Course Title: The Power of Ownership™: Easy Steps to Smart Homebuying
STEP 12: Moving Into Your New Home (Expanded Edition)
- COURSE OVERVIEW
Step 12 marks the beginning of a new chapter in your journey—the move-in process. After closing, many buyers feel a sense of relief, but this step requires planning, preparation, and patience to transition from “homebuyer” to “homeowner.” Moving is more than transporting boxes—it’s about establishing your sanctuary, securing your investment, and beginning the stewardship of your new space.
In this step, participants will learn how to plan and execute their move-in process with excellence. The module includes setting up utilities, addressing safety upgrades, understanding local regulations, organizing your home systems, and transitioning your mindset from a transactional buyer to a lifelong builder. It provides tips for first-time homeowners, helps establish household routines, and integrates spiritual practices to bless your home.
Participants will leave this step with tools to organize their move, prevent chaos, avoid theft or damage, and create a home environment rooted in peace, purpose, and protection.
- LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this lesson, participants will:
- Develop a move-in checklist and logistics plan
- Set up utilities, services, and homeowner responsibilities
- Create systems for organization, maintenance, and safety
- Implement protection strategies including locks and alarms
- Learn basic home maintenance routines
- Reflect on spiritual dedication of the home
III. SCRIPTURAL FOUNDATION
Deuteronomy 6:9 (NIV) – “Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”
Your home is a reflection of your faith, values, and calling. As you move in, prepare not only with furniture and finances but also with declarations, blessings, and intentionality. You’re not just moving into a house—you’re stepping into your divine assignment.
- INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE
“Your address has changed, but your purpose has not. Build more than a house—build a haven.” — Coach Greb
- 10 ESSENTIAL VOCABULARY TERMS
- Utilities – Services such as water, electricity, gas, and waste disposal.
- Homestead Exemption – A legal reduction in property taxes for primary residences.
- Occupancy Permit – A document confirming that a home meets safety codes and is habitable.
- Change of Address – Official notification to USPS and services of your relocation.
- Home Warranty – A service contract covering repair/replacement of major systems/appliances.
- Emergency Fund – Savings allocated for unplanned home repairs.
- Smart Home – A house with integrated technology for lighting, security, and more.
- HVAC System – Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.
- Breakers/Fuse Box – Controls electricity distribution and can be shut off during emergencies.
- Pest Control – Service preventing insect or rodent infestation.
- BEFORE YOU MOVE IN: FIRST 72 HOURS
- Secure the Property:
- Change all exterior door locks or rekey immediately
- Test all windows, deadbolts, and garage remotes
- Consider installing smart security systems or cameras
- Deep Clean:
- Clean all floors, carpets, cabinets, and appliances
- Sanitize bathrooms and high-touch surfaces
- Hire professionals if possible
- Utility Activation:
- Contact local providers for electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash, and internet
- Verify service start dates
- Test connections upon arrival
- File Homestead Exemption:
- Contact your county assessor’s office
- Reduce your property tax liability
- Address Change:
- Notify USPS
- Update driver’s license, bank, insurance, subscriptions
VII. ESSENTIAL SYSTEM SETUP
Safety First:
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Locate fire extinguishers and place them in kitchen, garage, utility room
- Identify breaker box and main water shutoff valve
Comfort Setup:
- Set thermostat programs
- Verify appliance connections and water pressure
- Ensure internet connectivity and router placement
Maintenance Plan:
- Replace HVAC filters
- Create a seasonal maintenance checklist (roof, gutters, AC tune-ups)
- Schedule pest control service if needed
VIII. UNPACKING WITH PURPOSE
Avoid chaos by setting up essentials first:
Day 1–3 Priorities:
- Bedrooms (bed frames, sheets, lamps)
- Kitchen (plates, utensils, coffee maker, essentials)
- Bathroom (towels, soap, toilet paper)
Organization Tools:
- Clear storage bins for closets and pantry
- Labels for cords, cleaning supplies, and storage
- Command hooks, drawer dividers, and shelf liners
Pro Tip: Don’t try to unpack everything in one weekend. Start with functionality, then aesthetics.
- SPIRITUAL DEDICATION: MAKING IT YOUR HOME
Just as homes have a physical foundation, they must also have a spiritual one. Take time to:
- Anoint doorframes with oil while praying for peace and protection
- Declare scriptures aloud in each room
- Host a “House Blessing” or dedication with family or faith leaders
- Write family values or mission statements and display them
Recommended Verses:
- Psalm 91 (protection)
- Joshua 24:15 (“As for me and my house…”)
- Proverbs 3:33 (“The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked…”)
- CASE STUDY: The Duncans Move with Mission
After buying their home, the Duncan family followed a structured move-in plan. They installed a smart lock, set up a household binder, and had their pastor bless each room. Instead of rushing, they unpacked over two weeks, giving each space a purpose. Their children created art for their walls and the family crafted a mission statement: “This house is where purpose lives.”
Lesson: Moving is a process of becoming. Take your time and give every corner meaning.
- DO’S AND DON’TS
✅ DO:
- Change locks immediately
- Create a home binder with warranties, receipts, and manuals
- Set up all utilities before move-in
- Create a room-by-room plan
- Dedicate your home in prayer
❌ DON’T:
- Overextend your budget with decor and upgrades immediately
- Leave boxes unopened for months
- Forget to update your mailing address
- Ignore safety checks (alarms, leaks, shutoff valves)
- Assume your home is move-in ready—inspect everything
XII. PRACTICE EXERCISES
- Moving Timeline Planner
- List tasks by week (utilities, truck rental, cleaners, etc.)
- Home Systems Inventory
| System | Checked? | Service Needed? | Notes |
| HVAC | |||
| Plumbing | |||
| Electrical |
- Safety Walkthrough Checklist
- Door locks secure?
- Windows latch properly?
- Smoke alarms working?
- Breaker box labeled?
- Faith Reflection Prompt
- How will I make this house a home of peace and purpose?
- What scriptures do I want to declare here?
- Who do I want to invite to bless this home?
XIII. TEACHER’S MANUAL SNAPSHOT
Goals:
- Help participants transition with order and intentionality
- Reinforce financial wisdom during move-in
- Encourage spiritual and emotional settling
Tools:
- Sample moving checklist
- Home setup diagram
- House blessing guide
Activities:
- Group: “Room by Room Setup Plan”
- Partner: Share favorite family traditions
- Instructor: Lead a house dedication simulation
XIV. PARTICIPANT GUIDE SUMMARY
Includes:
- Moving checklist
- Utility contact tracker
- Room-by-room planner
- House blessing worksheet
Assignments:
- Create your personalized move-in timeline
- Schedule and complete a utility setup call
- Write a family or personal mission for your home
- CONCLUSION
Moving in is a milestone—but it is also a ministry. Your home is your sanctuary, your headquarters, and your legacy builder. Let it reflect your faith, your goals, and your love.
Scripture Reminder: “My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.” — Isaiah 32:18
You’re not just occupying space—you’re establishing presence. Welcome home.
