Your first day in your new home - Unpacking and essentials
The first day in a new home can be both exciting and overwhelming. By prioritising certain tasks and creating a plan, you can settle in comfortably. In this guide, we’ll go over key steps for your first day in your new home, including essential tasks, unpacking tips, and ways to make the space feel like yours right away.
1. Unpacking essentials first
Starting with essential items will make your first night comfortable and help you feel settled:
Set up the kitchen basics: Unpack plates, cutlery, a kettle, and basic food items to make your first meals easy. This will allow you to start the day with a hot drink and quick meals without digging through boxes.
Prepare the bedrooms and bathroom: Set up your bed, unpack bedding, and ensure towels and toiletries are accessible. Having a ready-made bed and bathroom essentials will make your first night and morning much smoother.
Keep important documents accessible: Make sure essential documents, such as IDs, property paperwork, and contact details for your solicitor or estate agent, are easy to find in case you need them.
2. Checking utilities and services
Ensuring that all utilities and essential services are up and running will help you settle in more comfortably:
Confirm that utilities are functioning: Check that water, electricity, gas, and heating are working as expected. If anything isn’t functioning, contact the relevant provider for assistance.
Set up internet and Wi-Fi: If you’ve arranged for internet installation, confirm the setup to ensure it’s ready when needed. Internet connectivity is often essential for work, entertainment, and staying in touch with friends and family.
Notify the local council of your move: Registering your new address with the council ensures you receive any council tax or refuse collection information promptly.
3. Inspecting the property
Conducting a quick inspection on the first day will help you spot any issues that might need attention:
Check for any maintenance needs: Inspect each room for signs of issues, such as leaks, loose fixtures, or electrical concerns, so you can address them early.
Familiarise yourself with emergency shut-off points: Locate and familiarise yourself with key utilities, such as the fuse box, gas shut-off valve, and water stopcock. Knowing these locations will be useful in case of an emergency.
Locate key appliances and safety items: Identify smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers to ensure safety in your new home.
4. Making the space your own
Small touches on your first day can help make your new house feel more like home:
Add personal décor items: Unpack a few personal items, like family photos, plants, or artwork, to bring a sense of familiarity and comfort to the space.
Plan your furniture layout: Take some time to arrange your main furniture items. Even if everything isn’t perfect right away, having a functional layout will make unpacking easier.
Meet the neighbours: If possible, introduce yourself to neighbours on your first day. Building a connection with your new community can make settling in more enjoyable.
What Open Moove suggests next
At Open Moove, we recommend these steps for a smooth first day in your new home:
Prioritise essentials first: Unpack only what you need to feel comfortable, such as kitchen items and bedding, to avoid overwhelming yourself.
Use Open Moove’s local connections for maintenance support: If any issues arise, our platform can connect you with trusted local professionals to assist with maintenance or setup needs.
Take your time to settle in: Moving can be tiring, so pace yourself, enjoy the new surroundings, and let Open Moove provide any resources you may need.
By focusing on essentials and gradually making the space your own, you can enjoy a comfortable and welcoming first day in your new home.
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