First Time Buyers - Moving In

Warrell

HI All,

All looks to be progressing well for the purchase of our first property, offer accepted, mortgage approved, pending valuation.

Wanted to ask once we exchange for your advice and suggestions around setting everything thing up. Is there a list anywhere you can point me to of all things like:
Council Tax
TV Licence
Phone
Broadband
Gas
Electric
Water

which need setting up (don't want to miss any) and how to get the best deals when starting out as there seems to be lots of info re switching & comparing but none (that I can find) about starting out with the best deals.

Plus anything else I might need to think about outside of utilities

pandora205

Council tax
TV licence

PasturesNew

Think about whether they're leaving the curtains .... so you're at least prepared to rush in and stick "something up at the windows".

You need something you can shut when it gets dark outside.... even if you end up using a broom handle, two bits of string and a sheet (or is that just me?)

G_M

Lots of lists.

Google "house moving list" or similar.......

firely2327

your list is pretty good as it is and Money Saving Expert has lots of information on finding the best deals for these, you just need to search under the relevant topics.
Regarding council tax, don't worry. You'll get a bill automatically. Once the house is in your name the council will contact you.


Don't forget to read the meters the day you move in so that you're not stuck paying part of the previous owners bills. Make sure you know where the meters are and whether they're prepay or bill. I couldn't read my gas meter when I bought my first property last year as I didn't have gas key to open the door of the meter...duh! It was a new one on me it being outside and obviously therefore lockable.


You may want to think about setting up a mail redirection service so that the mail from your previous property reaches you at your new one. https://www.royalmail.com/personal/receiving-mail/redirection

jackomdj

Moving in day make sure you have an essentials box handy. It should include things like:
Toilet roll
Cleaning products (polish, duster, bleach, cif or similar etc)
Drinks (water, squash, cups, hot drink kit depending on preferences)
Snacks
Bedding (if you don't get in till late you won't want to be hunting for your bedding so make sure you can get to it)
Screwdrivers (for putting things back together)
A couple if spare light bulbs (just in case)

And make sure your Hoover is easily accessible. Remember if the house is left dirty you will want to run it around before putting your bulky furniture over it!