To many people moving into a new home comes with new excitement, but it is very important to carry out the following tasks to fully settle into your new home.
Locate utility supply meters and valves
Make sure you know where your electric circuit breaker box, Gas meter/valve and Main water meter/valve are located in case of emergencies, or just in case you’re about to fix any issues and need to turn off the electricity gals or water supply.
Secure your new home
Change the locks on all outside doors to ensure that you and your family are the only persons who have access to your new home. Double-check all windows and doors and make sure they close securely.
Replace batteries and Test smoke alarms, install one if there isn’t any.
Change of Address
Inform of the new address to the following (banks, lenders, credit cards, hire purchase, driving license and DVLA, insurance companies, employer, internet/phone provider, mobile phone provider, investment/pensions, website domain/host if you have one, Amazon/ebay/paypal, Utility providers water/gas/electricity, TV license, kids school, memberships/subscriptions, and of course to your friends and families.
Also do mail redirection from the post office.
Register with a new GP if moving to a new area.
Check for any equipment warranty documents that may have been left behind by previous owner
Make sure you buy home insurance, content insurance if necessary, and Home Emergency plan.
Inform your local council you are the new occupier for council tax bill
Check you have keys or codes/passwords to access (doors, windows, any other cabinets, garage, refuse area, car park, meter boxes, main gate etc)
If you are moving to a gated flat, you may need gate fobs and codes
Know your block Managing agent to whom you will have to pay service charge. Ground rent is generally paid to different party.
You may need vehicle parking permit and guest permit too.
Know where is the nearest primary / secondary school, grammar school, GP, Pharmacy, Dentist, Hospital, veterinary, post office
And of course Meet your neighbors !
