The things you need when moving into your first home

You’re moving into your first home – congratulations! This is an exciting, but often overwhelming time, so we’ve put together a guide to some the key things you’ll need as a first-time buyer to help your move go successfully and smoothly.

Read on to find out what to put in your ‘moving day box’, and tips on how to save money when you move.

The bare necessities: packing the perfect moving day box

When packing to move into your first home, designate at least one box for items that you’ll need on moving day, and within the first 24 hours in your new home. Think anything you might require to eat, wash, sleep, and feel comfortable:

• Cooking – pack a good multi-purpose pan, utensils, enough snacks to fuel some heavy lifting, and tea, coffee, a kettle and mugs for those all-important cuppas. Tea towels, washing-up liquid, and a sponge are ideal inclusions for your new kitchen too.
• Washing – moving in can feel like a workout at times, so pack towels, shower gel, and shampoo in your first overnight bag, as well as toilet roll and liquid handwash. If you’re moving into an older home, test the hot water when you first get into the house to avoid any surprises by the time you take that first shower; in new build homes, your boiler - along with all of your other appliances - will be brand new, giving you peace of mind that it’s ready to use as soon as you need it.
• Sleeping – if you’ll be moving without a bed, an air mattress will bridge the gap until your furniture arrives, and make sure to throw plenty of pillows, cushions, and throws in the car for extra comfort. Don’t forget your pyjamas and a change of clothes!
• Cleaning – if you’re moving into a new build property, your home will be freshly, professionally cleaned prior to you getting your keys, so you won’t need to worry about any urgent cleaning tasks. However if you’re buying a second-hand home, pack a few basic cleaning products in your moving day box such as antibacterial spray and cloths, and toilet cleaner so you can quickly spruce up the rooms you need to use straight away.

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Making your new house into a home

Once moving day is done, it’s time to start getting comfortable in your very first home. Here are a few useful, but often-overlooked things that will help you settle into your new space sooner.

• Picture hanging kit – nothing helps make a homely space like getting some colourful art and cheerful photos on the wall, so be prepared with a picture hanging kit.
• Toolkit – there will be plenty of jobs to keep you busy once you get the keys to your new home. From building furniture to putting up shelves, a comprehensive toolkit containing at least a variety of allen keys and screwdrivers, plus a hammer and drill, will make sure you’ve got all the gear – even if you have no idea! A toolkit would also make a great first home gift if anyone is looking for something to buy for you.
• Coat hangers – moving can be a chaotic time, so getting control where you can is important. Living out of a suitcase is an unnecessary burden, so pack coat hangers and a laundry basket to get your clothes off the floor, and if you don’t yet have a physical wardrobe, then consider a garment rail and fabric storage boxes as affordable options to get you started.

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Saving money when you move into your first home

Moving home is a major financial milestone, but it doesn’t need to be an exclusively expensive experience for first-time buyers. Here are some money-saving tips for when you move.

• Shop around – if you need larger items of furniture, the costs of decorating your new home can quickly get out of control. Have a clear idea of what you need, and make sure to shop around before making any purchases including visiting charity shops, car boot sales, and second-hand sites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Second hand furniture is often considerably cheaper, and can become pride of place in your very first home with a little TLC or upcycling.
• Do it yourself – if you’ve a few jobs on your to-do list, make sure you look up some online tutorials to find out which of them you can tackle by yourself. This will save you plenty on labour costs to spend elsewhere, and learning new skills to use around the house can be fun too!
• Make a wishlist – if you’re lucky enough to have family and friends wanting to buy new home gifts for you, be prepared with a wishlist of items and make sure to drop plenty of hints closer to your move. The smallest of purchases add up and save a larger-than-needed outlay.
• Save on utilities – moving into your own home from a rented property can mean a fresh start for your household bills too, as it’s a good time to shop around for better deals if you’re out of contract with any of your current suppliers. Don’t forget to tell your suppliers that you’re moving, and arrange to have internet installed at your new home as soon as possible, especially if you’re going to be working from home.

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Great reasons to buy a new-build home

New-build Bellway homes come with a whole host of benefits that will be waiting for you to enjoy from the moment you get your keys, which is why buying new is a great choice for first-time buyers.

• Lower energy bills – an energy-efficient new Bellway home could save you thousands on your utility bills each year, compared to a typical existing home.
• No nasty surprises – unlike in older homes, there will be no potential pre-existing issues to worry about and your new Bellway home will come with a 10-year warranty and insurance protection for your peace of mind.
• Brand-new appliances – your Bellway home is complete with brand-new appliances, which are ready to use and will serve you for years to come.
• Blank canvas – with no redecorating needed, your Bellway home presents a whole world of possibility for first-time buyers in which to express your individual personality and style.

Learn more about buying your first home with Bellway, and the unmissable schemes and incentives available to make your dream home more affordable. For inspiration on styling your new home, take a look inside first-time buyers Amy and Jake’s beautiful Bellway Chandler, or Emma and Dom’s sleek and contemporary Bellway Tailor.