First Home Guide—Start fresh in your new home with some basic organization.

There's so much to do before you feel settled in your new home. Follow these suggestions to help get organized, feel comfortable, and equip yourself to handle the demands of home ownership throughout the year.

You Did It! Now What?!
You will already have dealt with so many logistics involved with your move—address changes, utilities, changing locks, etc. Then comes move-in day. It can be so overwhelming. Consider cleaning, painting, and arranging any other maintenance before moving in. It's so much easier with an empty space, and it will give you a clean slate on move-in day.

Pack a Move-In Day Box
This will give you peace of mind right from the start. Include basics like hand soap, paper towels, toilet paper, extension cords, lamps, basic cleaning supplies, and a tool kit. Consider a Suncast garage storage cabinet to hold these supplies. There are great options for expandable systems that you can add to once you know what your long-term needs are, but it's good to start with at least one cabinet for storage during the move.

Plan for Chores
Think about investing in tools for outside maintenance like lawn gear, rakes, hoses, shovels, and ladders. There are many options for storing these, from deck boxes to sheds. Explore your options prior to your move so you can unpack into an organized, dedicated space.

Make a Maintenance Checklist
Your home inspection is a good place to start. Do you have filters that need scheduled changing? Has your chimney been cleaned? Do you have working fire extinguishers?

Here's a short list of things to do, but keep this list handy and add to it as you get to know your new home. Consider setting up a binder where you can also keep receipts and manuals for items you buy. It's great to have all the information in one place!