first things to do when moving in

magali

First I would like to thanks the all moneysaving forum for their help and good advices, after 4 months we are moving in our flat on friday:j

I would like to know what are the first things to do when moving in?
-I am thinking of changing the door lock but don't know if I should buy one (if so where?) or contact someone who will provide it and fix it.
-Get in touch with gas, electricity,Thames water and BT.
-Introduce myself to the neighbours.
Can you see anything else?

nearlyrich

If you are competant at DIY you can buy a new lock and fit it yourself if not employ a locksmith (get some quotes first)

Send change of address letters to friends and family, banks etc, don't forget things like your driving licence, tax office etc.

Maybe give it a good clean, stardrops and micro fibre cloths come in handy here, even if the people who are leaving have left it clean I wouldn't use a bathroom or kitchen that I hadn't deep cleaned.

Good luck in your new home hope you are very happy there.

Hourglass

Hi

I too am moving in just under 2 weeks so congratulations!

I have been recomended to look at Screwfix for cheap door locks that are easy to fit.

I presume you've made a note of all the 101 people you need to let know of your change of address?

Maybe buy the local paper for local tradesmen and businesses for jobs you need doing and in case there are any emergencies!

The usual things like making sure you paint before you lay flooring (if you are doing that). Pack a small bag with essentials that you need as soon as you get in such as drinks, food, loo rolls and light bulbs.

Hope this helps - and good luck

clutton_2

don't forget to read gas/electric meter straght away and phone readings to supplier (any utility company can give you the number to call where you can find the name of your supplier); and contact Local council council tax office to say when you moved in.

dont forget to arrange for post to be redirected from your old address - dont rely on anyone other than the royal mail to do this.

check out boiler to make sure it is working, check out all plugs, and switches - open and shut all drawers and doors; take some plain sheets and pegs with you, just in case they have taken curtains/blinds with them, at least you can peg a sheet up to stop nosey folks peering in for the first night or two.

enjoy !!!!!!

jamminjamaica

i would also clean the house from top to bottom. oh and dont forget your pet. last year my father moved house and left the cat till last. locked the door and handed keys over to the estate agent. drove 30 minutes to new house to realise he forgot the cat. panic, panic. drove all the way back to estate agent and luckily they still had the keys so he could save sasha.

black-saturn

The first thing I always do is put some curtains up. If you don't you end up with everyone looking in to see what their new neighours are like.

Mrs_pbradley936

Make the bed. When you have moved and unpacked boxes for hours it is wonderful to fall into a clean bed. I hate changing duvet covers and could not bear to do it if I was tired.

clutton_2

""it is wonderful to fall into a clean bed."" and then have a jolly lovely cuddle !!!!

inmypocketnottheirs

nearlyrich wrote:

Maybe give it a good clean, stardrops and micro fibre cloths come in handy here, even if the people who are leaving have left it clean I wouldn't use a bathroom or kitchen that I hadn't deep cleaned.

Would you like to come and use my kitchen and bathroom!

inmypocketnottheirs

clutton wrote:

dont forget to arrange for post to be redirected from your old address - dont rely on anyone other than the royal mail to do this.

Don't even rely on Royal Mail to do this! In my experience a lot of mail still does not get forwarded. Make sure that all your bank, buliding society, mobile phone accounts, credit cards etc are notified.

pboae

What sort of locks are they? If it's a standard Yale you can just replace the barrel, much easier than replacing the whole lot. For a mortice, if you take it out and measure it up and buy one the same size. If you aren't sure, take the barrel and motice down to a big DIY store and have them reccomend replacements. (Then go and buy them somewhere cheaper)