Moving into a new place can be very exciting, whether you’re heading into shared houses with your friends, settling down with your partner or just enjoying some personal space in your new home.

However, as an estate agent in Leeds, we know that it can also be a very busy time, with a long checklist of things to do, companies to contact and boxes to unpack.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the top things you’ll need to do once you have those keys in hand.

Make sure all your bills are set up

In order to make the move as smooth and stress-free as possible, you should notify all your utility and service providers of your new address as early as you can.

As soon as you know your move in date, contact your gas, electricity and water supplier to ensure that everything is set up in time.

Try to also give your TV and broadband company a good few weeks’ notice so they can arrange an installation date close to your move in day. This way, you will avoid going without services for too long. Finally, make sure you notify your local council so that your council tax bill is up to date.

Update your records with your new address

From HMRC to DVLA, it’s important that you update your various records with your new address.

This includes your bank, building society and any store card providers, as well as updating your TV license and notifying your contents / home insurance provider.

It’s also a good idea to contact your doctor or dentist so they know your new address.

Alternatively, if you are moving quite far, you should register with a new practice as soon as you can. Just like with your bills, you should try to get this all sorted as early as possible before your move in date.

Consider setting up mail forwarding with Royal Mail

With so many different things to do, it can be all too easy to forget to tell a friend, family member or company about your change of address.

It can therefore be worthwhile arranging a redirection service with the Royal Mail. It’s easy to set up online, with three, six or 12-month periods available from just £33.99.

Don’t neglect unpacking

After all the time you spent packing up boxes and unloading moving vans, it can be very tempting to just put your feet up and relax once you get into your new home.

However, neglecting that unpacking can cause disruption to your daily routine and stop you from feeling truly settled in.

It’s fine to take the night off and unwind but make sure you set some time aside as early as possible to get everything unpacked and make your new place feel like a home.

Couple waiting to unpack their stuff in a new house.

Stock up on essentials

Don’t just resign yourself to takeaways and microwave meals for weeks on end. Once you have everything unpacked and organised, head to the shop to stock up on those much-needed essentials.

This includes getting the groceries you need, as well as making sure you have any household essentials, such as lightbulbs.

A big shop can also be a great opportunity for you to get any items that may have been lost or forgotten on the move, as well as any storage or homeware pieces that you think will give your new home that personal touch.

Explore your new area

As a Leeds letting agent, we know that each and every area of this city has its own unique charms.

Take some time to get out and about in your new location and familiarise yourself with the local shops, parks, pubs, cafes and public transport routes.

Really get to know your new area so you can make the most of everything it has to offer.