Your first-week checklist, in order
You’ve got the keys. Here’s what gets done first, and in what order.
Closing · 13 points
Who it’s for
You just closed and you’re moving in this week.
What’s on the list
- 1
Day 1: change every lock and every code, garage included. You have no idea how many copies are floating around.
- 2
Day 1: turn on power, water and internet. Book those appointments before closing, not after.
- 3
Day 1: run the A/C, the water heater and every appliance, and write down the meter readings.
- 4
Day 2: file the change of address with USPS, then update your bank, your employer, your insurance and your subscriptions.
- 5
Days 2–3: if you moved into the state, handle your Florida driver’s license and vehicle registration.
- 6
Week 1: if it’s your primary residence and you qualify, file for the homestead exemption with the county property appraiser. Florida takes up to $50,000 off the assessed value and the deadline is March 1.
Florida Department of Revenue — Homestead exemption - 7
Week 1: confirm with your lender that your insurance policy is on file, and how it gets paid — through escrow or straight from you.
- 8
Week 1: in a condo, register your fobs, parking decals, pets and emergency contacts with management.
- 9
Week 1: save the manuals, serial numbers and install dates for the A/C, the water heater and the appliances. Warranties come down to that paperwork.
- 10
Week 1: change the A/C filter and write the date on it. In Miami that’s maintenance, not a luxury.
- 11
Week 1: build the hurricane plan. Where the panels or shutters live, how they go up, and which documents go in the waterproof box. Check your flood zone on FEMA’s map.
FEMA — Flood Map Service Center - 12
Week 2: scan the deed, the title policy, the insurance and the closing package into a cloud backup.
- 13
Week 2: go meet the neighbors. In a building, that solves more problems than any formal complaint ever will.
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