Moving into a new home is SO exciting but also soooooo stressful! There are boxes everywhere, takeaway menus on the counter, and that lovely feeling that everything is full of possibility.
However, in the middle of the chaos, it is very easy to miss a few teeny tiny important things. I certainly did.
When I moved into my last place, I thought I was incredibly organised. I have done this so many times (maybe i should do an article about renting) I thought there was no way I could get it wrong this time. I had labelled boxes, made lists, and even packed a “first night” bag. But I STILL forgot several obvious (and not so obvious) things. Here is the advice from my experience.
Clean Before You Unpack
This sounds obvious. So obvious, in fact, that I assumed I would definitely do it.
What actually happened was that I arrived at the house, put some music on my phone and started deciding how good things would look everywhere and just started putting a few pieces out.
Several hours later, my kitchen cupboards were full, my plates were stacked neatly, and I suddenly realised I had never wiped the inside of the cupboards.
Let me tell you something about discovering mystery crumbs in a cupboard after you’ve already unpacked everything. It is deeply annoying.
I ended up taking half the kitchen out again just to clean properly. Ever since then, I always do a quick clean of cupboards, drawers, and surfaces before a single box gets opened.
It takes less than an hour and saves a surprising amount of frustration.
Find the Stopcock and Fuse Box Immediately
I did not do this when I moved in. Mostly because I had no reason to think about plumbing emergencies while surrounded by cardboard boxes.
Then one evening, a pipe under the sink started dripping. Not dramatically. Just enough to make me slightly nervous. A quick google search told me to turn the water off. Except I had absolutely no idea where the stopcock was.
What followed was fifteen minutes of opening random cupboards and muttering to myself while the drip continued in the background.
I eventually found it hidden behind a cleaning bucket in a cupboard I had already opened twice.
Now it is one of the first things I locate in any new home. Same with the fuse box. When something goes wrong, you will be very glad you already know where these things are.
Take Photos Before You Start Decorating
I really wish I had done this.
When I first moved in, I immediately started rearranging furniture, hanging pictures, and making small changes. I was excited to make the place feel like home.
What I did not do was take any photos of the house before I started. Then when I moved out I had no idea what it should look like and what I needed to fix. Now whenever I move, I take photos of every room before doing anything. Anything!
Set Up One Comfortable Room First
When I moved, I used to try to unpack everything at once.
Living room boxes mixed with kitchen boxes. Bathroom items appearing in random places. It was absolute chaos.
Now I focus on just one room first. A calm, functional space where I can sit down and take a break. Otherwise the first evening is spent eating takeaway on the floor while surrounded by half-open boxes.
These days I always prioritise one room, usually the bedroom or living room. Once there is somewhere comfortable to sit and relax, the rest of the unpacking feels far less overwhelming.
Label a “Do Not Lose This” Box
Important documents have an incredible ability to disappear during a move.
I packed passports, tenancy paperwork, and instruction manuals very carefully. Then I placed the box somewhere extremely safe.
Unfortunately, it was so safe that I could not find it for three days.
Eventually it turned up in the hallway cupboard behind a stack of winter coats I had not unpacked yet.
Since then, I always keep a clearly labelled box for important items and unpack it immediately when I arrive.
Check Every Light Bulb
This is one of those tiny things that somehow becomes irritating very quickly.
In my previous house, I moved in during the daytime. Everything looked perfectly fine.
Later that evening, I discovered that several rooms had light bulbs that did not work. Including, somewhat inconveniently, the hallway.
So there I was, wandering around my new home with my phone torch like a confused detective.
Now I check every light as soon as I move in. Replacing a few bulbs early on makes the whole place feel brighter and more welcoming.
Do a Quick Storage Plan
One mistake I make almost every time I move is putting things away too quickly.
At first it feels efficient. However, a week later I realise that nothing is actually stored where it makes sense.
Kitchen utensils end up in random drawers. Bathroom cupboards become crowded. And suddenly you are reorganising everything again.
Taking a little time to think about storage before unpacking can save a lot of rearranging later.
Even a rough plan helps. It was rearranging everything and trying to get organised once that I thought I should share the wisdom I’d learnt.
Final Thoughts: Moving Mistakes Are Normal
If you have recently moved home and forgotten a few things, do not worry. Everyone does.
Moving is busy, chaotic, and full of distractions. It is completely normal to realise a few weeks later that you missed something obvious.
The good news is that most of these small oversights are easy to fix.
Clean before unpacking, locate essential utilities, set up one comfortable room, and take a little time to plan your storage.
Your future self will be very grateful. And ideally, you will avoid eating takeaway on the floor surrounded by cardboard boxes like I did.