New House Checklist: What to Do After Moving House

You’ve got the keys and the move is finally happening — but there are still plenty of things to organise once you arrive. This new house checklist covers what to do after moving house, from taking meter readings and checking your new home is secure to sorting utilities, updating your address and getting properly settled in.

Work through it in order and you can concentrate on the jobs that matter first, rather than trying to remember everything at once.

The First 30 Minutes in Your New House

Before the boxes start taking over, spend a few minutes checking the property and recording anything you may need later.

New House Moving Day Checklist

Once unloading begins, concentrate on making the house functional rather than perfectly organised.

Clean Before You Fully Unpack

Even if the house looks clean, this is the easiest opportunity you’ll get to clean cupboards, shelves, wardrobes and areas that will soon be covered by furniture.

Use our moving house cleaning checklist to work through the property room by room before you unpack everything.

Check Your Gas, Electricity and Water

We’ve put these jobs into a separate moving house utilities checklist covering gas, electricity, water, meter readings and broadband.

Make Your New Home Secure

You may not know who previously had copies of the keys, so security should be one of the first things you consider after moving in.

First Night in Your New House Checklist

Your first evening is much easier if you can find the basics without opening twenty boxes.

What to Do in the First Week After Moving House

Once moving day is over, work through the important administrative and practical jobs that don’t need to be completed in the first few hours.

Unpack in the Right Order

Trying to unpack every room simultaneously usually creates more chaos. Start with the rooms and belongings you’ll use immediately.

If you’re still surrounded by boxes, our room-by-room packing checklist also includes labelling and first-night-box advice that makes unpacking much easier.

Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Familiarise yourself with the alarms in your new home and test them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Work out where they are located and replace batteries or equipment when necessary.

Learn How Your New House Works

Finding these things now can save a frantic search later.

Things to Do During Your First Month in a New House

Not everything needs doing immediately. These jobs can usually wait until the urgent moving tasks are out of the way.

Common Things People Forget After Moving House

New House Checklist: First Day, Week and Month

New House Checklist FAQs

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

Start by checking the property is secure and that essential services are working. Take meter readings and photographs, locate the stopcock and fuse box, check alarms and make sure you can safely lock doors and windows.

What should I check on the day I move into a new house?

Check the condition of the property, meter readings, utilities, heating, water, doors, windows and alarms. It’s also worth noting any damage or unexpected problems before unpacking.

Should I clean a new house before unpacking?

If possible, yes. An empty property is much easier to clean thoroughly, particularly inside cupboards and wardrobes and behind areas that will soon contain furniture.

Who do I need to tell after moving house?

The organisations you may need to update include government bodies, financial providers, insurers, utility companies, healthcare providers, employers, schools and subscription services. Our Who to Notify When Moving House checklist breaks these down into categories.

How long does it take to settle into a new house?

There’s no fixed timescale. Getting the essentials organised can take a few days, while unpacking, decorating and making a new property feel like home can take considerably longer. Prioritising urgent tasks first can make the process much more manageable.