What to Do When Moving into a New Home
The movers have unloaded their van and your belongings should (hopefully) be waiting in their boxes, in the correct rooms, ready for you to unpack.
But, there are many things to do when moving into a new house. The new home to do list can seem endless! However, there are lots of ways to help get you settled in.
Here’s what to do when moving into a new home.
Do a deep clean
Knowing how to move house can be tough, so we’re here to make things easier. The previous occupants might not have the same standards of cleanliness as you do.
There’s going to be no better time to have a thorough deep clean, than when the house is empty.
Change the locks
One of the most important things to do in a new house is change the locks. You don’t know who has keys to the property, nor do you want to find out.
Change the window locks and both front and back door locks.
Review the energy suppliers
Take meter readings as soon as you move in, and contact all utility suppliers to give them the meter readings.
You don’t want to have to pay for someone else’s energy. Then, go onto a comparison website and compare energy tariffs. Shop around until you find a great deal.
Review the property logbook
Some home owners have a property logbook for their home, if this has been handed over to you then take a look. It should contain all you need to know about your new home. Particularly useful where SMART systems (and their passwords) are in use.
Boiler cover
Once you exchange, you are legally responsible to pay the buildings insurance on your new property, however as soon as you get the keys, you should look to get central heating and boiler cover.
There’s nothing worse, nor expensive, than discovering your boiler has packed in, and there’s no heating or hot water.
Register to vote
You will have to register with your new council, so whilst you are at it, get yourself on the electoral register and make sure you keep your say. Every eligible person to vote, in your house, has to register themselves.
Redirect any post
If post for the previous occupiers continues to stream through your front door, don’t bin it, simply write ‘return to sender’ on it and pop it back in the post. The sender should cease sending you any further correspondence.
Let the children choose their bedroom decor
If the children are old enough to make decisions, allow them free rein to decorate their bedrooms. It will help them feel involved in the move and let them stamp their own mark on their space.
Meet the neighbours
If you moved to the middle of nowhere, you might not have any neighbours, but try and pop round to the nearest person to you, to at least introduce yourself. You never know when you will need them.
If you moved into a shared building, introduce yourself to your immediate neighbours, it is only polite.
Register with the local GP practice
Find your nearest GP and dentist surgery and register the family with them. You won’t necessarily need their services straight away, but it’s one less thing to worry about.
Get to know your local area
Take the kids, dog or just yourself for a walk. See if you can find the local park, the nearest convenience store, your local pub or the train station.
Simply getting out and about will help you navigate your new surroundings.
Last Updated: November 1st, 2024
