Moving into your first home is one of those big milestones in life, and, financially speaking, it’s a pretty big one too. There’s a lot to think about. From getting your finances in order and finding the right property to dealing with conveyancers, surveys, mortgages and, eventually, getting the keys, it can quickly feel like there’s a lot of paperwork and a lot of people involved. You’ll probably speak to more solicitors than you ever expected outside of a networking event. That’s why we’ve put together this no-nonsense moving checklist for first-time buyers. It covers what to think about when buying your first home, what to get sorted in the weeks before moving and the practical jobs worth remembering on moving day.

A Checklist When Looking to Buy Your First Home

Before you make the final offer, there's a lot to consider. From the financial to the logistical, getting everything down on a list and working through it one step at a time is one of the simplest ways to keep the process moving and avoid unnecessary costs. Whether you're looking at first-time buyer houses, a first-time buyer new build or an older property that needs a little work, the fundamentals are largely the same.

Step 1: Financial Preparation

  • Check your credit score
  • Have your deposit ready
  • Set a realistic budget
  • Get an Agreement in Principle (AIP)
  • Factor in additional costs such as surveys, conveyancing, moving costs and insurance
  • Keep some money aside for the costs that come with owning a home rather than renting one
Knowing your numbers early means you can search with confidence and avoid falling in love with a property that sits outside your budget.

Step 2: Looking for a New House or Apartment

Once your finances are in order, it’s time to start looking.
  • Define what you need from a house or apartment
  • Consider what you might need in the future, not just today
  • Research the local area
  • Look at transport links, amenities and local services
  • Book viewings
  • Check the property’s energy rating
  • Ask questions about the property and surrounding area
  • Talk to an experienced estate agent
The right property is about more than the house or apartment itself. Location, condition, running costs and what is happening in the surrounding area all matter when you’re making a long-term commitment.

Step 3: Submitting an Offer

Found the one? Before you start mentally arranging the furniture, there are still a few things to sort.
  • Make your offer
  • Instruct a conveyancer or solicitor
  • Book a property survey
  • Fully apply for your mortgage, whether this is from your AIP or from scratch
  • Provide any documents your lender or solicitor requests promptly
  • Check what is included in the sale
Getting these things moving quickly can help prevent avoidable delays later in the process.

Step 4: The Exchange

Once your solicitor and lender have completed their checks and everything is ready, you’ll move towards exchange.
  • Arrange buildings insurance
  • Exchange contracts
  • Confirm your completion date
  • Pack and arrange your move
  • Set up utilities for the new property
  • Arrange your final meter readings
  • Complete
At this point, the property purchase becomes legally binding. Completion is the day you get the keys and the property officially becomes yours. Ultimately, working with an estate agent that knows the area and doesn’t believe in hyped-up valuations can take some of the uncertainty out of purchasing a home. A good agent should give you a realistic view of the property and the market, rather than simply telling you what you want to hear.

What to Expect When Moving House for the First Time

So, you've found your perfect home, the deal is done, the contracts are signed, and your moving date is on the horizon. Now for the fun part - painting, decorating, choosing furniture and finally making the place yours. Before you get to that stage, though, there are a few practical jobs worth getting out of the way. This moving into a new house checklist is designed to keep things manageable, so you know what needs doing and when.

6 to 8 Weeks Before

This is the stage where getting organised pays off. If you're moving out of your current property, look into removal companies and get a few quotes. If you're moving from your parents' house, you might be able to recruit them and a van instead. It's also a good time to start decluttering. There's little point paying to move things you haven't used in years, so be ruthless. If you haven't opened that box since you moved in last time, you probably don't need to take it with you. Start collecting packing materials too. You'll need more boxes than you think, along with tape, marker pens and something to protect anything fragile. Some supermarkets and local shops will happily give away spare boxes if you ask. This is also when your change of address list starts to grow. Let your current landlord know if you're renting, and contact your utility providers and local council to let them know you're moving.

