What should I do first when I get the keys to my new home?

Before boxes come in, find and test the water stopcock, photograph every utility meter, locate the fuse box, and check heating works. Then clear a path from the door so the crew can walk in safely. These checks take 10–15 minutes and prevent leaks, dark rooms and arguments about meter readings. Unpacking can wait until the van is empty.

These five simple checks take 10–15 minutes and are recommended for all home movers, especially first-time buyers.

1. Locate (and Test) the Water Stopcock

This is the single most important thing to do when you first enter the property.

If a pipe leaks while you're connecting a washing machine or turning on the heating, you need to be able to shut off the water immediately.

Where to look: under the kitchen sink, in a utility room, under the stairs, or occasionally in a ground-floor cupboard.

Turn the stopcock fully off, then turn it back on slowly. Check that it moves freely and isn't seized.

Stopcocks can stick if they haven't been used in years. Discovering this during an emergency is far more stressful than checking it while the house is empty and quiet.

2. Take Clear Photos of All Utility Meters

Before you turn on lights, taps or heating, take clear photos of your gas meter, electricity meter, and water meter.

Make sure the reading is clear, include the serial number in the photo, and take photos even if meters are outside.

Utility companies rely on opening readings to set up your account. Without photo evidence, you could be charged for usage that belongs to the previous owner — a common issue flagged by UK consumer advice bodies.

3. Find the Fuse Box (Consumer Unit)

On move-in day, circuits often trip as appliances are plugged in for the first time.

Where to look: garage, hallway cupboard, near the front door, or under the stairs.

Are the switches clearly labelled? Do you know which circuit controls the kitchen and sockets?

If something trips while movers are unloading, you'll know exactly where to go — avoiding delays and unnecessary disruption.

4. Do a Quick "Empty & Condition" Check

Before the house fills up, walk through every room, cupboards and wardrobes, loft, garage or garden shed.

Check that the property is empty as agreed, no rubbish or personal items have been left behind, and there's no obvious damage or leaks.

If anything has been left behind or isn't as agreed, it's far easier to raise it before furniture and boxes are in place.

5. Clean Key Areas While They're Still Empty

Cleaning is much easier when there's nothing in the way.

Focus on the kitchen floor, inside cupboards and wardrobes, bathroom surfaces, and the fridge (if left behind).

A fast wipe-down before unpacking makes the first evening far more comfortable and avoids the need to move boxes later just to clean underneath them.

Starting Your New Chapter

Taking a few minutes to complete these checks helps you start life in your new home without unpleasant surprises. It's a small investment of time that pays off immediately.

While you focus on these first steps, LEAWAYS REMOVALS & STORAGE LIMITED takes care of the heavy lifting — unloading and placing your furniture exactly where you want it. Our aim is to make your move in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire or Buckinghamshire as smooth, calm and straightforward as possible.

If dates slip before the keys arrive, see our completion-date change guide and ask about storage alongside your move. For a move in Luton, get a free quote with your access and inventory details.