That moment when you pick up your keys to your new home is pure magic. You’re about to walk into a space that’s completely, beautifully yours. It is a milestone that should be celebrated!
But moving into your new home comes with questions, such as what should you check first? How do you even program that fancy thermostat? Should we run every system now, or when we need it?
We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners through this exact moment, so we know what actually matters during your first days and weeks. Here’s your helpful guide to moving into your new Pacesetter home.
Before Move-In: Your Final Walkthrough
Your new home Inspection is your chance to understand your new home before the chaos of moving day hits.
You’ll have access to all your walkthrough notes through your homeowner portal at YourPacesetter.com whenever you need them.
Closing day prep: Yes, there is some paperwork, but we’ve streamlined it. Our paperless closing options mean less shuffling through documents and more time focusing on the exciting part—getting your keys. Your new home warranty coverage in Alberta kicks in on possession day, giving you solid protection as you settle in.
Meet Your Move-In Concierge
This is where we’re different. Your Pacesetter Move-In Concierge is your lifeline during those first weeks when everything’s new and slightly overwhelming.
Think of your Move-In Concierge (powered by Virtuo) as your personal project manager for the stress of moving. They don’t just give advice; they actually handle your utility transfers (electricity, gas, water) on your behalf and coordinate the delivery and pickup of moving boxes so you aren’t hunting for cardboard on Facebook Marketplace. They take the ‘to-do’ list off your plate so you can focus on the ‘ta-da’ moment of walking through your front door.
Instead of Googling answers that might not apply to your specific home, you’ve got someone who knows your exact setup.
We check in with you during week one and again at 30 days, but you’re never waiting for a scheduled call to get help. Your concierge info is right there in your Homeowner Portal.
Your Moving Day Strategy
Book Early, Stay Flexible
Spring and summer are peak moving seasons across Canada, according to Statistics Canada. Translation? Book your movers at least 2-3 weeks out, or you’ll be scrambling.
Weather considerations: Edmonton weather can be unpredictable. Check the forecast and have a backup plan if rain rolls in. Throw down some floor protection at the entryway and keep towels handy—your floors will thank you.
Pack Smart for Day One
Make yourself a “moving day” kit with the items you’ll actually need before unpacking:
- Your PDI and warranty paperwork
- Basic tools
- Cleaning supplies
- Toilet paper and soap
- Phone chargers
- Snacks and water
We make sure the house is ready, but double-check that electricity, gas, water, and internet are all transferred and working.
First 48 Hours: Get to Know Your New Home
Before you start arranging furniture and unpacking boxes, spend an hour understanding how everything works.
Systems Check
Run everything once. We recommend reacquainting yourself with the systems. Turn on all your taps. Test the HVAC in each zone. Try the garage door. Run the dishwasher and washing machine through a quick cycle. Run the gas fireplace (if applicable) with the windows open—off gassing is a normal occurrence for initial use.
Find your electrical panel and water shut-off valve. This may seem like an unnecessary stop, but we always recommend doing this before you need them.
They’re clearly marked in your new build, but knowing where they are in an emergency is priceless.
This is a great way to learn your house and the systems.
Your ServiceQ Warranty
Your new home warranty in Alberta starts the day you get your keys. Some things are covered immediately (major systems, structural stuff), while minor settling issues (tiny drywall cracks, nail pops) get addressed at your 30-day check-in. This is totally normal in new construction as materials adjust.
Your Homeowner Portal at YourPacesetter.com is more than just a document cloud; it’s your digital house manual. Instead of digging through a junk drawer for a paper manual, you can look up your exact furnace model, paint colors, and appliance warranties right from your phone while you’re standing in the room. It makes ‘learning your house’ a 5-minute task instead of a weekend project.
At Pacesetter Homes, we’re a member of Alberta New Home Warranty, an independent, not-for-profit warranty provider serving over 400 builders and more than 100,000 homeowners across the province. You’ve got solid backing.
Need help with warranty questions? Contact our service team at serviceedm@qualico.com or 780-490-2546, or visit the serviceQ website for more information.
Week One: Make It Yours
Get Your Outdoor Spaces Ready
Walk your property now that you’re living here and you’ll notice things you missed before, like where the afternoon sun hits or how water drains after rain.
Install window treatments now while you’re noticing how much light you actually have. New builds often have more windows than older homes, which is great for brightness but requires some strategic covering.
If you’re planning a deck or patio just coordinate with us first to make sure it doesn’t affect grading or drainage around your foundation because this matters in new builds.
Find Your People
If your community has a neighborhood group, join it! These groups are gold for everything from knowing which streets get plowed first in winter to where to run errands, grocery stores, pharmacies, coffee shops, parks, etc. The faster you establish community and routines, the faster it feels like home.
The 30-Day Mark
We’ll schedule your 30-day walkthrough where we address any minor items that have popped up. Doors need adjusting? Caulking gaps appeared? This is totally normal and that’s exactly what this 30-day appointment is for.
After a heavy rain or snow melt, walk your yard. Water should drain away from your foundation, not pool near it. If you spot drainage issues, document them right away. This is what your warranty is for!
Check your first utility bills and tweak your thermostat settings if needed. New builds are energy-efficient, but every family uses their home differently. A few adjustments now can save you money all year.
Don’t forget the boring-but-important admin: update your address with Service Canada, CRA, driver’s license, insurance, banks, subscriptions. Future you will appreciate not having important mail go to your old address.
With Pacesetter Homes, You’re Not Moving Alone
Moving into a new home, especially your first new build, comes with a learning curve. But we’re still here after possession day. Your Move-In Concierge is available whenever questions pop up. Your Homeowner Portal tracks everything digitally. Your 30-day and subsequent check-ins ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
You’ve got a brand new home and a whole team backing you up.
New Build Move-In FAQ
What should I do if I can’t figure out how something in my home works?
Don’t waste time Googling or digging through manuals. Just contact your Move-In Concierge. They know your home’s specific systems and can walk you through everything from programming your thermostat to adjusting your garage door sensitivity. That’s exactly why we created this service.
How do I access my warranty information and home documents?
Everything’s digital and available through your Homeowner Portal. Your warranty details, PDI notes, appliance manuals, and contact information for your Move-In Concierge are all in one place. No digging through filing cabinets required.