A Move-In Checklist for New Construction Homeowners in Louisiana
Closing on your new home is the finish line for the build — but it's the starting line for a short list of practical tasks that make the first week, first month, and first year smoother.
Here's a complete checklist organized by timing, with the specific providers and contacts that apply across Alvarez's Baton Rouge-area communities.
Two to Three Weeks Before Closing
Utilities should be active in your name before move-in day, not started the day you arrive. In most of Alvarez's Baton Rouge-area communities, that means contacting:
- Electricity — Entergy, at 1-800-368-3749 (or 877-387-2499 for service start/stop/move requests), or your community's designated provider
- Water and sewer — Baton Rouge Water Company (225-925-2011) in East Baton Rouge Parish, which also includes Parish Water Company and Ascension Water Company service areas; or your parish's public utilities department for other Ascension, Livingston, or St. Tammany communities
- Natural gas — Atmos Energy (888-286-6700) or your community's local gas provider, such as St. Amant Gas Company for parts of Ascension Parish
- Internet and cable — providers in the Baton Rouge area include Cox and REV (formerly EATEL); schedule installation at least two to three weeks ahead, since technician appointments can book out during peak moving season
- Trash and recycling — confirm your parish's collection schedule; in East Baton Rouge Parish, contact the Department of Public Works at 311 or brgov.com
Call two to three weeks before your anticipated closing date so accounts are active and ready to transfer into your name at closing, not after. Some utility providers require a security deposit for new accounts — typically in the range of $25–$125 depending on the service and provider — so budget for that alongside your closing costs.
The Week of Closing
- Confirm your final walkthrough punch list items are resolved — see our final walkthrough checklist for what to verify before you sign
- Double-check that your homeowners insurance policy is active as of your closing date, not just approved — your lender requires proof of an active policy, but it's worth confirming yourself too. If you haven't finalized a policy yet, see our guide on what's changed with homeowners insurance for new construction in Louisiana
- Schedule your moving company or truck rental, especially during peak spring and summer moving months
- Set a mail forwarding start date with USPS, submitted at least a week before your move
Update Your Address
It's easy to forget how many places need your new address. Prioritize these first:
- Driver's license and vehicle registration through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
- Voter registration
- Banks, credit cards, and insurance providers
- USPS mail forwarding
- Employer and payroll records
- Subscriptions, memberships, and any autopay accounts tied to your previous address
File Your Homestead Exemption
Once you close, don't wait to file your homestead exemption with your parish assessor's office. In most Louisiana parishes there's a filing window each year, and missing it means paying more property tax than you need to. Our guide to understanding Louisiana property taxes and the homestead exemption walks through the process, and our post on homestead exemption mistakes buyers make covers the most common ways people miss out on savings.
First Week in Your New Home
- Confirm all utilities are active and functioning — test every outlet, faucet, and HVAC setting if you haven't already at your final walkthrough
- Update SmartHome security codes and re-register any WiFi-enabled devices — locks, garage door, thermostat, and security system — under your own account
- Locate your water shutoff valve and electrical panel before you need them in an emergency
- Organize warranty documentation — keep appliance manuals, warranty booklets, and model/serial numbers for major systems together somewhere easy to find. Our guide to the Alvarez 5-2-1 warranty explains exactly what's covered and for how long
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level, even though they were checked at your final walkthrough
- Introduce yourself to neighbors and, if applicable, confirm HOA contact information and trash/recycling pickup days for your specific address
First 90 Days
- File your homestead exemption paperwork if you haven't already
- Schedule any landscaping or lawn care setup — see our Louisiana lawn care and landscaping guide for what new sod and irrigation need in the first season
- Review your first utility bills against expected usage to catch any billing errors early
- Confirm any remaining builder punch-list items from your final walkthrough have been completed within the promised timeline
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Into a New Construction Home
How far in advance should I set up utilities before closing?
Two to three weeks in advance is standard, giving providers time to process the account and schedule any required activation or inspection.
Do utility companies require a deposit for a new account?
Many do, particularly for gas and water service, typically in the $25–$125 range depending on the provider and service type.
When should I file my homestead exemption?
As soon as possible after closing. Louisiana parishes have annual filing windows, and missing the deadline means paying more property tax than necessary until the next filing period.
What's the difference between a builder's punch list and my own move-in checklist?
A punch list covers construction items the builder is responsible for fixing before or shortly after closing. A move-in checklist covers homeowner tasks — utilities, address changes, insurance, and exemptions — that are entirely your responsibility to complete.
Questions After Closing
Move-in week always surfaces a few questions, even in a brand-new home. Check our FAQs for common answers, or contact us directly — our team stays available well past closing day. Call or text (225) 240-4662 anytime.
