choose a finish and carry it through the room or even the house for a cohesive look. Here’s some of the hardware I’ve purchased for our kitchen and bathrooms for a cheap and quick fix!
*Did you know? If you are buying a handle, always measure the existing screw holes because the hardware comes in different sizes! Buying handles with the same size holes save you the time of filling the old holes, sanding, and drilling new ones. When measuring width for handles, measure from the the left line of each hole to get the most accurate measurement.
4. Replace fans and light fixtures
This can make a huge impact on your space and instantly add perceived value. Basic light fixtures can easily be over looked, but carefully chosen light fixtures and fans can bring a whole new focus and style to a space. These range in prices, but I have found affordable options that fit my taste at Lowe’s and Amazon.
This one gets complicated though… I cannot take credit for changing them out myself. My dad taught my husband, who changed every fixture and fan in our house. I don’t personally feel comfortable dealing with the electrical parts of the house simply because I have not taken the time to learn the basics. My husband learned easily, and this became one of his tasks because I had my hands full with painting. Which leads us to my next advice…
5. Paint
You may not need to be told this one, but paint is probably the single most powerful tool you have as a DIY’er to change a space. Paint runs anywhere from $30-$50 a gallon. See my post here to learn the in’s and out’s of interior paint! Painting is definitely something you are able to do yourself and can change the look and feel of a space.
Bonus content- Here are 5 more considerations
My instagram followers helped me come up with more priorities after closing that I’ll share with you! If you don’t follow along, we have fun on Instagram (follow here).
1. Along the same lines as changing out the cabinet hardware, you can also change out door handles/knobs and electrical outlets and plates to achieve an updated look.
2. Hire a professional cleaning service to deep clean before move in. A lot of times, this can be negotiated in the terms of the sale.
3. Clean kitchen cabinets and lay down new contact paper.
4. Double check smoke alarms, air filters and lint traps. Safety first!
5. Order a new return address stamp! Keep in mind this can also be a great gift for friends or family as a housewarming gift. You can also send out Change of Address announcements! I found some really cute templates on Etsy that you can personalize and mail to make sure everyone has your new address.
I hope this helps your prioritize the first things to do when you get the keys to your new home! Whether it’s your first or your fifth, never too late to learn. Let me know if you agree, and if you have any other advice to home buyers after closing!
