The removal lorry has gone, the boxes are stacked in the right rooms and the kettle is on. Now what? Your first week in a new home can feel just as busy as moving day, but it does not need to feel overwhelming. A little order in those first few days makes the difference between living out of boxes for months and feeling properly at home.
This checklist covers what to do first, what can wait and how to look after your household while you settle in.
In short: on day one, take meter readings, find the stopcock and fuse box, test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and make up the beds. Over the next few days, unpack the kitchen and bathroom, arrange safety checks, think about changing the locks and finish updating your address. Take the rest at a steady pace.
What Should You Do on Your First Day?
Take meter readings
Photograph your gas, electricity and water meters as soon as you arrive, ideally before using much energy. These opening readings make sure you only pay for what you use. If you do not know who supplies the property, you can check using Find My Supplier.
Find the essentials
Locate the stopcock, the fuse box or consumer unit, the gas meter and the boiler controls. If a pipe bursts or a fuse trips at night, you will be glad you know where they are. Ask the previous owner, landlord or estate agent if you cannot find anything.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Press the test button on every alarm. If there are none, or if they fail, fit new ones straight away. Your local fire and rescue service can give free advice on home fire safety. Across our area, that includes Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Make up the beds
Whatever else is still in boxes, a made bed makes the first night far more comfortable. It is why we suggest asking your crew to reassemble beds first, as covered in our guide to what to expect on moving day.
What Should You Unpack First?
Unpack in order of daily need, not room by room. Clear labels on every box make this easy, which is one of the reasons our guide on how to pack for a house move suggests labelling on two sides.
- Your essentials box: kettle, chargers, toiletries and medication
- Bedrooms: bedding, nightwear and a few days of clothes
- Bathroom: towels, toiletries and cleaning supplies
- Kitchen: everyday crockery, cutlery, pans and food staples
- Children’s rooms: favourite toys and familiar items to help them settle
- Living room: television, sofa cushions and lamps
- Everything else: books, ornaments, pictures and spare room items, at your own pace
Try to unpack a few boxes each day rather than waiting for a free weekend. It is surprising how quickly unopened boxes become part of the furniture.
What Safety Checks Should You Arrange?
Gas appliances
If you do not know when the boiler, cooker or gas fire was last serviced, book a safety check. Only use an engineer on the Gas Safe Register, which is the official list of engineers legally allowed to work on gas appliances. If you are renting, your landlord should give you a copy of the current gas safety record.
Electrics
Older properties in particular may benefit from an electrical inspection by a registered electrician. Electrical Safety First has helpful guidance on what to look out for, such as scorched sockets or old style fuse boxes.
Locks and security
You do not know how many keys to your new home are still out there. Changing the locks on external doors is a simple, sensible step. Secured by Design, the official police security initiative, has advice on choosing secure locks and home security products.
What Admin Should You Finish in the First Week?
Some changes of address can only be done once you have moved in. Use the first week to:
- Update DVLA, HMRC and the electoral register
- Set up council tax at your new address and find out your bin collection days
- Register with a GP and dentist if you have moved out of area
- Confirm your broadband installation date
- Check that your Royal Mail redirection is working
Our checklist of who to tell when you move house covers every organisation in more detail. For bin days, recycling and local services, your new council’s website is the best place to start, and you can find it using GOV.UK’s council finder.
What Should You Do With Empty Boxes and Packing Materials?
Flatten boxes as you empty them so they do not take over a room. Good quality boxes can be passed on to friends or neighbours who are moving, or offered on local community groups. Otherwise, recycle cardboard through your council collection or local recycling centre. Keep a few boxes back for items you plan to store or sort through later.
What If Your Belongings Do Not All Fit?
It is common to find that a sofa does not suit the new lounge, or that there is less cupboard space than expected. Rather than making rushed decisions in the first week, put those items into secure storage while you decide. Our container storage keeps belongings sealed and protected at our Wirral facility for as long or as short a time as you need. If you are moving somewhere smaller, our downsizing guide has practical advice on deciding what to keep.
How Can You Help the Whole Household Settle In?
- Keep routines going. Familiar mealtimes and bedtimes help children and pets feel secure. Our guide to moving house with children and pets has more ideas.
- Explore the area. Find the nearest shop, pharmacy, park and walking routes.
- Say hello to the neighbours. A quick introduction is useful for parcels, spare keys and local knowledge.
- Take a break. Moving is tiring. Order a takeaway, leave the boxes for an evening and enjoy the new place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first thing to do when you move into a new house?
Take meter readings, then find the stopcock and fuse box and test the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. After that, make up the beds so you can rest.
Should I change the locks when I move into a new home?
It is a good idea. You cannot be sure who still holds keys to the property, and changing the locks on external doors is quick and inexpensive.
How long does it take to unpack after moving house?
Most households have the essentials unpacked within a few days, but fully settling in often takes several weeks. Unpacking a few boxes each day keeps progress steady.
Do I need a gas safety check when I buy a house?
It is not a legal requirement for homeowners, but it is wise if you do not know when gas appliances were last checked. Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer.
What should I do with furniture that does not fit my new home?
Put it into secure storage while you decide whether to keep, sell or donate it, rather than rushing the decision in the first week.
Here to Help After the Move Too
Whether you need storage for the items that did not fit or help with a future move, the Cheshire Moving & Storage team is only a call away. Ring 0151 343 1264 or get in touch online.