Buying your first home together is such a major milestone. But as you prepare to complete on the property and get the keys, there are a few things you need to do first.
To help you avoid packing chaos and lost paperwork, here’s a guide to help make this move a doddle.
Start Planning Now
Once you have your move date, you can start making preparations. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, begin planning at least six to eight weeks before your move date. This gives you time to break the process down into manageable steps.
Create a moving checklist that covers everything from finalising contracts to changing your address. As part of the checklist, create a timeline to complete each step so that you know when everything must be done by.
Some things to add to your timeline include:
- Booking your removals company: Do this early, especially if you’re moving at the end of the month or during a school holiday, when demand spikes. Ask for quotes from at least three firms and check whether they’re insured.
- Notify your utility providers: Setting up your gas, electricity and water accounts in advance avoids being left without essentials on day one in your new home.
- Start decluttering: Go room by room and decide what’s worth taking. Sell or donate items you no longer need. This cuts down on boxes, reduces moving costs and gives you a fresh start.
Budget Smartly
Buying a home involves costs that go far beyond the deposit. Make sure you understand what you’re likely to spend from the outset.
Conveyancing fees, stamp duty, and survey costs can quickly add up. If your new place is unfurnished, you’ll also need to factor in furniture, appliances, and household basics like curtains and cleaning supplies. Then there’s the removal costs themselves, which vary depending on distance and volume.
If you’re still in the planning stages of buying, look into government support like the First Homes scheme, which offers new-build properties at a discount to first-time buyers, or the Lifetime ISA, which boosts your savings by 25% for buying your first home.
Build a detailed spreadsheet of all expected expenses. That way, you can avoid financial shocks and make better decisions.
Set up the Essentials Early
Before the big day, make sure you have set up everything so you can move right in. We’ve already covered the utility bills, but you’ll need to make other preparations.
Be sure to look at home insurance options that match your property type and needs. Policies for homeowners differ from renters’ insurance and often require cover to start on exchange of contracts, not just completion.
Set up your broadband installation as early as possible. Some providers need a couple of weeks’ notice.
Also, register with your local council for council tax and get your mail redirected – use the Royal Mail redirection service to catch any post sent to your old address.
Make it Yours
Now you have the keys, you can settle in together. Here are some tips to help you create a space that’s all your own:
- Start with the essentials: Unpack each room and add some familiar touches early on, like framed photos or a cosy throw, to make things feel more settled.
- Introduce yourselves to neighbours: Getting to know who you live next door to can be useful in the future if you need parcels taking in.
- Share the workload fairly: This is a big move, so communicate openly about expectations. Remember you’re on the same team. Schedule time for a proper meal, a walk around the neighbourhood, or simply a break from unpacking.
This an exciting time for you both and a big step onto the property ladder. Take it one step at a time, and you’ll soon feel right at home.