Getting the keys to your new home is one of life's most exciting milestones.
After months of viewings, paperwork and packing, it's tempting to put your feet up and enjoy your new surroundings. But before you fully settle in, there are a number of jobs that are worth tackling early. Some will help protect your investment, while others can save you money and prevent costly repairs further down the line.
Whether you've bought a period cottage, a modern family home or your forever property, here's our checklist of things every homeowner should consider after moving in.
1. Change the Locks
You never know how many spare keys are still in circulation from previous owners, neighbours or tradespeople.
Replacing external door locks is a relatively inexpensive job and provides complete peace of mind from day one.
2. Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
It sounds obvious, but it's often overlooked during the excitement of moving.
Replace batteries where needed and consider upgrading older alarms if they're nearing the end of their lifespan.
3. Check for Damp and Mould
Even if your survey didn't highlight any issues, it's worth keeping an eye out during the first few weeks.
Look behind furniture, inside cupboards, around windows and in loft spaces for signs of condensation, mould or damp patches. Catching problems early can make a significant difference.
4. Inspect Window and Door Seals
Small gaps around windows and doors can lead to draughts and higher energy bills.
Replacing worn seals is often a quick, affordable improvement that makes your home more comfortable all year round.
5. Service the Boiler
If you don't know when the boiler was last serviced, book one as soon as possible.
An annual service helps keep everything running safely and efficiently, particularly before the colder months arrive.
6. Bleed Radiators
While you're thinking about heating, check every radiator is warming up evenly.
Cold spots often indicate trapped air and can usually be resolved with a simple bleed.
7. Clean Gutters and Check the Roof
Blocked gutters can quickly lead to overflowing water, damp and damage to brickwork.
It's also worth carrying out a visual inspection of the roof to spot any slipped or damaged tiles before they become a bigger issue.
8. Reseal Baths, Showers and Sinks
Old silicone can crack or peel over time, allowing water to seep into walls and flooring.
Fresh sealant is inexpensive and can prevent costly water damage.
9. Check the Loft
Take a look inside the loft to check insulation levels, ventilation and for any signs of leaks or pests.
If the loft isn't boarded, you may also want to consider creating safe storage space.
10. Inspect the Electrics
Check the consumer unit, test sockets and identify where your stopcock and fuse box are located.
If you're unsure about the condition of the electrics, arranging an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) can provide reassurance.
11. Refresh Exterior Woodwork
Fences, sheds and timber windows all benefit from regular treatment.
A fresh coat of paint or wood preservative helps protect them from the British weather.
12. Pressure Wash Patios and Driveways
Driveways and patios often look completely different after a professional clean.
If block paving has become loose, you may also want to consider re-sanding or resealing to prolong its lifespan.
13. Give Your Lawn Some Attention
Moving house often means inheriting someone else's garden.
Scarifying, feeding, overseeding or simply mowing regularly can make a dramatic difference over the coming months.
14. Trim Trees and Hedges
Overgrown trees and hedges not only affect appearance but can block light and cause maintenance issues.
A tidy garden instantly makes your new home feel cared for.
15. Deep Clean Carpets and Upholstery
Even if the house was professionally cleaned before completion, many homeowners choose to have carpets and upholstery cleaned before moving furniture into place.
16. Locate Your Utilities
Take meter readings immediately after moving in and familiarise yourself with the stopcock, electricity consumer unit and gas shut-off valve.
You'll be grateful you know where they are if an emergency ever arises.
17. Check External Drainage
Ensure drains and gullies are clear of leaves and debris, particularly after heavy rain.
Blocked drains are far easier to deal with before they become a problem.
18. Consider Security Upgrades
Doorbell cameras, security lighting, alarm systems and smart locks can all provide extra reassurance, particularly if you're new to the area.
19. Plan Future Improvements
You don't need to renovate everything immediately.
Spend a few months living in the property before making major decisions. You'll often discover how you naturally use each room and where improvements will have the biggest impact.
20. Find Trusted Local Tradespeople
One of the best parts of moving into a new community is discovering brilliant local businesses.
From electricians and plumbers to gardeners, decorators, roofers, carpet cleaners, driveway specialists, locksmiths, tree surgeons and window cleaners, having reliable tradespeople you can call makes homeownership much easier.
We'd Love Your Recommendations
This is where we'd like your help.
Are you a trusted local tradesperson? Introduce yourself in the comments below and tell readers about the services you offer, the areas you cover and how they can get in touch.
Have you recently moved house? We'd love to hear which local businesses made your move easier. Share your recommendations in the comments and help other homeowners discover trusted professionals in the area.
Supporting local businesses helps strengthen our community, and personal recommendations are often the best place to start when choosing someone to work on your home.
As always, while recommendations from friends, neighbours and local groups can be incredibly helpful, we encourage everyone to carry out their own research before appointing a contractor. Read online reviews, check qualifications where appropriate, ask for references and obtain more than one quotation before committing to any work.
A little research now can save a lot of time, money and stress later.
Whether you've just moved in or have lived locally for years, your recommendations could help someone else feel at home that little bit sooner.
If you're planning a move and would like help every step of the way, from finding your next home to connecting you with trusted local professionals once you've moved in, get in touch with the team today. We'd be delighted to help make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Your local property experts; our advice is free but our knowledge is priceless.
"I have been in and around the Hertfordshire property market for over 25 years, starting as an estate agent in the county town of Hertford and now running a successful lettings and property management company based in Stanstead Abbotts. I have let and managed property all over Hertfordshire from the area that I currently work to Wheathampstead where I owned and managed a lettings & estate agents to Watford and surrounding areas where my company acted as a marketing agent for one of the largest property management companies in the country.”
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