Congratulations – you have taken the big step and just bought your first home! Buying your first home is huge milestone for anyone, but you probably have a lot of questions. As a first time home owner, there may be some things that need to be done that you are unaware of.

Here are six must-dos to help you prepare as a first time home owner.

1. Make Moving Arrangements

Don’t delay in calling Premier Relocations to set up your free moving estimate and get your moving day scheduled if you know your closing date. Things will start to get very busy with all the details of new home ownership and moving, so get this scheduled as soon as possible. This will free you up to tackle the other projects that need to be taken care of.

2. Research and Choose Insurance

Insurance is not cheap and as a new home owner, you may not be familiar with it. This will be required with any mortgage, as well. Choosing the right insurance could potentially save you thousands of dollars. Don’t just go with the first offer you hear or what your real estate or mortgage company said to do. Call and look online for a number of different quotes.

3. Make a Home Maintenance Calendar

As a first time home owner, you may be unaware of just how much work goes into maintaining a house. If you make a home maintenance calendar, you will have a much clearer idea of when each task needs to be carried out, and be able to keep on top of everything. It is not a bad idea to get your heating and cooling systems cleaned and serviced before you move in.

4. Research the Area

If you are moving to a new area, get familiar with what is around you. Sure, you have probably done some of this already as you were looking to buy, but if you are are able to, take a drive around the area, so that you know your way to essential places – grocery stores, restaurants, etc. This is one less thing to worry about when you are all moved in. Besides, it never hurts to know where the closest pizza place is!

5. Move your Records

Make sure you fill out a change of address form with the US post office. Don’t forget to move doctor, dental, and school records along to your new area as you identify your new providers.

6. Change the Locks and Change Garage Code

For some peace of mind and as a necessary step in making this house yours, get new locks installed immediately after closing on the house. You don’t know how many people have had keys to your new home. Don’t forget to change any garage codes, too!

Buying your first home is an exciting, important, and sometimes stressful experience. If you follow these steps, it could also be one a smooth and hopefully fun one. Enjoy your new home!