What to Do Before Moving In: A List
Moving into your first home is a big moment. It can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Most people have someone showing them the steps, reminding them what to check and what to ask. If you have not had that, it does not mean you are behind. It simply means no one has shown you yet.
This list is here to help you feel prepared, safe and confident before moving day arrives.
You will also read short real stories from other young people aged between 16 and 25. Their names have been changed for safeguarding, but their experiences are real and shared so you can learn from them.
Take your time. You do not have to do everything at once.
Before You Move:
Before moving day, there are a few practical things worth checking or confirming. Some of these may already be in place. Others might be details you have not been given yet.
This section breaks those checks down into simple steps so you know what to ask, what to confirm, and what should not be left unclear.
Click on each item in the accordion below for more information and examples of why each step matters.
You can work through them in any order, copy the list onto your phone notes page and tick off what you have already done, then come back to the rest when you are ready.
There is no rush. This is about helping your move-in day go more smoothly and reducing avoidable stress.
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Confirm:
your move-in date
your time to collect keys
who you are meeting on the day
Story: “Leah”, 19
Leah was excited to move into her first flat. She arrived with her bags, full of nerves and pride, only to find the office locked. No one had told her the keys had to be collected before 2pm. She sat outside for an hour, not knowing if she had done something wrong. She had not. She just had not been given the full details. Clear timings make the move-in day feel much easier. -
Make sure you know:
the name of your landlord, Housing Association or council
the correct repairs number
your main contact
Story: “Brandon”, 22
Brandon had moved into supported accommodation after leaving care. For almost three months, he was reporting repairs to the wrong number because he had been given out of date details. He thought he was being ignored. He was not. He simply had not been told the updated contact. Once he had the right number, everything was sorted quickly. You deserve the correct information from the start. -
Read it slowly. Ask questions. Take your time.
Check it includes:
your name
the property address
the rent amount
the tenancy length
responsibilities on both sides
Story: “Ella”, 17
Ella was moving into her first semi-independent flat. She asked for her agreement early so she could read it with her PA. They spotted the wrong rent amount and a missing page about repairs. If she had signed it quickly, she would have been held to the wrong terms. Asking for a copy early protected her. -
Sort out:
rent payments
deposit or bond (if needed)
Universal Credit updates
Council Tax details
Story: “Nathan”, 23
Nathan was working part-time and collecting the keys to his new place. A week later, he received a Council Tax letter saying he was in debt, even though care leavers in his area were exempt up to 25. It caused panic he did not need. His details simply had not been updated. A quick check before moving in could have saved that stress. -
You do not need everything straight away.
Think about:
bedding
cleaning basics
curtains or blinds
simple kitchen items
toiletries
light bulbs
Story: “Aisha”, 20
Aisha moved into her flat after sofa surfing. She arrived with just her backpack. She said the best thing she did was make a small list and buy things slowly. Each item she added made the space feel more like hers. She said taking it step by step stopped her feeling overwhelmed. -
Ask:
Is there a fridge?
Is there a cooker?
Is there a washing machine?
Is there built in storage?
Story: “Luke”, 18
Luke was told his new flat came “furnished”. In his mind, that meant a bed, a sofa, maybe a table. When he walked in, the only item was a small, broken chair from the last tenant. He laughed about it later, but on the day it felt crushing. Now he always tells people: ask for a full list beforehand. -
Confirm:
The exact time
The location
Who you are meeting
If someone can come with you
Story: “Safia”, 24
Safia moved into a Housing Association property. She was told “come anytime after 10am” but not told who she was meeting. She arrived at 10 and waited nearly two hours in the rain. A simple name and time would have changed her whole experience. She now says, “Always ask who you are meeting and when.” -
Check:
Smoke alarms work
Carbon monoxide alarm is present if needed
Windows and doors lock
No obvious damp or mould
Story: “Harvey”, 21
Harvey moved in and realised every smoke alarm was dead. He thought he had to replace them himself. He did not. It was the landlord’s job. His PA helped him report it, and the alarms were replaced the same week. Checking early helps you start safely. -
Think about who can support you with:
Carrying things
Cleaning
Assembling furniture
Company on the first night if you want it
Even if you are independent, no one is meant to do everything alone.
Story: “Rosa”, 16
Rosa moved into her first semi-independent room the week after turning 16. She felt excited but scared. Her friend came to help her put up fairy lights and stayed until she felt settled. She said it changed the whole mood of her first night. -
Moving brings mixed feelings - Exhaustion. Pride. Sadness. Excitement.
All of it is okay and absolutely normal.Remember:
It will not feel perfect right away
Your home will grow with you
The first night might feel strange
You are still allowed to celebrate this
Story: “Tyrese”, 25
Tyrese expected to feel proud on his first night, but instead felt strange and disconnected. Two weeks later he said he had his first “this is my home” moment while making a cup of tea. Settling takes time. This is a huge step.
Lasting Thoughts
Preparing to move into your first home is more than a checklist. It is a step into independence.
It is normal for it to feel big, scary, exciting, emotional or all of those at once.
Your home will not feel complete straight away. It will take shape as you settle into it, add things slowly and make it yours.
Every small step counts, every tick on this list is progress and the fact that you are doing this says a lot about your strength and resilience.
You deserve to feel proud.
This is a huge moment, and you are doing incredibly well.