Always make 8 checks before moving into a new home to keep you safe

Purchasing a house is a massive and often nerve-wracking process, whether it's your first or fifth property. From securing a mortgageto making an offer and finalising all the paperwork, it can leave you feeling exhausted by the time you finally get the keys to your new home.

However, moving into your new abode is just the beginning of the journey. One mortgage broker has suggested that there are several additional checks and balances you need to carry out once you've moved in that could potentially save you money and ensure your safety as you embark on life in your new home.

These tips are applicable to everyone, but expert Lewis Shaw aimed his TikTok video specifically at first-time buyers. Since first-time buyers have never relocated to a new home before, they're more likely to require assistance with some of the finer details.

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In his video, Lewis declared: "No one tells first-time buyers these eight things when you're moving into your first home. But if you don't [do them] you could end up broke, stressed, or even unsafe."

The advice ranges from enhancing your home's security to suggestions on settling into the new neighbourhood - and some viewers have praised them as "game-changers."

1. Change the locks

First on Lewis' list is to change the locks of your new home as soon as possible. He reasoned that you never know who might still have keys to your property from the previous owners, so it's wise to call a locksmith to change the lock and secure your home.

2. Take meter readings

As soon as you relocate to a new property, Lewis advises you should record what the gas and electricity meter readings are and document them with photographic evidence. This ensures you can demonstrate what the readings were when you assumed ownership of the property, preventing you from being landed with someone else's energy bills.

3. Get on the electoral roll

You'll need to refresh your electoral roll details to be registered to vote in your new area. Whilst handling this, you can also contact the council to arrange your council tax. Lewis emphasised this is crucial as you "don't want to be in arrears before you've even started".

4. Change your address

Your address must be amended everywhere when you relocate, including on your wage slips, driving licence, motor insurance, and bank statements. Lewis also suggested establishing a redirection service so that any post sent to your previous address can reach you.

He warned: "Otherwise, you're potentially leaving yourself open to identity fraud."

5. Sign up with a GP and dentist

Lewis encouraged people not to wait until they're unwell or suffering from dental pain to register with their local GP or dental practice. Occasionally, regions can have waiting lists, meaning you could end up having to wait several months before you can be enrolled as a patient - which isn't brilliant if you delay until you require urgent treatment.

6. Arrange your internet provider

The mortgage broker advised that as soon as you know your completion dates, it's crucial to sort out your internet provider. This way, you can arrange for the router to be delivered and installed on the same day, ensuring you have a working internet connection from the moment you move in.

7. Make yourself known to your neighbours

After settling in, it's wise to introduce yourself to your neighbours. If you're living in a house, this might just be the houses directly next to you, but if you're in a flat, you might also want to introduce yourself to those living above and below you - particularly if there are any future noise issues.

8. Discover when bin collection day is

Whilst popping over to meet your neighbours, Lewis suggested asking them when their bins are collected. You'll likely have cardboard boxes and other bits and bobs to dispose of once you've finished unpacking, and knowing when to put your bins out can help you clear that clutter swiftly.