Moving Into a New Home? Here’s the 2025 Ultimate Checklist

Kitchen - Fuel Up, Fast

Let’s be real, after a long day of lifting boxes, you’re going to want a cuppa and a hot meal. Here’s what you really need from Day One.

Appliances & Essentials:

• Kettle & toaster
• Fridge/freezer, microwave, oven (if not built-in) Bin + heavy-duty bin bags
• Sponge, washing-up liquid, tea towels, drying rack
• Table & chairs (trust us, you need somewhere to sit)

Kitchen Kit Basics:

• Cutlery
• Crockery
• Mugs
• Sharp knives
• Chopping board
• Pots and Pans
• Oven gloves
• Colander
• Bottle opener
• Baking tray, mixing bowl, measuring jug.

Quick win: Pop some tea bags, bread and snacks in a "first night" box. Future You will thank you.

Bathroom - Wake Up Ready

Bathrooms usually come with the big stuff (sink, toilet, shower).

Don’t skip these soft touches:

• Towels (bath + hand)
• Toilet roll, brush, holder Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap Bath mat, shower curtain
• Mirror Basic cleaning products (bleach, spray, squeegee)

Fast fix: Pack your bathroom items last so they’re easy to grab when you arrive.

Living Room - Unwind Zone

You don’t need to fully furnish your space on Day One.

Start with:

• Sofa or comfy chairs
• Coffee table TV + stand or wall mount
• Wi-Fi set-up (Netflix waits for no one)
• Lamp for cosy evenings

Pro tip: Take a video of the new space before you buy furniture – helps avoid "too big for the doorway" drama.

Bedroom - Sleep Comes First

The first night in a new house is magical (and exhausting).

Prioritise comfort:

• Bed + bedding (duvet, pillows, sheets)
• Bedside table & lamp
• Curtains or blinds
• Wardrobe, hangers, drawers, mirror

Quick fix: Hang a curtain or throw over windows for instant privacy if fittings aren’t sorted yet.

Cleaning Kit - Start Fresh

A post-move deep clean is a must.

Here’s your cleaning caddy:

• Microfibre cloths, mop & bucket, duster
• Vacuum cleaner (cordless = MVP)
• Disinfectant, bathroom/kitchen spray
• Washing-up liquid, washing powder
• Dustpan & brush

Insider hack: Bring your cleaning gear in its own box. Clean before unpacking = bliss.

 

Safety & Tools - Be Ready

New home, new responsibilities.

Stay prepared with your "Safety First" kit:

• Smoke & CO alarms
• Fire extinguisher + blanket
• Torch & spare batteries
• First aid kit (plasters, painkillers, disinfectant, thermometer)

DIY basics:

• Screwdrivers, hammer, pliers, measuring tape
• Ladder, light bulbs, extension leads, scissors
• Pen & paper
• Sellotape

Pro Storage Tip:
Can’t move everything in one go? Don’t.

Use secure self storage to bridge the gap.
It saves space, stress, and lets you unpack at your own pace.
At Access Self Storage, we’ve got units of all sizes, packing supplies, and expert advice to help you settle in smoothly. We even partner with trusted removal teams to keep the whole process pain-free.

Bonus Tips to Keep Things Moving

• Label every box with room + contents
• Schedule a supermarket delivery for moving day
• Set up your bills ahead of time (Wi-Fi, water, gas, electricity)
• Print our moving checklist and tick things off as you go

Expert Insights: Real Advice from Real Pros

We asked some industry experts to share their best tips for moving in and settling fast.

Thomas Goodman, property expert at MyJobQuote, recommends getting your cleaning kit sorted early:

"Move-in day is messy. Pack your cleaning gear in its own box so you can blitz the place before unpacking."

Nick Grey, CEO of Gtech, says:

"Opt for a cordless vacuum that tackles all surfaces easily and saves time. A good vacuum isn’t just for dust – it’s for sanity."

Anna Marshall at Oak Furnitureland suggests holding off on big furniture purchases:

"See how the space flows first. Then invest in the right pieces that fit your lifestyle."

Yvonne Keal of Hillarys highlights the comfort factor:

"Don’t underestimate what window dressings can do for a space. They’re not just functional – they turn a house into a home."

Ready to Move?

We’re here when you need us. Whether it’s storage space, moving supplies or simply a bit of advice, Access Self Storage has you covered. Use our [store finder tool] to locate your nearest facility and get a quote today. Welcome home.

Let’s make this move the smoothest one yet. Download your checklist here.