Are you moving and looking for the best advice to help settle into your new home as quickly as possible?
This is the article for you!
Moving into a new home is exciting, exhausting, and occasionally overwhelming – and very often all those emotions at once.
One minute you’re relieved it’s finally done, the next you’re standing in a sea of boxes, wondering where on earth to start.
That post-move anticlimax is completely normal. After weeks (sometimes months) of planning, packing, and waiting for completion, the last thing you want is disorganisation dragging on longer than necessary.
The good news? Settling in doesn’t have to be chaotic.
With a clear plan and a few practical steps, you can make your new house feel like home far quicker than you might expect.
Whether you’re moving locally or further afield, here are 12 practical tips to help you settle in smoothly and confidently.
1. Close off bills before moving day
Before handing over the keys to your old property, make sure all outstanding bills are paid and finalised.
This includes gas, electricity, water, broadband and council tax because it is notoriously difficult to claim back any overpayments made.
Take final meter readings, keep copies of closing statements, and notify providers of your move date.
Doing this upfront prevents billing disputes and stops unwanted surprises arriving at your door weeks later – freeing up your headspace to settle into your new place.
2. Record meter readings as soon as you arrive
One of the very first things to do when you walk into your new home is photograph or note down gas, electricity, and water meter readings.
This protects you from being charged for usage that isn’t yours and makes switching suppliers far easier if you choose to do so.
It’s such a small task, but it could potentially save a lot of admin and phone calls later.
3. Get the utilities and services ready to go live
Ideally, utilities should be set up before moving day – but always double-check everything is working once you arrive.
Your gas, electricity, water, broadband and waste collection should all be confirmed.
Unfortunately, broadband installations can take time, which is especially problematic if you work from home. If there’s a delay, using your mobile phone as a hotspot can help bridge the gap.
Oneutilitybill.co provides a useful “setting up utilities guide” if you want to make sure nothing gets missed.
Moving to a new area may require a change of utility provider. Check out the Uswitch website to compare and get the best deal.
4. Clean thoroughly before unpacking
Even if the previous occupants left the property spotless, giving it a deep clean before unpacking creates a genuine fresh start.
Focus on kitchens, bathrooms, floors, and hard-to-reach areas that will be blocked once furniture is in place.
If you want a structured approach, Unbiased offers a helpful moving-in cleaning checklist.
Hiring a professional cleaner can also be a smart investment – especially when energy levels are already stretched.
This option also saves you time because professional cleaners usually come in teams, so they can work through your home super quickly.
5. Unpack with a clear priority list
It’s tempting to open boxes at random, but this usually creates more stress and wasted energy.
Start with the essentials you’ll need in the first 24–48 hours: bedding, toiletries, basic kitchen items, chargers, and pet supplies.
Clearly labelling boxes as “Open First” during packing makes this much easier.
Once the essentials are sorted, you can tackle the rest at a calmer pace at your leisure.
6. Secure the property and check safety features
For peace of mind, changing the locks is one of the smartest things you can do early on, particularly for front and back doors.
While you’re at it, test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and familiarise yourself with any existing security systems your new home may have.
If you’ll be watching or streaming live TV, don’t forget to update your TV licence details:
7. Learn the “must-know” features of the house
This is an easy one to overlook amid the busyness of the first few days. It’s a game-changer if something unfortunate happens, such as a radiator leak or the electricity trips.
Take a few minutes to locate essential features such as:
- The fuse box
- Water shut-off valve (stopcock) and drainage points.
- Thermostats
- Gas and electricity meters
In an emergency – whether it’s a leak or electrical issue – knowing exactly where these are can make a huge difference. Don’t overlook this simple step.
8. Get to know the local area early
If you’re new to the area, explore as soon as you can.
Identify your nearest supermarket, GP surgery, pharmacy, vet, public transport links, and green spaces.
If you have children, locate nearby schools and parks.
