First-Time Buyer's Moving Day Checklist
Congratulations — you've found your first home, had your offer accepted, and navigated the conveyancing process. Now comes the exciting part: moving in. But moving day as a first-time buyer comes with a few specific challenges and considerations. Here's everything you need to know.
After Exchange of Contracts
Once you've exchanged contracts, your completion date is set. From this point:
- Book your removal company immediately — the best companies book up fast for popular completion dates (last Friday of the month, for example)
- Confirm buildings insurance is in place from exchange (not completion) — you're responsible for the property from exchange
- Start packing non-essential items
- Arrange post redirection to start from your completion date
- Begin notifying utility companies, banks, and key contacts of your new address
One Week Before Completion
- Confirm your solicitor's completion timeline — typically funds transfer in the morning, keys released mid-afternoon
- Confirm with your removal company: start time, access arrangements, parking
- Arrange parking suspension at your old property if needed (requires 5–10 days notice from the council)
- Finish packing all but essential items
- Take meter readings at your current home
- Defrost your freezer — start now if it's a large one
- Pack an essentials box: kettle, mugs, toilet paper, phone charger, medication, change of clothes, and important documents
Completion Day Morning
- Be ready for the removal team when they arrive — everything should be packed and accessible
- Do a final walkthrough of your old home before the van leaves: loft, under beds, cupboard tops, garage, shed, garden
- Take final meter readings and photograph them
- Return all keys to your landlord (if renting) or estate agent
- Leave your contact details for the new occupants in case of post or questions
When Your Solicitor Confirms Completion
Completion typically happens between midday and 2pm. Once your solicitor confirms that funds have transferred:
- Collect your keys — either from the estate agent or directly from the seller
- Take meter readings at your new property as soon as you enter
- Photograph any existing damage — wall marks, scratches, broken fittings — before any furniture is brought in
- Check the property has been left in the agreed condition
- Locate the gas and electric meters, stopcock (water mains), fuse box, and central heating controls
Your First Night in Your New Home
- Prioritise: bed, kettle, bathroom — in that order
- Set up your broadband router — if it's a new connection, you may need to wait for an engineer
- Find out about bin collection days (check your new council's website)
- Introduce yourself to your new neighbours — a good start to the relationship
First Week Admin
- Update your address with DVLA (driving licence and V5C logbook)
- Update your GP, dentist, and any specialist medical providers
- Register on the electoral roll at your new address
- Update your bank and all financial accounts
- Set up council tax account with your new local authority
- Contact energy suppliers to take over the existing accounts or set up new ones
- Change your locks — you don't know how many copies of the keys exist
One Month In
- Check your post redirection is working correctly
- Review your home insurance — buildings insurance should already be in place; now add contents
- Arrange a boiler service if one wasn't done recently
- Get to know your local area: nearest GP, supermarket, pharmacy, and transport links
Book Your First Home Move
Fair Price Movers has helped hundreds of first-time buyers move into their first homes across London. We understand that your first move is a big deal — and we treat it that way. Get a free fixed-price quote or call our team on 020 7101 4364.