The Homebuyer’s Checklist: Must-Have Items for Your New Home in San Gabriel Valley

The ultimate checklist for new home owners.

Purchasing a home in the San Gabriel Valley—whether in Arcadia, San Gabriel, Temple City, Alhambra, or nearby communities—is an exciting milestone. The SGV is known for its diverse neighborhoods, excellent schools, and convenient access to Los Angeles. But once the keys are in hand, homeowners must prepare their new space for comfort, safety, and everyday living.

Here’s a practical, SGV-tailored checklist to make settling into your new home smooth and stress-free.

1. Essential Items for Securing Your Home

Before unpacking, secure your property and ensure safety systems are fully functional.

• Replace Locks & Deadbolts for peace of mind.

• Reset Garage Remotes & Keypads so only you have access.

• Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors—many SGV homes rely on natural gas, making CO detectors essential.

• Consider a Security System (Ring, ADT, SimpliSafe) for 24/7 monitoring.

2. Setting Up Utilities in SGV

Utility providers vary by city, but most SGV homeowners will use:

• Electricity: Southern California Edison (SCE)

• Gas: SoCalGas

• Water & Sewer: Managed by each city (Arcadia Water Dept., San Gabriel Water, etc.)

• Trash & Recycling: Local city sanitation services

A trusted SGV realtor often provides a list of the correct providers for your specific address, making setup easier.

3. Furnishing Your Home

Start with the essentials:

• Bed, sofa, dining table, and storage

• Refrigerator, microwave, washer/dryer (if not included)

• Consider energy-efficient appliances—ideal for SGV’s warm summers

4. Cleaning Supplies Checklist

Be ready to deep-clean your space:

• All-purpose cleaners

• Disinfectants and sponges

• Mop, broom, and vacuum

• Plunger and basic plumbing tools

5. Gardening Essentials

SGV’s sunny climate is perfect for gardening.

• Rake and shovel

• Hose or drip irrigation

• Basic landscaping tools for maintaining lawns or drought-friendly gardens

6. Kitchen Essentials

Equip your kitchen with:

• Pots, pans, utensils

• Plates, bowls, glasses, cutlery

• Coffee maker, toaster

• Dish soap, scrubbers, towels

7. Bedroom & Bathroom Essentials

Create comfortable spaces:

• Pillows, sheets, mattress protectors

• Towels, bath mats, toiletries

• Shower curtain, organizer shelves

8. Smart Storage Solutions

SGV homes come in many styles and layouts—storage helps maximize space.

• Closet organizers

• Under-bed storage

• Laundry baskets or hampers

9. Outdoor Gear

Many SGV residents enjoy year-round outdoor living.

• Patio furniture

• Grill

• Lawn mower or hedge trimmer (if you have a yard)

10. Personalizing Your Space

Make your new home feel like your own.

• Paint, rollers, brushes

• Tool kit (hammer, screwdrivers, tape measure)

• Wall hooks and picture hangers

11. Local SGV Services & Attractions

Enjoy what the community has to offer:

• San Gabriel Farmers Market

• Arcadia’s Santa Anita Mall & Racetrack

• Temple City Camellia Festival

• Historic Mission District in San Gabriel

• Top-rated school districts such as Arcadia Unified & Temple City Unified

Final Thoughts

Moving into a new SGV home is a major life moment—one that’s easier with a clear checklist and support from a knowledgeable local expert. Trusted San Gabriel Valley realtors like Jackie help buyers not only find the right home but also navigate setup, local services, and neighborhood insights with ease.

A well-prepared buyer becomes a confident homeowner.