Preparing to move into your new build home

Moving into a new build home can be an exciting but daunting experience, with so many things to consider and organise. To help ensure a smooth transition into your new home, we've put together some helpful tips for new build homeowners.

Before you move in

New address
With a new build home comes a brand new address. Developers will activate the postcode with the council when there is safe access to the properties. This can take a while, so be prepared to hand out a postcode from a different street and direct your delivery drivers from there. 

Many developments will provide door numbers prior to completion of your new home. In some instances however, you may need to purchase your own door number depending on the scheme. Be sure to ask your developer prior to moving-in day.

Set up your internet
Setting up your broadband can take weeks, and with more and more of us working from home, it pays to get these engineer appointments setup in readiness for your moving in date. 

Your developer usually installs a phone line so that you can shop around for the best broadband deals for your budget and location. In some instances, you will be restricted to using BT Openreach for a minimum of one-year term when you move into your new home which will prevent you from shopping around. Ask your sales representative for more information regarding this.

Refuse
You are responsible for your waste. You may need to order a refuse bin from your local council, which often comes at a cost, so be sure to check this with your developer. General waste collection is typically fortnightly, whilst recycling is collected weekly.

Check your meters
Find your water, electric and gas meters to give your suppliers a meter reading the day that you move in. This ensures that you only pay what you use going forward.

Council tax
Council tax is collected by your local council to pay for services in your community. Every property is put into a council tax band between A (cheapest) and H (most expensive), based on its size, location and value.

If you live alone, you can apply for a discounted council tax rate compared to if you lived with multiple people. You can pay your council tax in one lump sum or pay in monthly instalments over the year.

Parking
If you have off-street parking (a driveway, lay-by, garage or allocated parking spot) then this will not apply to you. In some cases you may need to check whether you require a parking permit to park on the road outside your home. To prevent any unwanted fines, apply for the permit as soon as possible.

Moving in checklist

Creating a checklist of things to do before the move, such as arranging a moving company, packing, and arranging utilities is a great way to minimise stress on moving day.

• Start packing early – label each box with the contents and the room they belong to, making it easier to unpack later. 
• Forwarding post – make sure all your post moves with you from your previous address.
• Switch energy suppliers – you could save a great deal of money by moving to a better deal. There are a number of comparison sites to help make the switch as easy and as cheap as possible.
• Keys – make sure that you have all the relevant keys for your home, including back doors, garage doors and windows.
• Valuable items – keep all valuable items including jewellery and passports, with you at all times, and not with removal companies.
• Childcare – if you have young children (or fur babies), be sure to arrange to have them looked after on moving day. Moving is stressful enough without little ones under your feet too.
• Home insurance – do not forget to get buildings and contents insurance in place from the moment you exchange contracts.
• Essentials box – pack a box of essentials for your first day in your new home. This could include a kettle, mugs, tea and coffee, toilet paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste and pyjamas.

Once you've moved in

At your home demonstration
When the big day of completion is nearing, your developer will likely organise a home demo (or handover), to run through the workings of your new home.

Your home demonstration will include:

• how your heating and appliances work
• where the smoke alarms are located
• where the water mains stop cock is located
• what to do in the event of an emergency
• the drying our process
• how to report any defects (also known as snagging)

This is a great opportunity to flag any issues relating to lighting, heating, doors and draw functionality, windows and locks etc. It's worth flushing the toilet and running the tap to check everything is in working order too. Here you will also be able to tell if there are any leaks that can be resolved prior to you moving in. 

Familiarise yourself with your home's features
New build homes come with a range of features that may be new to you, such as security systems, smart thermostats, and home automation. Take the time to familiarise yourself with these features, and if necessary, schedule a walkthrough with the builder to ensure you know how everything works.

Get to know your neighbours
Moving into a new neighbourhood can be daunting, but getting to know your neighbours can help you settle in quickly. Introduce yourself to your neighbours and join any local community groups or social clubs to get involved in the community.

Finally, after all the hard work of moving and settling in, it's time to enjoy your new home. Take the time to explore your neighbourhood and nearby amenities and make your new house feel like a home by adding personal touches, such as artwork or photographs.

In conclusion, moving into a new build home requires careful planning and preparation, but by following these helpful tips, you can ensure a smooth transition into your new home. Remember to take the time to familiarise yourself with your home's features, get to know your neighbours, and enjoy your new home.

Ready to find your dream new build home?  Compare new homes today.