What to Do First When You Move Into a New House
Move Cost Calculator Team
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Quick Answer| Last updated: May 2026
The first things to do when you move into a new house are: change the locks, take meter readings, locate the stopcock and fuse box, test smoke alarms, check the boiler, and set up your bedroom so you have somewhere to sleep from night one.
The first few hours in your new home are critical. Find out what to prioritise — from changing the locks and taking meter readings to setting up your bedroom and locating the stopcock.
Key Takeaways
- •Plan Early: Start planning your move at least 6-8 weeks in advance to secure the best dates and rates.
- •Compare Quotes: Always compare at least 3 local removal quotes to ensure you get a fair market price.
- •Declutter: Reducing the volume of your belongings is the most effective way to lower your moving costs.
Want a quick estimate before you read the full guide?
Use our moving cost calculator →You've collected the keys, the van has arrived, and the boxes are starting to pile up. The first few hours in your new home set the tone for the days ahead. Knowing what to prioritise — before unpacking begins — can save you stress, money, and potential security risks.
Quick Answer
The first things to do when you move into a new house are: change the locks, take meter readings, check the boiler and stopcock, test the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and set up your bed so you have somewhere comfortable to sleep on the first night.
Still planning your move? Use our moving cost calculator to estimate your removal costs before the big day.
Your First-Day Priorities (In Order)
The first day is chaotic by nature, but tackling these tasks in the right order will make the days that follow much smoother.
1. Change the Locks
This is the single most important task. You don't know how many copies of the keys exist — previous owners, estate agents, tradespeople, and neighbours may all have a set. Changing the locks is a straightforward job for a locksmith and typically costs £80–£150. Do this on the day you move in or within the first 48 hours.
2. Take Meter Readings
Take readings from your gas, electricity, and water meters immediately on arrival. Photograph or note them with the time and date. Submit them to your energy supplier to ensure your bills start from the correct point. This prevents being charged for the previous occupant's usage.
3. Locate the Stopcock and Consumer Unit
Find the water stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink or near the water meter) and the consumer unit (fuse box). Knowing where these are before any emergency occurs is essential. In the event of a burst pipe or electrical fault, you need to act quickly.
4. Test Smoke and CO Alarms
Test every smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector. Replace the batteries in any that are low. Under UK law, landlords must provide smoke alarms on every floor and CO alarms in rooms with solid fuel appliances. Even in properties you own, this is a critical safety check.
5. Check the Boiler
Locate the boiler and check that it's working. Identify the controls and understand how to operate the heating and hot water. If the boiler has a pressure gauge, check it reads within the normal range (usually 1–1.5 bar when cold). If you smell gas, call National Gas Emergency Services on 0800 111 999 immediately.
6. Set Up Your Bedroom First
Instruct the removal team to take your bed, bedding, and bedroom essentials upstairs first. Getting your bedroom set up means that no matter how chaotic the rest of the house becomes, you have a functional, comfortable space to sleep in that evening.
7. Unpack Your Essentials Box
If you packed a first-night essentials box (kettle, mugs, tea bags, phone charger, toilet paper, towels, medications), locate and unpack it immediately. This box is your survival kit for the first 24 hours while everything else is still in chaos.
What to Check in Each Room
| Room | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | Stopcock location, appliance condition, extractor fan, any signs of damp or leaks under sink |
| Bathroom | Hot water pressure, shower functionality, condition of sealant around bath and shower |
| Boiler cupboard | Boiler pressure, pilot light, age of boiler, last service date if displayed |
| Living room | TV aerial or satellite connection, condition of fireplace if present, window lock function |
| Bedroom(s) | Wardrobe space, radiator function, condition of floor and walls |
| Loft | Insulation condition, any signs of damp, pest activity, or roof damage |
| Garden/outside | Gate locks, fence condition, outdoor tap, shed access |
First Week Admin: Who to Notify
The first week is also the time to start working through your address change notifications. Prioritise financial and government institutions first.
- HMRC — Update your address via your Government Gateway account or by post.
- DVLA — Update your driving licence address online at GOV.UK. You must also update your V5C logbook for any vehicles.
- Your bank and credit card providers — Do this within the first week to prevent sensitive post being delivered to your old address.
- Electoral roll — Register to vote at your new address via GOV.UK Register to Vote.
- Council Tax — Notify your new local council and deregister from your old one.
- GP and dentist — Register with a new practice if you've moved outside the catchment area of your current one.
- Royal Mail redirection — If you haven't set this up already, do so now to protect against missed post. See our guide on setting up Royal Mail redirection.
For a full checklist, read our moving house admin checklist which covers every organisation you need to notify.
Setting Up Utilities in Your New Home
Once you've taken meter readings, you'll need to contact the existing energy supplier to register as the new occupant. Your solicitor or estate agent should have confirmed who the current suppliers are as part of the conveyancing process.
You are under no obligation to stay with the existing supplier. Use the period before your first bill to compare tariffs and switch if a better deal is available. The Ofgem website provides guidance on your rights when switching energy suppliers.
For a complete utilities guide, read our article on when to cancel and set up gas, electric, and water.
First Night Essentials Checklist
- Bedding and pillows for everyone in the household
- Towels and basic toiletries
- Kettle, mugs, tea bags, coffee, and milk
- Basic food and snacks (or a takeaway planned)
- Phone chargers and power bank
- Toilet paper and hand soap
- Night light or torch (you may not know where the light switches are yet)
- Medications for anyone in the household
- Children's comfort items (favourite toy, night light)
- Pet food, water bowl, and bed if you have pets
Helpful Moving Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I change the locks when I move into a new house?
Yes. You should change the locks as soon as possible after moving in. You have no way of knowing how many copies of the keys exist from previous owners, estate agents, or tradespeople. A locksmith can typically replace standard door locks for £80–£150.
How do I find out who my energy supplier is in a new house?
Your solicitor should have provided this information during conveyancing. If not, you can find your electricity supplier by calling the meter number helpline on 0870 608 1524, and your gas supplier by contacting the National Gas Emergency line on 0800 111 999 for advice.
What meter readings should I take when moving in?
Take readings from your electricity meter (both day and night rates if you have Economy 7), your gas meter, and your water meter if accessible. Photograph each reading with the date and time visible in the photo.
How do I register for Council Tax in a new house?
Contact your new local council and inform them of your moving-in date. You'll need to register and set up a payment plan. At the same time, notify your old council that you've moved out to ensure your account is closed correctly.
What's the first room I should unpack in a new house?
Set up the bedroom first so you have somewhere functional to sleep from night one. Then focus on the kitchen so you can make drinks and basic meals. Leave less essential rooms until the first weekend when you have more time.
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Official & Trustworthy Resources
For further official guidance on moving house in the UK, we recommend consulting the following trusted organisations:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move house in the UK?
The average cost of moving house in the UK ranges from £800 to £2,500 depending on property size, distance, and whether you use professional packing services.
What affects removal company prices?
Key factors include the volume of your belongings, the distance of the move, ease of access (stairs, parking), and the time of year (weekends and summer are more expensive).
Are removal costs higher on weekends?
Yes, Fridays and Saturdays are the most popular days to move, meaning removal companies often charge a premium. Moving mid-week can save you up to 20%.
Can I reduce moving costs by comparing quotes?
Absolutely. We recommend comparing at least 3 local quotes from verified removal companies to ensure you get a fair market rate and avoid overpaying.
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