The first 12 things to do after moving into your new home

Before you organise the house-warming, let’s get homeownership off to a smooth start. Here are the first 12 things to tick off after moving into your new place.

• Start with the quick and easy things, like taking meter readings, finding the fuse box and saying hi to the neighbours
• Then get stuck in with changing your address, browsing energy deals and organising insurance
• Track your home to see how its value is changing and what the neighbours are selling for

The stressful part is definitely over. But there are still a few things you can do to finish off your move and kickstart your new chapter.

So put the kettle on (or pour the champagne), grab a pen and paper, and get comfy in your new lounge.

Let’s start ticking things off the to-do list after moving into your new home.

The quick wins

You’ll whizz through these small but essential tasks – they take just a few minutes each.

Bonus points if you can get them done the day you get there (but we totally get it if you just need to crash).

1. Take meter readings

You don’t want to end up paying for the last owners’ usage, so check your meter readings as soon as you can.

Jot them down and contact the current suppliers to tell them you’ve moved in.

Taking gas and electricity meter readings

You might be thinking about switching providers (more on that later) but first up, send your gas and electricity readings to the current supplier.

You’ll have separate meters for gas and electricity. There are different types of meters, but they all work in broadly the same way.

They’re normally located in boxes outside your home, under the stairs or in kitchen cupboards.

If the previous owners didn’t tell you which suppliers they’re with, you can?check your energy supplier online.It’s even easier if the previous owners left you a smart meter.

The supplier will automatically get the latest readings through, so you just need to let them know you’ve moved in.

Taking a water meter reading

Whether you’re on a water meter or not, you’ll need to take a reading and send it to the supplier.

Most water meters are fitted outside. It’ll be under a small metal or plastic cover in your driveway, garden or a nearby footpath.

Write down all the numbers you see on the odometer, including any with a black background.

If you are not on a water meter, it could be an option to save you money. Anyone can get one and it means you’ll only pay for what you use.

2. Find the fuse box and water valve

Get your bearings with your fuse box so you can turn the electricity on if it trips or off in an emergency. It’s usually located in the utility room, porch or cupboard under the stairs.

The same goes for your water valve, so you can turn the supply off if you ever have a leak or a burst pipe. It’s normally under the kitchen sink or in the airing cupboard.

3. Give the whole house a good once-over

Take a good look around your new home and check everything’s in order. Keep an eye out for anything that looks faulty or that you didn’t expect to be there.

You’re winning if you find:

• old tins of paint that match the colours on the walls
• spare bits of carpet or tiles from a renovation job
• instruction manuals and warranties for electrical items and white goods
• the thermostat

But keep an eye out for things like:

• light switches or plugs that aren’t working
• windows and doors with missing keys or broken locks
• leftover belongings or mess from the previous owner that you need to get rid of

4. Check your bin day

With boxes piling up and more rubbish than you can shake a stick at, you won’t want to miss your first bin day.

Find your local council to check the waste and recycling schedule

5. Say hi to the neighbours

Don’t be shy. Everyone appreciates a new neighbour popping in to say hello and introduce themselves.

It’s a great way to feel part of the community right away. And you might pick up some tips about the local area.

We’re not saying you have to be best pals, but knowing your neighbours definitely comes with its benefits. You could take deliveries for each other or keep an eye on each other’s homes when you’re on holiday.

6. Track your home’s value

Want to check how good your deal *really* was?

Head to My Home to see how your property’s value has changed and what it sold for in the past.

Explore what’s on the market nearby and what your neighbours’ homes are worth.

And keep an eye on the local housing market with the latest data and unique insights, just for you.

The bigger things

Now you’re in the mood, let’s get stuck into some of the meatier things to do once you’ve moved in.

If you’ve bought your home with someone else, it can be a good idea to work through this list together. That way, you can agree on the next steps and split up the responsibilities.?

7. Tell everyone about your change of address

Change your address to make sure your details are up to date and you don’t miss any important post.

You’ll need to change your address for:

• your workplace
• your bank/s and credit card companies
• your insurance companies, including car, contents and life
• your private pension company
• your doctor
• your dentist
• the local council
• the electoral roll
• TV Licensing