Stress, excitement, anxiety – it can be a mixed bag of emotions when moving into a new house. There’s so much to plan, pack, and organise! Amidst the chaos, having a new house checklist ensures you don’t overlook what you need for a new house before and after moving in.

To make the process smoother, Henfield Storage has put together a list of must-haves to help you settle in. With years of experience assisting UK homeowners with moving and storage, we know what it takes to turn a house into a home.

How to prepare for moving into a new home

One overlooked aspect of relocating is how long it takes to get everything in order. That’s why you’ll want to plan and prepare everything beforehand – it’ll save you a lot of stress when moving day arrives.

Here’s how to prepare for moving into a new home:

1. Book a Removals Service & Consider Storage

Start by booking a reliable removals service for heavy lifting and transport. Get quotes from a few companies to find the best deal for your budget and needs. If you’re downsizing or just have more stuff than you need, consider renting a storage unit It keeps things safe and out of the way while you get settled.

A few things to keep in mind:

If you need a freight elevator or parking space, book it in advance.
Let your neighbours know if the moving van might block access.
Check insurance coverage for your belongings during transit—some removals companies offer protection, but it’s worth confirming.

2. Sort Out Utilities and Change of Address

The last thing you want is to move into a new home without electricity or running water. To avoid this, sort out your utilities ahead of time. Contact your service providers to transfer existing accounts or set up new ones at your new address. While you’re at it, update your details with banks, insurance companies, and government agencies to ensure you don’t miss any important notices or bills.

A few other key things to tick off:

Set up mail redirection to avoid missing important post.
Update your address on online shopping accounts to prevent deliveries from going to your old home.
Check local waste collection schedules to know when and how to dispose of rubbish and recycling at your new place.

3. Secure Important Documents & Valuables

It’s easy to lose essential documents and valuables in the chaos of moving, so be sure to secure them before packing. Keep them in a safe place throughout your move and transport them yourself if possible.

Some items you should keep close include:

Identification (passport, driver’s license)
Birth certificates
Social security cards
Important financial documents (bank statements, insurance policies)
Jewellery and small valuables

You can also photograph or scan important documents and store them electronically as a backup. This will come in handy if any papers do go missing during the move.

4. Declutter, Pack & Use Storage if Needed

Before packing, take the opportunity to declutter—there’s no point in moving things you no longer need. Donate, sell, or toss anything that doesn’t serve a purpose.

When packing, start with non-essentials and gradually work your way to everyday items. This keeps things organised and makes unpacking easier.

A few helpful tips:

Use sturdy boxes, colour-coded labels, and protective wrapping for fragile items.
Consider storage for seasonal or bulky items to free up space at home.

A little planning now saves a lot of time and stress later on.

5. Final Preparations (One Week Before Moving)

On your final week, it’s time to finalise moving plans and pack your moving day essentials separately. This helps the transition go smoothly and avoids scrambling through boxes to find necessities.

Confirm the moving date with your removals company.
Do a final walk-through with your agent and document any issues.
Pack a moving day essentials box (toiletries, chargers, snacks, and a kettle).
Disassemble furniture to make moving easier.

And that’s it – you’re now ready to make the move to your new home!

Now, let’s move onto what to do after the move.

Moving into New Home Checklist

Use this checklist to help you settle into your new home:

First Day To-Do’s

Most people simply unpack the first day they arrive. However, there are a few tasks to get out of the way first.

Change the locks for added security.
Check that all utilities are working (electricity, water, gas).
Give your new place a thorough clean – it’s a lot easier to do without any furniture in the way.
Unpack your essentials box and set up your bed for a good night’s sleep.

After performing the above, we recommend unpacking your things room by room. This helps to keep things organised and manageable.

Kitchen

So why start with the kitchen? Because it’s the heart of your home and is usually the most used room. Plus, no one wants to eat takeout for days on end.

Trash and recycling bins – Keep things tidy from day one.
Cleaning supplies – Cloths, detergent, washing-up liquid, and sponges.
Cutlery, crockery, and glasses – For everyday meals and drinks.
Pots, pans, and baking trays – Essential for cooking.
Cooking utensils – Spatulas, wooden spoons, and ladles.
Tea towels and oven gloves – For safe and mess-free cooking.
Small appliances – Toaster, kettle, and microwave.
Table and chairs – Even a small setup makes meals easier.
Food storage containers – For leftovers and organisation.

