The Ultimate New House Checklist: Your First Month Essentials

The ultimate new house checklist for your first month's essentials—stay organised, secure your home, and settle in stress-free with help from Cambs Lock & Safe.

Introduction

Moving into a new house is an exciting step, whether you're a first-time homeowner or relocating. Before you start unpacking, though, it's essential to plan carefully and ensure your home is secure. At Cambs Lock & Safe, we understand that peace of mind begins with proper preparation. This is your ultimate new house checklist, covering all your first-month essentials—with a special focus on safety, organisation, and settling in smoothly.

Start with Home Security

First things first—change your locks. You don’t know who may have a copy of the keys from the previous owners. At Cambs Lock & Safe, we recommend:

• Installing high-security locks

• Fitting a visible home security system

• Adding or replacing window locks

• Keeping a spare key in a secure key safe or with someone you trust

Need a trusted professional? Find a verified local locksmith on Checkatrade or contact our team directly.

Also, consider installing or testing carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms.

Planning the Move

Before move-in day, there’s plenty to sort:

• Book your moving company early

• Gather packing materials like boxes, tape, and labels

• Notify your utility companies of your move

• Arrange for buildings and contents insurance

Visit the MoneyHelper moving house checklist for a free printable version and timeline to guide your process.

Move-In Day Essentials

Prepare a "first night" box with:

• Toilet paper, towels, and toiletries

• Tea bags, mugs, and snacks

• Cleaning supplies

• Phone chargers and extension cords

• Torch, in case lighting isn’t installed

• Important documents and IDS

And don’t forget your kettle—priorities, right?

Room-by-Room Checklist

A smart way to stay organised is by setting up one room at a time.

🚽 Bathroom Basics

• Shower curtain

• Toilet brush and cleaner

• Towels, hand soap, and toiletries

• Rubber gloves and a bin

🍽️ Kitchen Must-Haves

• Dish soap, sponge, and baking trays

• Kettle, coffee machine, and cutlery

• Tea towels, bin bags, and cleaning spray

• Essential cookware

Pro tip: If you're not sure whether to take a microwave, see what your new apartment buildings allow or offers.

🛏️ Bedroom Needs

• Bed frame, air mattress, or full bed set

• Bedside table and lamp

• Curtain rod or blackout blinds

• Fresh linen and duvet

🛋️ Living Room Items

• Sofa, beanbags or temporary seating

• Decorative items to feel at home

• Extension leads and TV setup

• Furniture sourced via Facebook Marketplace

Cleaning and Maintenance

Clean before unpacking. Here’s your essentials list:

• Vacuum cleaner

• Mop and bucket

• Toilet cleaner

• Multi-surface spray

• Dustpan and brush

You might want to budget for professional cleaning if you're not sure about the state left by the previous occupants.

Utility Set-Up

On moving day, take gas and electricity meter readings. Then:

• Register with utility suppliers

• Arrange broadband and Wi-Fi

• Register for council tax (check Gov.UK)

• Update your driving licence address via the DVLA

• Don’t forget to redirect your post

Safety and Emergency Gear

You’ll want to be ready for anything:

• Smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector

• First aid kit

• Fire blanket or extinguisher

• Torch and spare batteries

Regularly check that all safety gear works properly, especially in older homes with older HVAC systems.

Documents & Insurance

Make sure these are easily accessible:

• Passports, birth certificates, and insurance details

• Property purchase/rental agreements

• Receipts for valuable items

• Policy numbers for your home insurance or moving insurance

Unsure what insurance you need? Start with this Citizens Advice guide.

Outdoor and Garden Equipment

For those with a new property featuring green space:

• Lawnmower

• Garden tools like trowels and shears

• Outdoor bins, bin bags, and composting tools

• Hoses or watering cans

Tips to Stay Organised

To keep calm and carry on:

• Label every box with room names

• Use a spreadsheet or checklist app

• Create a “high priority” unpack list

• Use a filing cabinet or folder for documents

• Schedule tasks week-by-week to avoid burnout

Smart Budgeting

Avoiding unnecessary expenses is key:

• Use Facebook Marketplace for second-hand furniture

• Visit local charity shops or recycling centres

• Ask around—friends and neighbours might be giving things away

First-Time Homeowner Advice

New to homeownership? You’re not alone:

• Get to know your property manager or neighbours

• Learn where the stopcock, fuse box, and meters are

• Keep emergency numbers handy (locksmith, plumber, GP)

• Bookmark Citizens Advice for reliable housing support

Conclusion

Moving into your new home is a thrilling milestone, and being properly prepared makes it even better. With this completely new house checklist, you’ll stay ahead of the chaos and feel confident from day one.

At Cambs Lock & Safe, we’re here to help you settle in safely. From changing locks to enhancing your home security system, we’ve got your back.

Get in touch with our friendly locksmiths today to make your move stress-free and secure.

❓ FAQs

• Should I change the locks after moving?

  Yes—always. You can’t be sure who has a copy. Cambs Lock & Safe offers fast and reliable lock replacement services.

• How can I improve home security?

  Install an alarm, use timer lights, and upgrade your locks.

• What happens if I lose my keys?

  Contact a local locksmith immediately. We provide 24/7 emergency services to get you back inside safely and swiftly.

• What insurance do I need?

  You should get both building and contents insurance. MoneyHelper explains the difference and helps you compare policies.

• What should I do about my post?

  Use Royal Mail’s redirection service to avoid missing important letters or parcels.

• What’s the most forgotten item?

  Most people forget a toilet brush and bin bags—small but crucial!