Move in Setup Cost Guide

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

What's the most important thing to do on move-in day?

Three things: locate water stopcock, locate consumer unit, test that all keys work for all locks. These three save you from being stuck in an emergency in the first 24 hours.

How much should I budget for setup?

£500-£1,500 for typical move-in essentials (lock change, broadband, boiler service, basic deep clean, immediate small fixes). £2,000-£3,000 if you also include EICR, multiple appliance hook-ups, and any immediate redecoration.

Can I delay any of these to save money?

Lock change and basic safety checks (boiler, smoke alarms, stopcock test) — don't delay. Cosmetic / decoration / non-essential setup can spread over months.

What's an EICR and do I need one?

Electrical Installation Condition Report — confirms wiring is safe. Legally required for rentals every 5 years. Recommended for new homeowners if previous EICR is older than 5 years; £200-£400 typical.

Should I get a deep clean?

Worth it for kitchens, bathrooms, and carpets — £150-£500 for a thorough professional clean. Even with conscientious previous owners, getting it done before you fully move in is much easier than after furniture is in place.

What if the previous owner left things behind?

Anything not on the fixtures-and-fittings list belongs to you to dispose of. Quality items can be re-sold or given away (charity collection); rubbish needs licensed disposal. £100-£500 typical for handling significant left-behind items.

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.