Cost a move-in setup.

Setting up a new home in the UK after moving in typically costs £500–£3,000 in initial trades, deliveries, and services beyond the moving van itself. Common spend: locks changed (£100-£250), broadband install (£0-£100), appliance hookup (£100-£300), basic furniture assembly (£150-£500), and immediate maintenance / cleaning (£200-£600). Better to budget for these upfront than be surprised at completion.

For UK homeowners completing on a property, the first month after move-in is typically the most expensive non-purchase month of home ownership. Plan it.

Typical UK move-in setup costs

Recommended first-week priorities

• Change locks immediately — previous owners' contractors, family, friends may have keys. £150-£350 well spent for security.
• Locate stopcock and consumer unit — know where to turn off water and electricity in emergencies.
• Test smoke and CO alarms — required by law in rentals; recommended in owned property too.
• Boiler and heating check — if previous owners' service records are weak, get a fresh service. Catches issues early.
• Electrical safety check (EICR) — for older properties or where last EICR is older than 5 years.
• Update home insurance — buildings insurance from completion day; contents insurance once moved in.
• Update address with banks, employers, DVLA, GP, dentist, schools — rolling task, but start day 1.
• Set up utilities — gas, electric, water, broadband, council tax, TV licence.

First-month tasks (broader)

• Test and adjust heating system through full cycle.
• Check window and door operation; oil hinges.
• Check garden / outdoor security (gate locks, shed locks).
• Identify any damp issues that show up in different conditions.
• Locate manuals for kitchen appliances, central heating, security alarm.
• Note where service / inspection chambers are (drains, gas meter, electric meter).
• Plan any deferred maintenance that came up in the survey.

Things people often miss

• Pre-existing service records — ask the previous owner / estate agent for boiler service records, EICR certificates, gas safety records, FENSA window certificates. Saves money on duplicate inspections.
• Stamp Duty Land Tax — separate from move-in cost but due within 14 days of completion. Don't forget.
• First council tax — registration usually within 21 days of moving. Some councils have move-in offers.
• Insurance gaps — buildings insurance must be in place from exchange (not completion) for most lenders. Don't leave a gap.
• TV licence — required from move-in if you watch live TV or BBC iPlayer.
• NHS GP / dentist — re-register if you've moved into a new area. NHS dentist places are scarce in many UK areas; register early.
• Service charge / ground rent — for leasehold, check what's due in the first month.

Frequently asked questions

Want a local pro to handle this? A handyman, locksmith, and electrician are the three trades worth booking in the first week. Once they've done their checks, you have a properly safe and functional new home as your starting baseline.