Save up to £100 with a coupon code. See the codes
Skip to main content

Moving house

Your First 24 Hours in a New Home: A Practical Checklist

Set up the basics first so the new home is safe, usable and easier to unpack.

1 min read · Published 20 June 2026 · AFS Removals Editorial Team

Amy Vora - Google reviewerLayla Kirsta - Google reviewerSimon Newbury - Google Local GuideDrew Harvey - Google Local Guide
4.8/5
335 Google reviews · Read them

Lines open seven days a week, 8:00am – 10:30pm.

Crews
Our own team
Employed by AFS, never subcontracted
Quote
In writing within 24 hours
Itemised from our published rates
Cover
Included as standard
Goods in Transit & Public Liability
Coordinator
One named contact
From the quote to the last box
On this page2 sections

The first day is for essentials, not perfection. Before opening every box, identify the utilities, basic controls, important documents and the rooms people need to use that night.

Make the home usable

Keep a record of meter readings and the condition of the property, locate water and energy controls where possible, and set up sleeping, washing and food basics. Save larger decorating, storage and non-essential decisions for after the move-day pressure has passed.

Your next step: Your First 24 Hours in a New Home: A Practical Checklist

Turn the article into a short note for your own your first 24 hours in a new home: a practical checklist: record the facts that affect the decision, check them against the relevant official or provider guidance, and confirm anything booking-specific in writing. That keeps useful preparation separate from assumptions about a particular move.

More guides

Lines open seven days a week

Know your price before moving day

Tell us the two addresses, the date and what is moving, and you will have an itemised written quote within 24 hours. Or call — we will talk it through now.

4.8/5 from 335 Google reviews

Two AFS Removals movers carrying a chest of drawers from a house to the van