Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone 🎉, but once the boxes are in and the keys are yours, there are a few essential tasks to check off to ensure a smooth transition. Here are the top five things you should do as soon as you move in!
Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone 🎉, but once the boxes are in and the keys are yours, there are a few essential tasks to check off to ensure a smooth transition. Here are the top five things you should do as soon as you move in!
1️⃣ Change the Locks 🔑
Security should be your first priority. Even if you trust the previous owners or landlord, you never know how many spare keys are floating around. Arrange for a locksmith to change the locks or, if you’re handy, install new ones yourself. This small step will give you peace of mind knowing that only you and your family have access to your new home!
2️⃣ Take Meter Readings 📸
Before you officially settle in, grab your phone and snap photos of your gas, electricity, and water meters. This ensures you’re not billed for anything used before your move-in date. Then, submit the readings to your providers and, if you’re feeling savvy, start shopping around for a better deal on your utilities! 💡💰
3️⃣ Set Up Utilities & Internet 🌐
Nobody wants to unpack in the dark or have a Wi-Fi-free home (especially if you’ve got kids or work remotely!). Check that your gas, electricity, water, and broadband are all set up and working. While you’re at it, locate your fuse box, gas shutoff valve, and water stopcock so you know where they are in case of an emergency. 🔌🚰
4️⃣ Inspect for Maintenance Issues 🔍
Before fully settling in, do a walk-through of your new home and check for any issues. Look out for:
✔️ Leaks under sinks 🚰
✔️ Faulty smoke or carbon monoxide detectors 🚨
✔️ Signs of pests 🐭🐜
🔧 If you find anything that needs fixing, it’s best to address it sooner rather than later to avoid bigger problems down the line!
🛠️ If You’re Renovating…
Planning a makeover? Now’s the perfect time to tackle big projects before fully moving in. Here’s what to do:
🏠 Prioritise urgent repairs – Fix any leaks, damp, or structural issues first.
📆 Plan your renovation timeline – Decide which areas to work on first to minimise disruption.
📝 Sort out quotes & permits – Make sure you have the right permissions and contractors lined up.
🛏️ Set up a temporary living space – If you’re doing major work, you might want to stay elsewhere or keep one room functional.
5️⃣ Do a Deep Clean 🧽
Even if the house looks clean, give it a proper refresh before unpacking. Scrub down surfaces, steam-clean carpets, and disinfect kitchens and bathrooms. If you’d rather not tackle it yourself, hiring professional cleaners is totally worth it! 🧹✨
6️⃣ Introduce Yourself to the Neighbours 👋
Good neighbours can make a house feel like home! Pop over to say hello—it’s a great way to get local recommendations, stay in the loop about the area, and start building a friendly community around you. Who knows? You might even make some lifelong friends! 🏡❤️
🎯 Final Thoughts
Moving into a new home is a big step, but a little preparation goes a long way in making it stress-free. By securing your home, setting up essentials, and tackling basic maintenance, you’ll be settling in comfortably in no time!
Need advice on buying or selling a home?
Get in touch—we’re here to help you make your next move smooth and exciting! 🚀