A helpful checklist for moving into your first home

There’s a moment between signing the paperwork and packing that first box where it suddenly feels real: you’re becoming a homeowner. Exciting? Definitely. A little bit strange? Probably. After all, it’s not every day you prepare to walk into a completely empty house and realise every room is soon yours to fill. 

It's completely normal to feel like you don't know where to start, so we've put together this simple moving house checklist to help you and your family move into your first home.  

The Kitchen

The kitchen will quickly become one of the busiest rooms in your new home. It’s where that first cup of tea will be made, where you'll cook breakfast on your first morning and where you’ll spend plenty of time together over the years ahead. 

You don't need to have everything before moving day arrives, but having a few kitchen basics ready will make those first few days feel much easier.  

Kitchen essentials checklist

• Plates
• Bowls
• Glasses
• Mugs
• Cutlery
• Kettle
• Microwave
• Chopping boards
• Colander
• Measuring jug
• Tea towels
• Bin
• Bin bags
• Foil, cling film and food containers 

Once the basics are sorted, you can start adding cooking supplies. A few reliable pieces are much better than buying everything at once. 

Cookware checklist:

• Frying pans
• Saucepans
• Baking trays
• Utensils (spatula, tongs, ladle, wooden spoon, bottle and can openers) 

The Bathroom

After a busy day of carrying boxes and getting everything through the door, knowing you have fresh towels, toiletries and the basics ready in your bathroom will be one less thing to think about. 

Bathroom essentials checklist:

• Bath towels
• Bath mat
• Toilet brush
• Bathroom bin
• Shower curtain (if needed)
• Toiletries
• Toilet roll 

The Bedroom

Moving day can be exhausting… for grown-ups and little ones alike. When you put together your list of new home essentials, remember to include fresh bedding, comfortable pillows and a few bedroom essentials so you can finish the day by relaxing in a space that already feels a little more like your own. 

Bedroom essentials checklist:

• Duvet
• Pillows
• Bed linen set
• Mattress protector
• Bedside table essentials (charger, lamp, water bottle) 

Storage and organisation

One thing many first-time buyers discover pretty quickly is that you can never have too much storage. From coats and shoes to those items you only need now and again, having a place for everything helps your new home feel organised from the start. Simple additions such as storage baskets, hangers and under-bed storage can help you make the most of every room while you work out exactly how you want your new space to work. 

Storage essentials checklist:

• Hangers
• Storage boxes or baskets
• Washing basket
• Under-bed storage 

Cleaning and utility kit

There are always a few jobs to tackle when moving into a new home. Hanging pictures, putting furniture together or giving surfaces a quick wipe before everything is unpacked are all much easier when you have the right things close by. 

Cleaning and utility essentials checklist:

• All-purpose cleaner
• Bathroom cleaner
• Glass spray
• Disinfectant wipes
• Mop and bucket
• Broom and dustpan
• Vacuum cleaner
• Cloths and sponges
• Batteries
• Light bulbs
• First aid kit
• Small toolkit (screwdrivers, hammer, tape measure) 

Looking for more advice on making your move as smooth as possible?

Explore our other first-time buyer guides for more tips, checklists and honest advice to help make your move into your first Jelson home as stress-free as possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions: Essentials for moving into your first home 

What are the most important things to do when moving house?

Before moving day, it's a good ideal to prioritise the essentials that make the first 24 hours run smoothly: your kitchen basics, bedding, toiletries and a small cleaning and utility kit. Working through a simple moving checklist room by room means nothing gets forgotten in the chaos of boxes and van hire. 

How far in advance should I start my moving house checklist?

Most first-time buyers find it helpful to start their moving house checklist around two to four weeks before their move-in date. This gives you time to shop for essentials without last-minute panic buying, while still leaving room to adjust as your completion date is confirmed. 

What should I pack first when moving into my first home?

Pack the things you’ll need straight away separately from everything else. Everyday essentials such as toiletries, a change of clothes, phone chargers, tea and coffee, basic kitchen items and important documents are all worth keeping close by. 

What do first-time buyers often forget when moving house?

First-time buyers often forget items such as bin bags, toilet roll, light bulbs, batteries and cleaning cloths.