New Home Move-In Checklist

Under the kitchen sink or in the hallway. Turn it off and on. If it is seized, get a plumber to free it. This is your emergency water shutoff.

Usually in an external meter box. Test the emergency control valve. Know where it is for emergencies.

Know which circuits serve which rooms. There should be labels. If not, label them yourself during the first week.

If they do not work, replace immediately. If over 10 years old, replace. Do not wait.

Needed in any room with a gas appliance. If none are installed, buy and install immediately. They save lives.

You do not know who has keys from the previous owner. Front door, back door, side gate. Budget £80–£150 per lock.

Try every window. Note any that do not lock properly — security risk and insurance requirement.

Even if the seller says it was recently serviced. A boiler service by your own engineer establishes a baseline and identifies any issues.

If the seller did not provide one, book an EICR. This reveals the true condition of the wiring — essential in older properties.

Before you unpack properly. Clean empty rooms are much easier (and cheaper) to deep clean than furnished ones.

Check loft for signs of rodents, wasps, or birds. Check kitchen for mouse droppings. Check timbers for woodworm. Act immediately if found.

Gas, electric, water. Photograph meters on the day you get the keys. Register with your chosen suppliers immediately.

Buildings insurance must be in place from exchange. Contents insurance from when you move in.

Check water pressure, drainage speed, any leaks. Note slow drains — these indicate blockages or venting problems.

Even in summer. Test every radiator. Check for cold spots (need bleeding) or radiators that do not heat at all (valve or circulation issue).

Especially in basements, behind furniture positions, around windows. Musty smells, discoloration, or peeling paint are warning signs.

Binoculars from the garden. Look for missing tiles, damaged flashing, blocked gutters, or leaning aerials.

Run water and watch it drain. Slow drains indicate blockages. Check gullies are not silted up.

Test the burglar alarm. If it is an old system, consider upgrading. Get the code from the seller or agent.

Issues found during the survey that were accepted. Schedule repairs in priority order.

Automatic via your solicitor in most cases. Confirm with the borough council.

Online at gov.uk. Affects your credit file if not done.

Resident parking permit zones, CPZ hours, visitor permits. Apply early — some councils have waiting lists.

Local plumber, electrician, locksmith. Save numbers in your phone. Better to have them and not need them.

A knock on the door and a hello goes a long way. They are your first line of help in an emergency.