![What to buy when moving into a new home](/-/media/dwh-article-pages/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/things-people-forget-when-moving-house.jpg?w=100&hash=4D8C09C6DCC02E1E5021BA4697F63DB9| /-/media/dwh-article-pages/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/things-people-forget-when-moving-house.jpg?w=200&hash=4CC8BDD3BBCDD99AACE9720D13FE9274| /-/media/dwh-article-pages/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/things-people-forget-when-moving-house.jpg?w=300&hash=0A9E822C08E50199DFFB4D58025AC498| /-/media/dwh-article-pages/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/things-people-forget-when-moving-house.jpg?w=400&hash=8AC64405E84E9D9B39ABCF61897A74F2| /-/media/dwh-article-pages/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/things-people-forget-when-moving-house.jpg?w=500&hash=8506C916BA601C5021CE7F0A60D3910C| /-/media/dwh-article-pages/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/things-people-forget-when-moving-house.jpg?w=600&hash=6BEE7F3B8CECAC703CA65E1C828AB536| /-/media/dwh-article-pages/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/things-people-forget-when-moving-house.jpg?w=700&hash=9E91A2633190B846E872469367A5CBEF| /-/media/dwh-article-pages/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/things-people-forget-when-moving-house.jpg?w=800&hash=AAE7839D218FA9C09F93A6434097E7A5| /-/media/dwh-article-pages/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/things-people-forget-when-moving-house.jpg?w=900&hash=B48AD55B53AD9C45C40D255D046D4993| /-/media/dwh-article-pages/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/things-people-forget-when-moving-house.jpg?w=1000&hash=DB38A8C7CBB5FC33BE41E56475B2616E| /-/media/dwh-article-pages/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/things-people-forget-when-moving-house.jpg?w=1100&hash=4A0730A863481E5884D18A98BE6D6857| /-/media/dwh-article-pages/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/things-people-forget-when-moving-house.jpg?w=1200&hash=268646EB425403648D83C53B19169352)
There’s plenty to consider when you’re moving into a new house. Our handy checklist breaks down the essentials of moving into a new house, from what to do in the run-up to moving day itself. As you get ready for your next chapter, enjoy some interior design inspiration from our David Wilson homes below.
Key Takeaways
- One of the first things to do when moving into a new house is to change your address with various organizations.
- Royal Mail, Electoral roll, Council tax, Utilities providers, TV license, Broadband and phone line.
- Labels, Screws & bolts, Protect your floor, Light bulbs, and first-night essentials.
- Before you leave your current home, picture of the utility meters, windows are closed securely, water, gas and electricity off.
- Before you move into your new home, picture of the utility meters, move large furniture in first, then your boxes.
Stage 1: Preparing
One of the first things to do when moving into a new house is to change your address with various organisations. Our checklist below shows who to notify when moving house:
![]() | Royal Mail The Royal Mail can redirect your mail for you for free here. |
![]() | Electoral roll Register to vote at your new address here. |
![]() | Council tax Register to pay council tax in your new area by searching for your new council here. |
![]() | Utilities providers Notify or switch your gas and electricity suppliers. There are many price comparison sites that can help you find the best available offers. |
![]() | TV license Update your address for your TV licence here. |
![]() | Broadband and phone line It’s wise to sort your Wi-Fi before you move, as getting set up can take time. Aside from how frustrating it is to be without the internet, you don’t want to incur costly mobile data bills. |
Next, you can start planning the logistics of the move. When moving house, van hire is essential. It’s worth comparing costs before committing to a removal company. To get a quote, you’ll need to know the distance you’re moving and approximately how much furniture you have.
Our top tip to make moving into a new house a dream is to do a walk-through and decide what should go where in advance. Having a plan for the different configurations of furniture in each room will save a lot of hassle on your moving day.
![](/-/media/dwh-article-pages/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/dwinlineimg02packing1024x411jpg.jpg)
Stage 2: Packing
Moving into a new house can be stressful. Carefully considered packing can help make your move-in day a little more painless.
- Labels
It seems obvious but clear labeling is key. Place a label on both the top and the side of the box, so it’s visible when boxes are stacked. Write which room each box is for and precisely what’s inside – and remember to include if boxes are particularly heavy or fragile.
- Screws and bolts
If you’re taking furniture apart, make sure the screws and bolts stay with the relevant item. You can place loose screws in a sandwich bag and tape it to the furniture.
- Protect your floor
With heavy furniture being lifted (and often dragged) around, flatten some cardboard boxes to lay across your current and new homes’ floors.
- Lightbulbs
The last thing anybody needs is to be moving or unpacking in the dark. Pack a few spare lightbulbs in case there aren’t any at your new home.
- First-night essentials
Pack a separate box with essential items to make your first night more comfortable. Quick access to a kettle and mugs, towels, toilet rolls, and a toothbrush won’t go amiss.
![](/-/media/dwh-article-pages/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/dwinlineimg03moving1024x408jpg.jpg)
Stage 3: Moving
The final stage in our checklist for moving into a new house concerns moving day itself.
Before you leave your current home
- Take a picture of the utility meters and record their readings
- Make sure all the windows are closed securely
- Switch off the water, gas and electricity
Before you move into your new home
- Take a picture of your new utility meters to ensure you’re not overcharged
- Move large furniture in first, then your boxes (otherwise you’ll need to move the boxes again to make room)
If you’re moving into a new David Wilson home, visit our Owners’ Hub
where you’ll find help and support to get you settled in quickly and comfortably.