Put First Things First in Your New Home: A Guide to the First Week

Change the locks on the doors.
Even if the seller gives you a pile of keys, change the locks. Whether the house is new or a resale, you can't be sure who had copies of the keys or who had access to make unauthorized copies.
Tour the home and know where all the safety items are located.
Know where the circuit breaker box is, the hot water heater, the valve that cuts off water to the house, the furnace and its pilot light, thermostats, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, the valves to the toilets, the water meters, etc.
Take pictures of each room in the house before and after.
It will give you a sense of accomplishment once you settle in to see how far you've come. Also, once the house is organized, you will want to document your possessions for insurance purposes.
Register to vote.
Don't wait to the last minute before elections. You can do this at your local library or other public places. Your vote makes a difference. Unfortunately, so does apathy.
Introduce yourself to your neighbors.
They are as curious about you as you are about them. They also have a lot of knowledge about the community and will most likely be happy to help you get settled.
Make sure all utilities are in your name as of the date you take ownership.
You don't want delays in service or incorrect billing.
Create a new Household Budget within the first two months.
You will have a real idea of what the expenses are in your new home and put the plan in writing. Include some savings each month for future improvements.
Create a Home Improvement Plan.
Make a list of all the things you want to do to personalize your home (paint, wallpaper, landscaping, etc.) Identify what are immediate issues and what can be done over time. Also, determine the costs for each improvement you want to make. Create a three-year time line where you map out improvements you want to make, their estimated costs, and plan for them in your monthly budget.