What to Buy When Moving to a New House: The Ultimate UK Checklist

Moving into a new home is one of life’s biggest milestones, whether you're taking your first step onto the property ladder, upsizing for a growing family, or downsizing for retirement. The process is exciting but can also be overwhelming. One of the key aspects of a smooth transition is ensuring you have all the necessary items to make your house a home. This guide provides a comprehensive checklist of what to buy when moving to a new house in the UK, broken down by category and room to help you settle in quickly and comfortably.

1. Pre-Move Essentials

Before unpacking your boxes and arranging furniture, there are a few things you'll need right away:

Documents and Paperwork

• Change of address forms (DVLA, GP, banks, etc.)

• Utility company contact details

• Home insurance policy

• Copies of your tenancy agreement or mortgage documents

Moving Day Survival Kit

• Toilet paper

• Kettle, tea, coffee, mugs

• Snacks and bottled water

• Phone chargers

• Bin bags

• Scissors and box cutters

• Basic cleaning supplies

• Tool kit

• Extension leads

• Light bulbs

2. Kitchen Essentials

The kitchen is often the first room you'll want operational. Here are the must-haves:

Appliances

• Fridge/freezer

• Oven and hob (if not provided)

• Microwave

• Kettle

• Toaster

• Washing machine/dryer or dishwasher

Cookware & Utensils

• Saucepan set

• Frying pan

• Baking trays

• Chopping boards

• Knives

• Spatula, ladle, tongs

• Mixing bowls

Tableware

• Plates (dinner and side)

• Bowls

• Glasses (water and wine)

• Mugs

• Cutlery set

Storage and Organisation

• Food containers

• Spice rack

• Tin foil and cling film

• Rubbish and recycling bins

• Cleaning cloths and brushes

Cleaning Supplies

• Washing up liquid or dishwasher tablets

• Sponges and scrubbers

• Surface cleaner

• Tea towels

• Mop and bucket

3. Living Room Essentials

The living room is where you relax and socialise, so comfort is key.

Furniture

• Sofa or armchairs

• Coffee table

• TV stand or media unit

• Bookshelves or storage units

Electronics

• Television

• Broadband router

• Streaming device (Firestick, Chromecast)

• Lamps or lighting fixtures

Comfort & Decor

• Curtains or blinds

• Rug

• Cushions and throws

• Wall art or photo frames

4. Bedroom Essentials

Ensure you can enjoy a good night's sleep from day one.

Furniture

• Bed frame

• Mattress

• Wardrobe or clothes rail

• Chest of drawers or bedside tables

Bedding

• Pillows

• Duvet and covers

• Fitted sheets

• Extra blankets

Other Essentials

• Curtains or blackout blinds

• Alarm clock or phone charger

• Laundry basket

• Mirror

5. Bathroom Essentials

A well-stocked bathroom adds a sense of routine and cleanliness.

Toiletries

• Toilet paper

• Hand soap

• Shampoo and conditioner

• Shower gel

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

Towels & Mats

• Bath towels

• Hand towels

• Bath mat

• Shower curtain (if applicable)

Storage & Organisation

• Bathroom caddy or shelf

• Toothbrush holder

• Laundry hamper

Cleaning Supplies

• Toilet brush and cleaner

• Bathroom cleaner

• Plunger

• Air freshener

6. Home Office or Study Essentials

With remote work on the rise, a functional home office is increasingly important.

Furniture

• Desk

• Ergonomic chair

• Shelving or filing cabinet

Technology

• Computer or laptop

• Printer and paper

• Power strips

• Desk lamp

Stationery

• Pens, pencils, highlighters

• Notepads and post-its

• Organiser or planner

7. Garden and Outdoor Items

If your new home includes outdoor space, you may need:

Garden Tools

• Lawn mower

• Hosepipe

• Trowel and fork

• Shears or trimmer

Outdoor Living

• Garden furniture

• BBQ

• Washing line or rotary dryer

• Plant pots and compost

8. Safety and Maintenance

Security and upkeep are important, especially early on.

Safety Equipment

• Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

• Fire extinguisher

• First aid kit

Maintenance Tools

• Basic tool kit

• Step ladder

• Torch

• Batteries

• Fuses

9. Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Here are additional items often forgotten:

• Clock

• Wall hooks

• Door mats (front and back)

• Shoe rack

• Coat stand or wall hooks

• Storage boxes

• Vacuum cleaner

• Iron and ironing board

• Sewing kit

• Notepad for shopping lists

10. Tips for Efficient Shopping

• Prioritise the essentials and build up over time

• Measure your rooms before buying large furniture

• Buy second-hand where possible for sustainability

• Shop in bulk for savings on cleaning and toiletry items

• Use wishlists to track and manage purchases

Final Thoughts

Moving into a new home is a fresh start and a rewarding challenge. By preparing ahead of time and following a clear checklist, you’ll avoid the stress of forgotten items and multiple last-minute shopping trips. Whether you’re moving into a city flat, a countryside cottage, or a suburban semi, this guide is tailored to help you settle in swiftly and securely. Happy moving!