New Home? Here’s What You Need
Moving into your first home is an exciting time but it can also be quite daunting knowing how to make a house a home, especially if you are moving from either your parent’s house or student digs. Here’s a guide to what you may need to do and items you’ll need to purchase for your first home.
Utilities
The first thing you need to do is ensure you have set up accounts for gas and electricity to ensure the services are disconnected. As soon as you move in take meter readings otherwise you could have to pay for energy used by the previous occupants. Make sure you compare tariffs with different providers to get the best deal – Money Saving Expert is a good place to start as they offer independent comparisons for the cheapest providers.
Many of us now rely on WiFi so make sure you have contacted a provider to get this set up before you move in as it can take a couple of weeks. If you do this in advance you can arrange for an engineer to set up broadband and cable services on the day you move – you can also check the broadband speed in your area prior to moving to see what the options are in and if fibre is available.
Insurance
You’ll already have Buildings Insurance as this will be required in order to take out a mortgage on the property – but have you considered contents insurance? This is essential and you can also get accidental cover which could even cover your mobile phone.
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide
It’s important to set up your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors as soon as you move in. It’s easy to forget but it could save your life. Make sure you have a smoke detector on every floor in the main areas – if you call your local Fire Service they offer a free home visit and alarm installation so do this well in advance. Also, buy a carbon monoxide alarm for all floors.
Basic items
Make sure you take cleaning products with you the day you move in, it’s much easier to clean before unpacking. You’ll also need some basic tools in case there are any repairs or household jobs that need doing.
If the purchase included white goods great, but if not, you’ll need these as soon as you move in. You may have some of these items already but here’s a list of what you are likely to need when you move into your new home.
Try not to buy too much before you move in as your requirements may change depending on the space and your budget. It’s tempting to make your mark on a property as soon as you arrive but try and take your time.
Kitchen and living room:
Kitchen utensils
Pots and pans
Kitchen appliances
Ironing board
Lightbulbs
Batteries
Extension leads
Lamp
Curtains and blinds
Bin
Seating
TV
Lights
Small table
Dining table & chairs
Bedroom and bathroom:
Mattress and bedding
Curtains
Bed frame
Mirror
Bedside table
Towels and bath mats
Toiletries
Security
One of the other things you may not have considered is changing the locks, you don’t know who may still have a key so it’s worth doing this for peace of mind. It’s also important to change the alarm code if there is a house alarm. Consider investing in a security camera, lights, lock guards and a burglar alarm.
Vanilla Square – highly personal sales and lettings! Whether selling or letting property, you will always be liaising with one of our business partners, which makes our service that much more responsible and approachable. When you instruct us, your property will reach a wider audience as we are one of the few agents who are present on all the major property portals to offer sellers and landlords maximum exposure. If you’re looking to buy, sell, rent or lease your property, or you’re simply considering the idea, contact us by calling 0141 229 0210 or pop into our new office at 711 Great Western Road. One of our partners will be delighted to help and provide you with impartial, expert advice.
