What to do in your first week at your new home
You've survived moving day. Now you're surrounded by boxes and wondering where to start. Don't try to do everything at once — focus on the essentials first, then work through the rest during your first week.
Day 1–2: the essentials
Get the beds set up and made, unpack the kitchen basics (kettle, mugs, plates, cutlery, pans), and make sure the bathroom is functional with towels, toilet roll, and soap. Test that everything works — heating, hot water, cooker, lights, and locks. If anything isn't working, contact your landlord, estate agent, or arrange a repair.
Day 2–3: key admin tasks
Submit meter readings to your energy suppliers. Update your address with your bank, employer, DVLA, and GP. Set up mail redirection if you haven't already. Register for council tax at your new address — your local council should contact you, but don't wait for them. Register on the electoral roll at your new address.
Day 3–5: room by room unpacking
Work through one room at a time rather than opening random boxes. Start with the rooms you use most — kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living room. Break down boxes as you go and bundle cardboard for recycling. Don't feel pressured to finish everything in a week — some boxes can wait.
Day 5–7: settling in
Explore your new area: find the nearest supermarket, pharmacy, post office, and GP surgery. Introduce yourself to the neighbours if it feels natural. Test your broadband and set up your Wi-Fi properly. Consider a deep clean of the house now that the boxes are mostly unpacked — it's much easier when rooms are clear. Use our moving house checklist to make sure you haven't missed anything.
Common questions
- What should I unpack first?
- Bedding and beds, then kitchen essentials, then bathroom. After that, prioritise whatever makes the space feel liveable to you — for some people that's the living room, for others it's getting clothes out of boxes.
- How do I get rid of all the cardboard boxes?
- Flatten them and put them out with your cardboard recycling (check your new council's collection schedule). You can also offer them on Freecycle or local Facebook groups — someone moving soon will gladly take them.
- Should I change the locks?
- It's a sensible precaution, especially if you don't know how many keys were cut by previous owners. You can buy a replacement cylinder lock for around £10–£30 and fit it yourself, or call a locksmith.
Related guides
- How to register on the electoral roll when you move houseMoved house? Register to vote at your new address. It takes 5 minutes, helps your credit score, and is a legal requirement.
- How to change your council tax when you move houseMoving house? You need to update council tax with both your old and new council. Here's how to avoid paying double and what to do on moving day.
- How to register with a new GP when you move houseMoving to a new area? You'll need to register with a new GP surgery. Here's how to find one, what you need, and how long it takes.
Moving soon? Get your free personalised moving checklist — we'll tell you exactly what to do and when.
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