Using tools like Google Maps can help you quickly become familiar with your surroundings and reduce the “new area” uncertainty.
9. Say hello to the neighbours
It might feel awkward, but introducing yourself to neighbours can instantly make an area feel more welcoming.
A quick chat often reveals useful local knowledge – bin collection days, parking quirks, community events or even the best local takeaway.
Research from Zoopla shows that strong neighbour connections can significantly improve how settled people feel after a move.
10. Update your address everywhere
Changing your address is one of the most time-consuming post-move tasks, but delaying it only creates problems later.
Make sure you notify:
- Government departments HMRC, and local authorities
- Private pension providers
- DVLA (driving licence and vehicle registration)
- Banks, insurers, and financial providers
- Royal Mail (for post redirection)
- Council tax and electoral roll
- Friends, family, and subscriptions
Working through this methodically prevents missed paperwork and lost post.
11. Establish a routine quickly
Routines create familiarity, and familiarity reduces stress for everyone.
Even small habits like unpacking one room each evening, walking the same route daily or sitting in the same spot for morning coffee can help your brain settle.
For families, routines are especially important for children, helping them feel secure after disruption.
Consistent mealtimes and bedtimes can make a noticeable difference in the first few weeks.
12. Make the space feel like yours
Personal touches bring a house to life.
Display favourite photos, artwork, cushions, or familiar furniture to create instant comfort.
Obviously, you don’t need to decorate everything at once; even small changes help establish a sense of belonging.
Children, especially little ones, will settle that much more easily when surrounded by familiar objects such as their favourite toys.
And don’t forget your pets! Arguably, moving home is most stressful for them. Have their usual bedding to hand, a toy, and some treats.
Celebrating small milestones, like cooking your first meal or finishing one room, helps maintain momentum.
13. Make sure your contents insurance is in place
Protecting your belongings should be a priority when moving home, and that means having the right contents insurance in place from the correct date.
Cover is usually needed from the exchange of contracts, but it’s surprisingly easy to forget to activate or update a policy by completion day. Taking a few minutes to check this in advance can save a lot of stress later.
If you’re buying new items for your new home before the move, furniture, appliances or electronics, make sure these are added to your policy so they’re protected from the moment they arrive.
Remember, contents insurance doesn’t just cover loose possessions. Items such as carpets, curtains, and white goods are often included as well, so it’s important that your cover reflects the full value of what’s inside your home.
If you’re unsure what should be included, your insurer or insurance broker will be able to guide you on the most suitable level of cover.
Settle into Your New Home Easier with Moray Firth Removers
There’s no instant switch that makes a new house feel like home, but a calm, organised approach makes the process far easier.
With strong local knowledge, experienced crews, a dependable approach and members of the British Association of Remover’s, BAR, Moray Firth Removers delivers a smooth, professional moving experience from start to finish.
Whether you’re relocating within the Highlands, moving elsewhere in Scotland, or heading further afield, we provide tailored packing, storage and transport services designed around your move.
Our approachable team is known for clear communication, reliability and removing the usual stress that comes with relocation.
Booking early secures your preferred moving date, ensures full support, and gives you peace of mind well ahead of your move.
Begin the New Year feeling organised, in control and supported by a removals company you can trust.
Contact Moray Firth Removers today and discover how straightforward your next move can be.
You might also like…
- 6 Reasons You Should Be Planning Your New Year Move Early
- Short-Notice Removals Company in Moray – 7 Top Tips to Ensure a Successful Move
- Why a BAR Removals Company Is Essential for a Stress-Free Move
- The Best Reasons to use a Professional Removals Company for Your Move
At Moray Firth Removers, we support you before, during and after moving day.
From professional packing and careful transportation to unloading and storage solutions, we take care of the heavy lifting so you can focus on settling in.
If you’re planning a move and want experienced, reliable support, get in touch with Moray Firth Removers today – and start your next chapter the right way.
