First-time buyer moving guide

Start with the basics

If you have never moved before, the biggest surprise is how many small jobs there are. Make a simple list, set dates and tick things off.

How big a move is yours?

• A few items or a flat may suit a man and van.
• A full home usually suits a removal team.

Try our van size calculator to get an idea.

What to ask removal companies

• Is the price fixed, and what could change it?
• What insurance do you have, and what is the limit?
• How many people will come, and how long will it take?
• Do you charge for waiting if completion is delayed?

Before moving day

• Book your removal company and any parking permissions.
• Pack room by room and label boxes.
• Arrange broadband, energy and a Royal Mail redirect.
• Photograph valuables and keep documents with you.

On your first day

• Take meter readings and photos.
• Check that keys, alarms and locks work.
• Put beds together first so you can sleep.
• Use your essentials box: kettle, chargers, toiletries and snacks.

Make your money go further

Compare several quotes. A midweek or mid-month slot is often cheaper. Ask whether packing is worth paying for or whether you can do it yourself.

Next: moving house after buying and the full cost of moving. Ready? Compare quotes.

Related guides

• Moving house after buyingWhat happens between offer and keys, and when to book your removal company.
• The full cost of moving house in the UKEvery cost to budget for, from legal fees to the first night's takeaway.
• Moving out when selling your homeDeclutter, stage and plan your move without losing your mind.
• Downsizing: a practical guideHow to decide what to keep, and how to make the move gentle.
• All guides

The path from offer to keys

For a first-time buyer, the moving date is the end of a long process: finding a property, an agreed offer, a mortgage, a survey, legal work, exchange of contracts and completion. Each stage has its own timeline, and the moving date is only certain after exchange. Knowing the sequence helps you to book a removal company at the right time and avoid paying twice. See the mortgage and moving timeline and completion day explained.

Costs beyond the deposit

• Legal fees for the conveyancer, plus searches and the Land Registry fee. See what a conveyancer does.
• Survey and valuation fees.
• Mortgage arrangement and broker fees.
• Stamp Duty or its equivalent, if it applies. Reliefs for first-time buyers exist, and the thresholds change, so check the official calculator. See Stamp Duty and moving costs.
• The move itself: removals, packing, storage and parking.
• Insurance: buildings, contents and life cover.
• Furniture, repairs and decorating.

Use the moving budget planner to put your own numbers on each item.

Booking the removals

Compare quotes early, but only book when you have an exchange date, or ask for a company that allows free date changes. A first-time buyer often has less furniture and might use a man and van. If your belongings fit in a van and the access is good, it can be the cheapest option. See man and van and flat removals.

On completion day

Completion day is when the money moves and you get the keys, often after lunchtime. Be flexible, and have a plan if the keys are late. Check the property, take meter readings, change the locks if you wish, and set up your insurance and utilities. See the moving house checklist and moving house after buying.

This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Speak to a mortgage adviser and a conveyancer about your own circumstances.

Common questions

Buying a home

• Buying a home step by step
• How to choose a conveyancing solicitor
• House survey types explained
• Mortgage in principle explained
• Stamp Duty calculator
• Mortgage calculator

Buying and selling

• EPC explained
• How to choose an estate agent
• Home Reports in Scotland