Moving for the First Time: Top Tips | Guides

First-time home moving guide

Congratulations on securing your first home and taking the first step onto the property ladder!

In this guide, we’ll provide you with a handy moving house checklist and the essential tips to ensure a hassle-free moving experience.

About a month before moving into a new house, you should look to do the following:

Get quotes: Whether you’re hiring a removal company or opting for a self-drive hire, get quotes and estimates to compare costs.
Packing preparation: Source sturdy packing boxes and start packing non-essential items – some removal companies offer packing services if needed.
Inform utilities: If you’re moving out of rented accommodation, let your utility companies know when you plan on moving out.
Insurance coverage: Research and obtain home and content insurance. Ensure coverage starts on your moving day.
Time off work: If necessary, arrange time off work for the moving period.
Broadband and TV set up: Arrange for broadband and TV services to be set up if required.

With around two weeks to go until you move, you should:

Change of address: Notify important entities of your address change, including banks, insurance companies, health providers and licensing authorities.
Mail redirection: Arrange with the Post Office to redirect your mail to your new address.

In the final run up to your moving day, finalise preparations like:

Confirm moving arrangements: Confirm details with your chosen van hire or removal company.
Clear storage areas: Make sure you empty all storage areas in your current home.
Solicitor confirmation: Contact your solicitors to confirm key collection arrangements for moving day.

On moving day, follow these steps:

Get an early start: Get up early and pack any essential items.
Loading and moving: Load up your hired van or wait for the removal company to transport your belongings to your new home.
Key collection: Collect your keys to your new property.
Meter readings: Take final meter readings to close utility accounts at your old address.
Clean up: Perform a final tidy up and clean, especially if moving out of rented accommodation.
Key return: If appropriate return keys to your landlord or letting agent.

If you’re buying a new build home from Tilia Homes, our dedicated teams are here to support you every step of the way. You can also see more of our top tips for a stress-free move here.