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Your First 30 Days in a New Home

What to Do, Fix, and Enjoy

Moving into a new home is one of life’s most exciting milestones. It’s the start of fresh routines, new memories, and a space that is entirely your own. But let’s be honest, those first 30 days can also feel like a whirlwind of boxes, to-do lists, and “where did I pack that?” moments.

At The Coley Group, we want you to feel settled, confident, and genuinely excited about your new space from day one. We’ve helped hundreds of families transition into their Triangle-area homes, and we’ve learned what makes those first weeks feel manageable, and even magical.

Here’s our guide to what you should focus on in that all-important first month. We’ve organized it week by week, with the must-dos, the smart fixes, and the little joys you won’t want to overlook.

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Week 1: Get the Essentials in Order

Before you start dreaming about paint colors or planning your housewarming party, take care of the basics. These first few days are about safety, functionality, and setting yourself up for a smooth transition.

Security First

Change the locks. You have no idea how many copies of the old keys are floating around. This is one of the simplest ways to feel secure in your new home, and it’s worth doing on day one.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if needed and confirm everything is working properly. If detectors are more than 10 years old, replace them entirely.

Locate shut-off valves and the breaker box. It’s much better to know where these are now than to search frantically during a plumbing emergency at 11 p.m.

Get Connected

Set up utilities. Nothing derails move-in week like realizing you don’t have hot water or the power isn’t on. Ideally, schedule these before your move-in date.

Get your internet running. In today’s world, Wi-Fi often feels as essential as electricity. Schedule installation early, providers can have long wait times.

Update your address. Don’t forget the DMV, your bank, subscriptions, and the all-important voter registration.

Pack a “Day One” essentials box and keep it in your car, not the moving truck. Include paper towels, trash bags, toilet paper, basic cleaning supplies, a box cutter, phone chargers, snacks, and a set of tools. You’ll thank yourself by 3 p.m. on moving day.

Pro Tip

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Week 2: Tackle the Most Important Fixes

Once you’ve got the basics covered, turn your attention to quick repairs and updates that will make your home safer and more comfortable. This is the week to address things while you’re still in “project mode” and before the boxes fully disappear.

Safety and Functionality

Address any safety concerns. Loose railings, wobbly toilets, faulty locks, or trip hazards should be your top priority. These small fixes prevent bigger problems down the road.

Do a deep clean (or hire one out). Even if the previous owners had the home professionally cleaned, there’s something about scrubbing it yourself that makes it feel truly yours. Pay special attention to the kitchen, bathrooms, and inside cabinets and closets.

Service key systems. Schedule an HVAC tune-up, check the water heater’s age and condition, and make sure all major appliances are running smoothly. In the Triangle’s humid summers, a well-functioning HVAC system is non-negotiable.

Strategic Updates

Paint before you fully unpack. If you’re planning to paint any rooms, now is the time. Fresh walls can completely transform a space, and it’s infinitely easier when you’re not working around furniture.

Consider quick cosmetic upgrades. Swapping out dated light fixtures, adding new cabinet hardware, or updating outlet covers can make a surprising difference with minimal effort and cost.

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Week 3: Make It Yours

Now comes the fun part. The urgent tasks are behind you, and it’s time to transform your new house into a home that reflects who you are and how you live.

Thoughtful Unpacking

Unpack with intention. Resist the urge to just empty boxes as fast as possible. Take your time arranging each room so it’s both beautiful and functional. This is your chance to start fresh—if something doesn’t serve you anymore, let it go.

Live in the space before buying new furniture. Give yourself a few weeks to understand how you actually use each room before making major purchases. That corner you thought needed a reading chair might turn out to be the perfect spot for your kids’ play area.

Personal Touches

Hang photos and art. Surround yourself with pieces that make you smile. A home without anything on the walls still feels temporary, no matter how nice the furniture is.

Style your entryway. This is the first impression you and your guests get every single day. A console table, a mirror, a place for keys—small touches here set the tone for your entire home.

Add cozy layers. Rugs, throw blankets, and pillows instantly warm up a space and make it feel lived-in and inviting. Don’t underestimate the power of good lighting, either—swap harsh overhead bulbs for warmer tones.

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Week 4: Settle Into Your New Community

A home is so much more than its walls. It’s the neighborhood, the city, and the people who surround you. This final week is about putting down roots beyond your property line.

Explore Your Neighborhood

Find your local spots. Walk to the nearest coffee shop, discover the closest farmers market, or explore a nearby greenway. These become the places that anchor your daily life and make a neighborhood feel like home.

Locate the essentials. Find your nearest grocery store, pharmacy, urgent care, and gas station. Knowing where to go when you need something takes the stress out of those inevitable “we’re out of milk” moments.

Build Connections

Meet your neighbors. A friendly wave or a quick introduction goes a long way. Good neighbors look out for each other, share recommendations, and make the whole street feel safer and more connected.

Join community groups. Whether it’s a local running club, a neighborhood Facebook group, or an HOA meeting, these connections matter. They’re how you find the best pizza place, learn about upcoming events, and build a sense of belonging.

Support local businesses. The Triangle is full of incredible locally-owned restaurants, shops, and service providers. Getting to know them is one of the joys of living here.

New to the Raleigh Area? Our Relocation Guide is packed with local favorites and insider tips to help you get settled.

RELOCATION GUIDE →

Enjoy the Process

The first month in a new home will always have its share of projects, surprises, and “wait, that doesn’t work?” moments. That’s just part of the journey.

But this month is also filled with moments you’ll never get back: the first morning coffee in your new kitchen, the first dinner party with friends gathered around your table, the first evening sitting on the back porch thinking, “This is ours.”

At The Coley Group, we believe those moments are just as important as every item on your checklist. Maybe even more so.

Take a deep breath. Tackle one thing at a time. And enjoy the beginning of your next chapter.

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We’re Here to Help

Need recommendations for contractors, designers, cleaners, or even the best takeout to order while you’re still surrounded by boxes? We’ve got you covered. Our relationship with you doesn’t end at closing, we’re just a call or text away.

And if you’re still getting to know the Triangle, our Neighborhood Match Survey can help you discover which areas might be your perfect long-term fit.