Bedroom

Your bedroom is where you spend most of your time resting and recharging. Unpacking this room first will help you settle in and relax after a long day of moving.

Bedding – Sheets, pillows, and blankets for a good night’s sleep.
Clothes – Set up your closet or dresser for easy access.
Toiletries – Pack an overnight bag with essentials like a toothbrush and deodorant.
Furniture – Bed frame, mattress, nightstands, and dresser.
Lighting – Table lamp, floor lamp, or bedside light.
Hangers & Laundry Basket – Keeps clothes organised from day one.
Curtains or blinds – For privacy and better sleep.
Storage solutions – Baskets, bins, or under-bed storage.
Mirror – Useful for getting ready.

Bathroom

The bathroom is a busy place, so unpacking it will help you get back into your daily routine quickly. You’ll want to have your toiletries and basic supplies easily accessible.

Toiletries – Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.
Towels – Bath towels, hand towels, washcloths.
Shower curtain & liner – For privacy and to prevent water damage.
Toilet paper & plunger – Essential in case of an emergency.
Cleaning supplies – Toilet cleaner, surface cleaner, and bleach.
Bath mat – Prevents slipping and absorbs excess water.
Toilet brush & holder – Keeps the toilet clean.
Trash can & liners – Helps with waste disposal.
Mirror – If one isn’t already installed.

Living Room

The living room is where you relax, entertain, and spend time with loved ones. It’s important to make this space comfortable and functional.

Sofa – The main seating for you and your guests.
Coffee table – For placing drinks, snacks, or books.
TV & stand – If you have a TV, set it up for entertainment.
Lamps – To create ambient lighting and avoid harsh overhead lights.
WiFi router – Place it centrally for the best signal.
Armchairs or additional seating – If more seating is needed.
Side tables – Useful for drinks, lamps, or books.
Curtains or blinds – For privacy and light control.
Rug – Adds warmth and comfort.
Storage unit or shelving – Helps keep the space organised.

Cleaning Supplies

We’ve briefly mentioned cleaning supplies already, but it’s worth emphasising their importance. Keeping your new home clean and tidy will help you feel more settled and in control.

Wiping cloths, sponges, and scrubbers – Microfibre cloths are great for dust.
Feather duster – Helps with hard-to-reach areas.
Mop and bucket – Essential for floors.
Dustpan and brush – Quick cleanups made easy.
Vacuum cleaner – A must-have for carpets, floors, and upholstery.
Kitchen and bathroom spray – For deep cleaning surfaces.
General disinfectant – Keeps your home germ-free.
Floor cleaner – Tailored to your floor type.
Bleach and toilet cleaner – Keeps the bathroom sanitary.
Washing-up liquid – For cleaning dishes and surfaces.
Washing powder/liquid – If you have a washing machine.
Clothes horse – Handy for drying clothes without radiators.

Other New Home Essentials

These are some other items that may not fall into a specific category, but are still important to have in your new home:

Tool kit – For any DIY tasks or assembling furniture.
First aid kit – Just in case of any accidents.
Batteries – For remotes, clocks, and other devices.
Extension cords and power strips – Useful for hard-to-reach outlets or areas with limited sockets.
Scissors and tape – Handy for opening packages and quick fixes.
Umbrella/raincoat – You never know when you might need it.
Emergency contact list/numbers – In case of emergencies or if you need to contact your landlord.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – For safety in case of fire or gas leaks.
Fire extinguisher – In case of small fires that can be easily put out.
Flashlight – Useful for power outages or finding things in dark corners.

When to Consider Self Storage (And How Henfield Self Storage Can Help)

Moving isn’t always as simple as tossing everything into a van and heading to your new place. Some furniture might not fit right away, and sentimental items may need a temporary home until you have space for them. A storage unit gives you breathing room, letting you move at your own pace without the stress of cramming everything in.

Whether you’re downsizing, rennovating or just needing extra space, Henfield Storage is here to help. We assist homeowners in London and Sussex every day in storing their belongings safely during life’s transitions. Our storage units come in various sizes with state-of-the-art security, affordable prices and flexible rental options.

Don’t wait until the last minute to figure out storage solutions. Book a unit with us today and make your move or life transition stress-free. A little extra space can make a big difference!

By Marvin

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