Just moved house? Here’s 5 things to do in your first week!

New year, new home?

‍

If you are moving into your first or a new home this year, there are a few lesser-known things worth sorting early on.

Before you get to the exciting part of choosing furniture and paint colours, it helps to deal with the practical admin first. These tasks may feel boring, but putting them off can lead to extra stress later. Getting them done in the first week or two will make settling in far easier.

Here are five things to do shortly after moving into your new home.

1. Change the locks

Many people choose to change their locks as soon as they move in. You never truly know who may still have a key, whether that is previous owners, tenants, neighbours or tradespeople.

Changing the locks gives you peace of mind and helps you feel safe and settled from day one.

2. Register with a GP and dentist

Registering with a local GP and dentist should be done as soon as possible. Even if you do not need an appointment straight away, being registered means you have a point of contact if something unexpected happens.

This is especially important if you have moved far from your previous home.

3. Run the water for 10 minutes

When you get the keys, it is a good idea to run the water in every bath, shower and tap for around 10 minutes. This helps flush out any water that may have been sitting in the pipes and allows fresh water to flow through the system.

It is also a simple way to check for leaks or pressure issues, helping you spot any problems early.

4. Register for council tax from your move-in date

Registering for council tax is best done sooner rather than later. If you delay, your bill will still be backdated, and you could end up with a larger payment later on.

You can register through the GOV.UK website  by finding your local council and completing either a council tax registration form or a new resident form. Your council tax should start from your official move-in date.

5. Burp your new home

This may sound like a strange task, but it makes a big difference. Open the windows and doors to let fresh air flow through the property.

If the home has been empty for a while, this helps remove stale air and instantly makes the space feel fresher, brighter and more ready to live in.

Conclusion

These tasks might seem small on their own, but together they can make a big difference to how smoothly your move goes. Taking care of the admin early helps prevent issues later, saves you time and gives you one less thing to worry about.

Once these essentials are out of the way, you can focus on making your new house feel like home. From decorating to settling into the local area, starting on the right foot makes the whole experience far more enjoyable.

We also have helpful resources and moving checklists to support you at every stage. To read our complete moving checklist, click here.

‍