Moving into your first home is exciting, but the practical side can feel overwhelming. This moving checklist covers everything you need to do before completion day, on the day itself, and once you have your keys.
Before completion day
Start packing early
Begin packing non-essential items 2-3 weeks before your completion date. Label each box with the room it's destined for and the contents. Dismantle large furniture items in advance if possible.
Top tip: Use colour-coded labels for each room to make unpacking faster.
Pack an essentials box
Pack this last but keep it accessible on moving day. Include:
- Toilet roll and basic toiletries
- Kettle, mugs, tea/coffee
- Phone chargers
- Basic tools (screwdriver, hammer)
- Bin bags
- Lightbulbs
- Snacks and bottled water
- Important documents (contracts, mortgage details)
Label it clearly as "ESSENTIALS" and don't let it get loaded deep into the removal van.
Set up your internet
Book your broadband installation for completion day or shortly after. Most providers need 1-2 weeks' notice, and you don't want to be without internet during your first few days.
Redirect your mail
Set up mail redirection with Royal Mail at least a week before moving. Notify:
- Bank and credit card providers
- DVLA
- Electoral roll
- Employer
- GP and dentist
- Insurance providers
- HMRC
- Subscriptions and memberships
Take final meter readings
On your last day in your current property, take photos of gas, electricity and water meters. Send these final readings to your utility providers to ensure accurate final bills.
Sort out insurance
Your buildings insurance must be in place from the moment you complete - your lender will insist on this. Contents insurance should also start on completion day, as your belongings are at risk during the move itself.
Read our guide to what happens on completion day to understand the timeline.
Book time off work
If possible, take completion day and the following day off work. You'll need time to coordinate the move, deal with any unexpected issues, and start settling in.
On completion day
Take meter readings immediately
As soon as you get the keys, photograph all meters (gas, electricity, water) before unpacking anything. These readings mark the start of your responsibility for utility bills.
Do a full property check
Walk through the property with your purchase documents and check:
- All items included in the sale are present (white goods, curtains, carpets, fixtures)
- No damage has occurred since your final viewing
- All keys work (front door, back door, windows, garage)
- Boiler is working
- Hot water is functioning
If anything is missing or damaged, contact your solicitor immediately. Keep all your conveyancing documents accessible during this check.
Locate appliance manuals and warranties
The previous owners should leave instruction manuals for boiler, oven, washing machine and other appliances. These usually contain warranty information and emergency contact numbers for repairs.
Introduce yourself to neighbours
A quick hello to immediate neighbours helps establish friendly relations. They might have useful information about bin collection days, local services, or the property's quirks.
Register with utility providers
Contact gas, electricity and water suppliers to set up your accounts using the meter readings you took earlier. You can switch providers later, but need to register with current suppliers first.
Unpack strategically
Start with the essentials box, then tackle:
- Bedroom (so you have somewhere to sleep)
- Kitchen (so you can eat and drink)
- Bathroom (so you can wash)
- Everything else can wait
Don't rush - you have plenty of time to make the house feel like home.
After moving in
Update your address everywhere
Beyond the initial notifications, don't forget:
- Council tax registration
- TV licence
- Online shopping accounts
- Loyalty card schemes
- Pet microchip details (if applicable)
Test all safety equipment
Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working. If they're not present, install them immediately - particularly near bedrooms and the boiler.
Change the locks
Consider changing external locks for peace of mind, especially if you don't know how many key copies exist. This costs around £100-200 but provides security reassurance.
Keep a moving file
Create a folder (physical or digital) containing:
- Sale completion documents
- Mortgage details
- Insurance policies
- Utility account numbers
- Appliance warranties
- Local authority contacts
You'll need these documents throughout your time in the property.
Moving day timeline
Morning:
- Final property check at old address
- Hand over keys to landlord/new owner
- Take final meter readings
Midday:
- Receive confirmation that funds have been transferred
- Collect keys from estate agent or solicitor
- Meet removal company at new property
Afternoon:
- Take meter readings at new property
- Do property check
- Direct removal company on where items go
- Unpack essentials box
Evening:
- Set up beds for first night
- Find kettle and basic kitchen items
- Order takeaway (your cooker might not be accessible yet)
Common moving day mistakes to avoid
Starting too late: Begin packing and planning at least 3-4 weeks before completion. Last-minute panic causes stress and mistakes.
Not reading meters: Without accurate readings, you could be charged for the previous occupant's usage or leave bills unpaid at your old address.
Forgetting insurance dates: Both buildings and contents insurance should start on completion day, not the day after.
Losing important documents: Keep sale contracts, mortgage details and solicitor contact information in an accessible place throughout the move.
Not checking the property thoroughly: Once you've completed, fixing issues becomes your responsibility and expense.
Get expert conveyancing help
Moving day is just one part of the first time buyer journey. At Homeward Legal, we provide specialist first time buyer conveyancing to guide you through every stage - from offer acceptance to getting your keys.
Our fixed-fee service includes no completion, no fee protection, giving you peace of mind throughout your purchase. Call or get your instant conveyancing quote today.