Settling into your new home
Settling into your new home can be as stressful as it is exciting but with this simple checklist, you can make sure it veers more towards the latter.
How to settle into a new home in 5 simple steps
Step 1: Get your basic utilities set up
When moving into a new home, it can feel like there’s a million and one things to do but it’s important to know what to prioritise.
Don’t worry about getting everything perfect from day one, just ensure you’ve got your basic utilities, like water, electricity and wi-fi set up before you move in.
If you have a moving day in mind, give your current provider as much notice as possible to ensure a smooth switch.
You may also decide to use this as an opportunity to reassess who you want your provider to be.
It’s worth reviewing the contract status with your current provider to see if you can switch. And, if you are, comparison sites like gocompare.co.uk, comparethemarket.co.uk and uswitch.co.uk can be fantastic tools to carry out like-for-like comparisons.
Find the provider that’ll give you the most value.
Step 2: Notify all the relevant people about your change of address
As soon as you know when you’re going to move in, make sure you contact the following people to keep them in the loop and ensure you don’t miss anything vital:
- Your bank
- The local council
- Your mobile phone provider
- Your GP
- The TV licence people
- Anyone else you have regular correspondence with
Step 3: Invest in a good mattress
Most of the furniture for your home can be bought over time so don’t be concerned if you don’t have a fully furnished home from the offset.
However, one item you need to buy is a decent mattress.
A comfortable mattress, even if not the cheapest, is worth buying if it will give you the best sleep.
Think of it as a long-term investment in your physical and mental well-being.
You spend a third of your day sleeping. If there’s any area where you deserve to treat yourself, it’s here.
Step 4: Learn how your house works
If you’re used to renting, moving into a new home, where you’re responsible for the workings of the house, can be quite a jarring experience.
There’s no longer the option of giving the estate agent a call so that they can contact the landlord. You are now the landlord.
You should learn the following if you can:
- Where your circuit breakers are
- Where your boiler is and how it works
- If your smoke detector(s) work/if they need to have their batteries changed.
- If there are any areas of your home that require child proofing.
It’s also recommended that you find a reliable electrician and/or plumber you can reach out to whenever required.
Step 5: Buy a washing machine
When it comes down to the most essential of essential appliances, washing machines are right up there.
If you move into a home with an integrated kitchen, you don’t need to worry as much about ensuring you have an oven, fridge or freezer, and whilst entertainment-oriented appliances like a television might be lovely nice-to-haves, with a laptop and a stable wi-fi connection, they’re no longer as integral.
But without a washing machine, it’s hard to go much longer than a week or two in your new home.
The washing machine is often something of an unsung hero, but it should be at the very top of anyone’s list of must-have appliances when moving into a new home.
Making a house a home is a marathon not a sprint and it’s important to note that the above 5 steps won’t instantly make you feel entirely at home.
However, with each passing week, you will find that you end up adding little touches to your home that make it feel warmer and cosier. Homes tend to grow with the owner. Enjoy the process!
