Guides

Settling In: A New Homeowner’s First-Week Checklist After Moving

The first week in a new home is about getting the essentials working and finding your feet, not unpacking every box. Prioritising safety checks, utilities, and the rooms you use daily makes the transition far less overwhelming than trying to do everything at once.

Day One Priorities

Locate the stopcock, fuse box, and gas shut-off valve, so you know where they are in an emergency
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, replacing batteries if needed
Check all door and window locks, and consider changing external locks if you don’t know who else has keys
Unpack the essentials box first: toiletries, medication, chargers, and a change of clothes
Set up beds so everyone has somewhere to sleep on the first night

First Few Days: Utilities and Admin

Take meter readings for gas, electricity, and water as soon as possible after moving in
Register with utility providers if you haven’t already arranged this before moving day
Update your address with your bank, employer, GP, and any other essential services
Redirect your post if you haven’t already set this up with Royal Mail
Register to vote at your new address

Unpacking Priorities

Kitchen first: unpack enough to prepare basic meals without relying on takeaways every night
Bathroom next: towels, toiletries, and basic supplies for daily use
Bedrooms: get beds fully made and clothes accessible before tackling less urgent rooms
Leave lower-priority rooms, such as a spare room or garage, until the essentials are sorted

Getting to Know Your New Area

Locate the nearest GP surgery, pharmacy, and dentist, and register if you haven’t already
Find your nearest supermarket, post office, and any other regular essentials
If you have children, confirm school arrangements and travel routes
Introduce yourself to neighbours if you feel comfortable doing so, since local knowledge is often useful in the first few weeks

What Can Wait

Full unpacking of every box, particularly items from storage or rooms you don’t use daily
Decorating and non-essential home improvements
Organising items into their final storage spots, which often works better once you’ve lived in the space for a few weeks and understand how you use it

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do first when moving into a new house?

Locate the stopcock, fuse box, and gas shut-off, test smoke alarms, and unpack your essentials box before focusing on anything else. Safety checks and immediate essentials come before general unpacking.

Should I change the locks when I move into a new house?

It’s generally recommended if you don’t know how many keys exist or who previously had access, particularly for external doors.

How long does it typically take to fully unpack after moving?

This varies by household, but prioritising the kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms in the first few days, then working through remaining rooms over the following weeks, is a manageable approach rather than trying to unpack everything at once.

What admin tasks should I prioritise in the first week?

Taking meter readings, updating your address with your bank and employer, redirecting post, and registering with a local GP are among the most time-sensitive tasks to handle early.