How to Set Up Your First Home Safely and Cheaply

Living & Housing
Written By Bethaney Dixon

Moving into your first home can bring excitement, nerves, pride, and fear all at once. If no one has shown you how to do this before, it’s normal to feel unsure where to start. You are not meant to already know everything.

Your home does not need to look perfect. Moving in is a process, and you will figure things out as you go. For now, let’s focus on the basics, one step at a time..

Before You Move In: Quick Safety Checks

When you get your keys, take a few minutes to check:

  • Smoke alarms are working

  • You have a carbon monoxide alarm if the property uses gas

  • Doors and windows lock properly

  • Any damp or mould (take photos)

  • You know where the boiler, fuse box, and meters are

You do not need to understand everything straight away. These checks are about helping you feel safe in your space.

Protect Yourself Before You Unpack

Before you start settling in, take photos of the property. This protects you if damage is later blamed on you.

Take photos of:

  • Floors, walls, ceilings, and windows

  • Appliances

  • Any marks, scuffs, or stains

    Save them in a folder on your phone and label this clearly for future reference.

Also try to locate:

  • The fuse box

  • The water stopcock

  • The boiler or heating controls

If you can’t find something, that’s okay. You’re allowed to ask.

Setting Up Bills Without Overspending

You’ll usually need to set up:

  • Electricity

  • Gas (if applicable)

  • Water

  • Broadband

  • Council Tax

    • Use comparison sites to look for the best deals

    • Ask broadband providers about social tariffs

    • If you have a prepayment meter, top up small amounts at first

    • You only need a TV licence if you watch live TV or BBC iPlayer

Energy bills can also be confusing, and many people overpay or build debt without realising. This doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. We explain this more clearly in a separate article.

What You ACTUALLY Need (Not Everything)

You do not need to buy everything at once.

Most homes are built slowly.

Day one essentials:

  • Bedding

  • Curtains or blinds

  • Toilet roll

  • A mug, plate, bowl, and cutlery

  • Kettle or saucepan

  • Light bulbs

  • Basic cleaning items

  • Phone charger

Once you’re more settled:

  • Microwave or toaster

  • Pots and pans

  • Clothes airer

  • Bin

  • Extension leads

  • Basic tools

Budget shops, charity shops, and reuse centres are great places to start.

Saving Money Without Stress

Not everything needs to be branded!

You can slowly make the space your own, differently this time - on your terms.

Buying second-hand is normal and sensible.

Good places to look:

  • Facebook Marketplace

  • Freecycle

  • Olio

  • Charity shops

  • Local reuse centres

You can create a safe, comfortable home without spending a lot.

Staying Safe at Home

Simple habits that make a big difference:

  • Test smoke alarms monthly

  • Keep walkways clear

  • Do not dry clothes on heaters

  • Keep your phone charged

If you smell gas, leave the property and call 0800 111 999.

Save important numbers in your phone, such as your landlord, repairs line, council, and emergency services.

Your Rights as a Care Leaver

If you are aged 16–25 and have been in care, you may be entitled to:

  • Council Tax discount or exemption (depending on your area)

  • A Setting Up Home Allowance

  • Support from a Personal Adviser up to age 25

If you’re unsure, you can check careleaveroffer.co.uk for up-to-date information.

A Final Note

Moving into your first home is a huge achievement!

Even small things count. Choosing bedding, buying a mug, or putting keys on a keyring are all signs of independence.

Your home does not need to be finished. It just needs to be safe. It will grow with you.

And genuinely, well done. This is a big step, and you deserve to feel proud.

Bethaney Dixon
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