As you frantically pack everything, sort out any unpaid bills and book a great house moving service, do you wonder if there are items you’ve missed? Save yourself from the regret: here’s a must-buy items checklist before you move into your new place:
Common items to buy before moving in
Let’s get some essentials out of the way first, shall we? You’re going to need cleaning supplies, which will typically include:
- A good multi-surface cleaner and floor disinfectant, paper towels, a dustpan, a broom, trash cans or bags, and an all-purpose cleaner for everything else. Don’t forget the usual cleaning cloths, scrubbers, sponges, cloths, dusters, mop, and bucket.
- We’re also going to need some basic tools, such as hammers and screwdrivers, as well as a tape measure and toolbox.
- For your bedding, pack a reasonable amount of sheets, pillows, duvets, and towels.
- Your kitchen essentials would include basic pantry items, eating utensils, and cookware.
- If applicable, your packing supplies will have the usual packing tape and boxes, as well as bubble wrap and markers.
- It wouldn’t hurt to pack a dust mask, first-aid kit, and extension cords.
Specific things to buy for your new home
Before we discuss some of the move-in and first night essentials, we need to make sure that:
- The meter readings have been taken beforehand and passed on to your desired utility suppliers
- The smoke and CO2 detectors are working
- The utilities are up and running
- Any items that need to be there as per your contract are all there
- Clean up the kitchen, especially the fridge and cupboards
- Your homeowner’s insurance plans and other essential documents are kept in a safe and secure place
First-night essentials checklist: what to buy
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and toilet rolls
- Shower essentials (soap, body wash, shampoo + conditioner, and towels)
- Pyjamas, duvet, bedding & pillows
- Phone chargers
- Hot water bottle if you’re heating isn’t working yet
Cleaning checklist: what to buy
- Dustpan & brush
- Feather duster
- Cloths, sponges & scrubbers
- Disinfectant
- Mop and bucket
- Bleach spray for the kitchen & bathroom
- Laundry detergent (and fabric softener if you use them)
- Airer
- Vacuum cleaner
Kitchen essentials: what to buy
- Microwave oven (including oven gloves), toaster, and kettle
- Cutlery, pots, and pans
- Cups, mugs, glasses, bottle openers, tin openers, and baking trays
- Bin bags, sponges & cloths, washing up liquid, etc.
Moving-related services you’ll need
Researching moving services is an essential part of the house-moving process. Some of the things you’d want to check are online reviews and testimonials, any word-of-mouth recommendations, whether they have a local-only or also nationwide presence, and what kind of credentials & licenses they carry.
Or, you could just save yourself a whole lot of time and trouble by contacting Please Connect Me, a tailored service that can help you deal with every aspect of moving before you move in.
Last-minute tips
- It’s always a good idea to have your electricity transferred the day before closing. No need to scramble at the last moment to get the power turned on!
- Check your internet equipment in advance so that everything is in place and ready to be set up when you arrive. Ah, unwind and enjoy some TV in your new home!
- Don’t forget the mop, vacuum, and other cleaning supplies, as you might want to clean everything one last time before setting down the furniture.
- Pack a bag of extra clothes and essentials, including kids’ essentials if you have little ones, such as card games, reading and colouring books, baby changing supplies, soft toys for comfort, your iPad or reading tablet, etc.
Fees/charges to be aware of
- SDLT – Stamp Duty Land Tax is a tax payable when you buy residential property valued at over £250,000.
- Legal fee – Also known as conveyancing, this covers the legal work related to property buying, such as ownership transfer and finalisation of mortgage.
- Property survey costs – A survey can be very useful in identifying potential issues with the property before you buy it.
- Estate agent fee – If you bought your place through an estate agency, you’ll need to pay them a fee.
- Removal fee – This covers the cost of working with a moving or removals service.
- Storage costs – If you’ve hired a company or service to temporarily keep your belongings in a designated location, then be sure to factor in these costs.
- EPC – The Energy Performance Certificate is a document which shows the property’s energy efficiency. You’ll need this in case you want to rent out part of your space or when you want to sell it.
Average moving costs in 2024 in the UK
The average cost of moving house in the UK in 2024 was recorded at just under £14,000. This includes moving costs, estate agent fees, legal fees, and stamp duty.
These up-front expenses may be influenced by factors like the size of the property, the distance between your current and new home, the packing services booked, the location, and the time of year.
Make moving easy on yourself
Ready to move? Please Connect Me will sort everything for you – from your energy, TV, and internet, to your council tax, landline, water, cleaning, and more.
Move in and feel right at home by booking one of the UK’s leading services for moving house and utilities management. It’s as easy as signing up, allowing our team to run checks on your property to find the best suppliers and deals, and having them set everything up for you before you even set foot through the front door!
