FTB moving into the property - what am I missing off the checklist?

[NoIdeaWhyNow]

Hi,

I'm about to move into my first property (it's been a loooong road to get there!) and complete in a couple of weeks. I've been looking online for what admin/activity should be done straight away and not sure I've got everything covered off. In your experience, am I missing anything in my list below?

• redirecting post
• changing locks (was planning to do front door and back door only - do I need to do windows?)
• take gas/electricity readings and notify providers
• update council tax/water
• contents insurance (don't need buildings as it's leasehold)
• turn on water/heating to check it's working ok
• register for doctor/dentist
• change of address for HMRC, driving license etc
• broadband

Thanks for your advice!

Car registration address if applicable.

No you don’t need to change window locks, there are probably only three different types of keys anyway.

Unless you have full boiler service records including one fairly recent one, I would recommend getting it serviced when you move in. Because come winter when everyone turns theirs on and they break, it’s very hard to find a plumber.

Congratulations!

If a water meter, a meter reading for water.
Also keep proof of readings (photos, ideally). I just had a row with our water company as they tried to bill us for an extortionate amount- having a photo really helped resolve it.

Also: register to vote!

Banks/ credit card companies
Mobile provider
Unions
Life insurance
Car insurance
Travel insurance

Amazon
Vinted
Ticketmaster
EBay

Supermarket loyalty cards

These are what I've got on my list so relevant to me

Get a full electrical survey by a qualified electrician, unless it is a new house.

I work in property and many many older houses are a fire risk. Think diy light changes, bodged sockets etc

Check fire alarms and put a Carbon monoxide alarm in if there isn't one.

Change address on takeaway sites- a lot.of people order it first night!

Council tax
HMRC
DWP if on any benefits
Electoral Roll

Find the stopcock in case your plumbing springs a leak.

I second getting the electrics checked. I had a dodgy light fitting which could have been very dangerous! Also get the boiler serviced.
I didn't bother changing the locks. Unless it's been a rental, chances are it'll be fine and there is so much else to spend your money on when you've just moved!

Thanks everyone, this is really helpful. Sellers had the property on rent for the past year so it has the electricity and boiler service certificates.

And I think I found the stopcock on my last visit (in a cupboard next to the bathroom where the old water tank used to be?).

TV licence
Parking permits (if applicable)
Electoral roll

If you're inheriting a washing machine or dishwasher, run both on a cleaning cycle before using. Clear out the filters too.

If there's a management company, get their contact details and find out if there's any additional paperwork they'll need from you, plus any service charge billing for the rest of the year

Do you know that the insurance is included in the leasehold arrangement? It wasn't when I was in a Leasehold property.

If they have been letting the home (or anyway!) there might even be a helpful folder which exists telling the renters things like locations of stopcocks, consumer unit etc. And it would be a good idea for you to start one, even for yourself, so that you always have access to something which tells you these things when you are panicking (or if a friendly neighbour ever has to pop in to do x, y or z). When you eventually move, it will be a boon to the next people.

Microchip registration for pets.
TV licence
Employers
Car insurance
Pet insurance
Building societies

It was detailed in the leaseholder management pack from the agents @Treaclewell and I got confirmation from the solicitor too (just in case I'd misinterpreted it!).

That's a really good idea @weirdoboelady . I've already started saving all the docs during this process in a folder so I have them all to hand if and when I sell up. Keeping something similar for all the logistical info will be a good thing to do. Unfortunately it doesn't look the sellers had a pack for renters and they've not been very forthcoming with this kind of info (and the property's empty including kitchen drawers!).

@Recycledblonde good luck with your completion tomorrow! Tagging you to my thread as I asked exactly the same question yesterday and hopefully this will be of some use.

Amend your address on Amazon and online companies websites.

Bit of a list here for who to notify.

Also your pension provider

Placemarking for future reference. Good thread.

you do need buildings unless your renting?

building AND contents. Heaven forbid your house burnt down, you need to be insured to re build it! Your leasing the land its on but you OWN the house (bricks)

Buildings insurance is covered by the leaseholder - double-checked this with the solicitor and have seen copies of the annual payments the sellers made to the management company detailing the flat's share of the buildings insurance. It has reminded me though to check with the solicitor who lets the management company know about the new ownership.

Ring your broadband to book for the day/day after you move in as there’s usual a week ish delay if you ring the day you move.

Read meters as soon as you get in.

Once you’re in change the address on your drivers license.

@NoIdeaWhyNow Thank you, really useful, we complete today and I was up at 1am! I used the time productively and changed my address on one of my old pensions and cancelled my ring doorbell contract. Probably got to get a new doorbell as this one belongs to my landlord.
I've done all the insurances, banks, credit cards, council tax and amazon/paypal. Can't change our utilities provider as the seller uses the same one and can't have it until they move out. Broadband is starting on Saturday which is fine as we don't actually finally move until Friday.
Fridge freezer and washing machine being delivered tomorrow.
And breathe.....

I think DH made the most important point when he asked if we have a bottle of champagne for Friday. I like his style.

Just to add to all the great advice already. I'd take a photo of the meter readings from the moment you move in, as proof of the time / date and units that you are responsible for, saves a great many disputes. Have any post in the property not for you returned to sender alongside the solicitor's details for the previous owner, so that no debts attached to the address and that anyone that needs to contact the previous owner can (we had issues with parking fines etc., and people chasing monies from previous occupants), any insurances ask for who the building is covered with - it helps in the event of dispute and to know exactly what the building's insurance covers and what it doesn't. Registering with doctor / dentist, ensuring any health paperwork comes to your new address. Have you got all the keys to the property? Last but not least, try everything, heating, water, vents, fans, stop cocks, radiators (bleeding, checking not seized) and then you'll be ready for when you need to move, close, turn stuff on! We had a cooker in situ, turned out it had not been wired in and the radiators needing bleeding and cleaning out, so an ounce of prevention approach!

Sort post re-direction NOW not when you move!

I second getting post re-direction done straight away, so it kicks in when you move. It's a data protection risk if you don't, as well as being a pain for whoever moves into your old place.

Keep the re-direction going for at least a year so you don't miss anything. Anything that does get re-directed, make sure you update the address straight away so it doesn't happen again.