Utilities Setup Checklist for New Homeowners (2026)

Step-by-step utilities setup for new owners — electric, gas, water, internet, trash. With expected deposits, transfer fees, and budget ranges.

Your first year in the home

  • Month 1: What to Check — Your first month is about documenting what you have and addressing anything urgent from the inspection.
  • Month 3: What Fails First — By month 3, you'll discover the things the inspection couldn't catch — the intermittent issues and seasonal surprises.
  • Month 6: What to Service — At 6 months, shift from reactive fixing to proactive maintenance. This is where smart homeownership starts.
  • Month 12: What to Budget — After a full year, you know your home's personality. Now build a forward-looking plan for the next 1–5 years.

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