2 to 4 Weeks Before

The move is getting closer, so it’s time to start packing properly. Start with the things you don’t use every day. Seasonal clothing, books, ornaments and anything that can live in a box for a few weeks can go first. Work through your address changes too. Your bank, employer, insurance providers and subscription services will all need to know where you’re moving. Arrange your utilities for the new property and check whether you need to organise broadband separately. Take final meter readings at your current home and make arrangements for the new property. And clear the fridge. Use what you can and get rid of anything that isn’t coming with you. That half a lime slowly withering in the back of the fridge probably isn’t making the journey.

1 Week Before

You're nearly there. Finish packing anything that isn't essential and label your boxes clearly. It's worth marking which room each box belongs in, as it saves a lot of time when you're surrounded by boxes at the other end. Put together a small bag or box of essentials that you can keep with you. Think chargers, toiletries, medication, a change of clothes, basic cleaning products, toilet roll and anything else you'll need before you've found the kettle. Confirm the details with your removal company, including arrival time and the address they're heading to. If you're collecting the keys from an estate agent, confirm when and where you'll be able to collect them. Keep your important documents somewhere safe and accessible. You don't want to discover that the paperwork you need is at the bottom of a box marked 'kitchen'.

On The Day

It's finally happened. You're moving in. Before you leave your old home, take final meter readings and make sure you've got photographs for your records. Walk through every room and check cupboards, wardrobes, loft spaces and outdoor areas. Make sure you haven't left anything behind. Check that everything is locked and hand over any keys that need returning. When you arrive at your new home, take meter readings straight away. Then give the property a proper walk-through. Check the heating, hot water, taps, toilets, windows and doors. It's also worth checking the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and familiarising yourself with the boiler, fuse box and stopcock. If you're happy that everything is as it should be, you can finally start unpacking. And if changing the locks gives you a little more peace of mind, it's a relatively simple job to arrange.

The Moving Checklist

Stage Task Done
Buying Your Home Check your finances and credit score
Get an Agreement in Principle
Set your budget
Research areas and properties
Book viewings
Make your offer
Instruct your solicitor or conveyancer
Arrange your survey and mortgage
Before Moving Book your removal company
Declutter
Collect packing materials
Start packing
Update your address
Arrange utilities and broadband
Take final meter readings
Confirm key collection and removal arrangements
Pack an essentials bag
On Moving Day Take meter readings at both properties
Check every room before leaving your old home
Make sure the old property is secure
Check your new home's heating, water and utilities
Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Locate the fuse box, boiler and stopcock
Consider changing the locks
Start unpacking

Honest Valuations with Miller Rose

Buying your first home is a significant financial decision, so having an accurate understanding of the property and the market matters. At Miller Rose, we believe property advice should be based on evidence rather than inflated valuations or empty promises. Whether you’re buying your first home or preparing to sell a property, our team combines local market knowledge with a straightforward approach. If you’re looking at houses for first-time buyers or preparing to move on from your current property, speak to Miller Rose about what your next move could look like.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do first when moving into a new house?

Start by organising the practical essentials. Arrange your utilities, update your address, confirm your removal arrangements and make sure you have the keys and important documents ready. On moving day, take meter readings and check the property before unpacking.

What should be on a house moving checklist?

A house moving checklist should cover finances, conveyancing, packing, removals, address changes, utilities, insurance, meter readings and moving-day checks. For first-time buyers, it should also include the steps involved in buying the property itself.

Who needs to know when I change address in the UK?

Your change of address list should include your bank, employer, insurance providers, utility companies, local council, subscriptions and any other organisations that regularly send you correspondence or provide services.

What should I check when I first move into a new home?

Check the heating, hot water, electricity, water supply, windows, doors and locks. Take meter readings and photograph them for your records. It is also worth checking smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and locating the boiler, fuse box and stopcock.

What should I pack first when moving house?

Start with items you do not use every day, such as seasonal clothing, books, decorations and spare household items. Leave everyday essentials until last and keep a separate bag or box containing everything you will need on your first night.

Is there help available for first-time buyers?

Yes. Depending on your circumstances, there may be schemes, mortgage products and other forms of support available to first-time buyers. Eligibility varies, so it is worth checking current government guidance and speaking to a qualified mortgage adviser before making financial decisions.