Moving day is exciting, but it can also feel a bit chaotic. You have boxes everywhere, people asking you where things go and a list of jobs you know you should do, but have not quite written down.
To make life easier, here are eight simple things to do when you move into your new home. They are quick, practical and can save you money, hassle and a few surprises later on.
1. Take meter readings as soon as you get the keys
Before you start unpacking, grab your phone and take clear photos of the gas, electric and water meters.
If the house or flat has been empty for a while, there might be standing charges or old estimates sitting on the account. Having the exact readings from the day you move in helps make sure you are only paying for what you use.
Once you have the photos, let the energy providers know your move in date and readings. If you decide to switch suppliers later, you still have a clear record of where you started.
2. Change your front door locks
This is one of those jobs people mean to do but often put off.
You simply do not know how many sets of keys are out there. Previous owners or tenants, tradespeople, cleaners, friends and family may all have had access at some point.
Changing the front door lock gives you a clean start and the peace of mind that only you and the people you choose can get in. A local locksmith can usually sort this quickly, and it is a small cost for a big sense of security.
3. Get your broadband and phone booked in early
Life without Wi Fi feels very long when you have just moved home.
The good news is you do not need to wait until moving day to do anything about it. Once you have exchanged contracts and have a completion date, you can usually book your broadband and phone installation at the new address.
That way, you cut down the waiting time after you move in, which is especially important if you work from home, have children who need internet access or just want to relax with a bit of streaming after a long day of unpacking.
4. Register with a new GP and dentist
If you have moved to a new area, you will probably need a new doctor and dentist.
It is easy to leave this until you actually need an appointment, but that is often when you discover there is a waiting list or a bit of admin to get through. Taking a little time once you are in to look up local NHS services and register means you are already in the system when you do need care.
Check which GP surgeries and dental practices are accepting new patients and get your forms sent off while you are still surrounded by boxes.
5. Tell your bank and other providers you have moved
Your address needs to match in more places than you might think.
Make a simple list of the main organisations that should know you have moved, such as
- Your bank and building society
- Credit card and loan providers
- Pension and investment companies
- Council tax and water providers
- Insurance companies
- Any services that send post to your home
your address helps prevent letters going to the wrong place and reduces the risk of missing a bill or something important. It also keeps your credit file tidy, which matters when you come to remortgage or apply for further credit in future.
6. Update the address on your driving licence
This one is easy to forget, but more important than many people realise.
Your driving licence is one of the main pieces of ID used for credit checks, car insurance and financial applications. If it still shows your old address, you may not be able to use it for certain checks and lenders might question why the details do not match.
You can update your address online with the DVLA. It only takes a few minutes and helps keep everything consistent across your records.
7. Find out when the bins go out
Not the most glamorous job on the list, but a very useful one.
Moving home means a lot of packaging, takeaway boxes and random rubbish you did not know you owned. The last thing you want is to miss bin day in your first week and be stuck with overflowing bags.
Check your local council website to find out
- Which bins you have
- What goes in each one
- Which days they are collected
8. Say hello to your new neighbours
A quick hello can go a long way.
You do not have to become best friends, but introducing yourself sets a friendly tone and makes day to day living more pleasant. Neighbours are also a handy source of local knowledge, from which takeaway is best to when roadworks tend to happen.
And if you do ever miss a parcel from the delivery driver, it helps if they already know who you are and where to find you.
becomes part of your routine
Enjoy your new home
Moving home is a big milestone. Getting these small jobs done early helps everything feel calmer. You know your bills are set up properly, your post is coming to the right place and your home is secure and connected, so you can actually enjoy being there.
If you are planning a move and want help with the mortgage side of things, Ian can talk you through how much you might be able to borrow, which lenders are likely to help and what the costs could look like each month.
becomes part of your routine
