Moving in Checklist

Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone. Whether you’re buying your first property or moving into a Shared Ownership home with HomesHub, being organised can make the whole process far less stressful.

Our moving house checklist will help you prepare for the weeks before your move, the day you collect your keys, and your first few days settling into your new home.

If you’re new to Shared Ownership, you may also find our Shared Ownership Guide helpful.

A few weeks before moving

Preparing early can help ensure your move goes smoothly. Use this checklist to stay organised before completion day.

• Book a removal company or hire a van if you plan to move yourself.
• Start packing early, beginning with items you don’t use every day.
• Label your moving boxes clearly so you know what’s inside and where each box should go.
• Notify your utility providers that you’re moving to close your current accounts.
• Use up any food in your freezer to avoid waste before moving day.
• Keep valuables and important documents safe, including passports and legal paperwork.
• Stay in contact with your solicitor to confirm your legal completion date.

Moving day essentials

Moving day can feel busy and overwhelming, but having the right essentials nearby can make things much easier. Here are some useful items to keep with you during your move:

• Moving boxes, bubble wrap and packing tape
• A tool kit for assembling furniture or small adjustments
• Tape measure
• Torch
• Snacks and drinks
• Kettle, tea, coffee, milk and sugar
• Cleaning products and bin bags
• Kitchen roll or wipes
• Phone chargers
• Important documents such as ID, mortgage paperwork and contracts

What to do when you arrive at your new home

Once you’ve collected your keys and stepped through the door of your new property, there are a few important tasks to complete before unpacking.

• Take gas, electricity and water meter readings and provide these to your suppliers.
• Check that all utilities are working, including heating and hot water.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are functioning properly.
• Check any items that were agreed as part of the purchase are present in the home.
• Give key areas a quick clean, including kitchen surfaces and cupboards.
• Store your home documents somewhere safe, including insurance details and warranties.

First night in your new home

After a long moving day, you’ll probably want to relax without having to unpack everything immediately. Keeping these essentials accessible can help make your first night more comfortable.

• Duvet, bedding and pillows
• Towels and shower essentials
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Toilet roll
• Pyjamas or a change of clothes
• Phone chargers
• Basic kitchen items like mugs, plates and cutlery
• Tea, coffee or simple food for your first evening
• Basic cleaning essentials

Your new home may need a quick tidy after everything has been moved in. These cleaning basics can help you get started.

• Cloths and sponges
• Mop and bucket
• Dustpan and brush
• Multi-purpose cleaner or disinfectant
• Bathroom cleaner
• Vacuum cleaner
• Laundry detergent
• Air freshener
• Kitchen essentials for a new home

The kitchen is often one of the first spaces you’ll want to get set up. These simple essentials will help you settle in quickly.

• Kettle
• Toaster or microwave
• Pots and pans
• Cutlery
• Plates, bowls and glasses
• Tea towels
• Washing-up liquid and sponges
• Bin bags
• Tin opener and bottle opener
• Baking trays or oven dishes

It can also help to pick up a few essentials for your first day, such as milk, bread and tea bags.

Thinking about the future

Once you’ve settled into your new home, you may wish to buy a larger share of your property in the future. This process is known as staircasing, and it allows Shared Ownership customers to increase the percentage they own over time.

Learn more about how this works in our Guide to Staircasing.

Enjoy your new home

Moving house can feel overwhelming, but with a little preparation you’ll soon feel settled in your new space. Remember, you don’t need to buy everything straight away - you can build your home gradually as you get used to your surroundings.

Most importantly, take a moment to enjoy this exciting milestone and celebrate the start of life in your new HomesHub home.