Buying your first house is a long, sometimes stressful process. Once you’ve chosen a house, made an offer, and after what seems like forever, signed on the dotted line, it can feel like all the hard work is done. However, there are various important steps to take after that purchase has gone through.

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Ask the seller last-minute questions

Moving into a new house is exciting and often you will be so eager to move in that you may forget to ask some important questions. So, take the time to write down some last-minute questions for the previous owner. Here are some of the most important:

• Where are the electricity and gas meters?
• Do you have old tins of paint to touch up the walls?
• Do you have warranties or instruction manuals for electrical appliances?
• Where is the heating thermostat?

Clean your new house before you move in

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Although it’s tempting to move at the moment you get handed the keys, it’s often worth taking some time to clean the house first. The previous owners have just moved out and chances are they didn’t have the time or inclination to scrub the kitchen and clean the carpets. In short, your new house is likely to be dirty. If you move your furniture in straight away, the cleaning process becomes much more difficult. Giving yourself a day or two to concentrate on cleaning the property will save you more than just time, it will also save you stress in the long run.

Arrange home protection insurance

Aside from it being a requirement of most mortgages, in the event of a disaster, knowing that your home is protected is a vital step to take before you move in. Take some time to shop around and get the right cover for your home. Remember that a standard policy may not cover everything you need, so be sure to ask questions. For example, many homeowners don’t realize that some personal belongings are limited in terms of their coverage on a standard policy. It’s important to pay close attention to the home insurance protection limits on your personal belongings both inside and outside of the home. This may influence which insurer you go with. There are many companies in the market for home protection insurance, so do your research.

Tips for a smooth moving day

• Label all boxes with the room they need to be unpacked in. Label both the side and the top so you can always see the words clearly, even when stacked.
• Pack an overnight bag to use for your first night in the new house. This will prevent having to open all of your boxes to find your toothbrush and a change of clothes.
• Move in the furniture before boxes to avoid tripping over boxes while carrying large furniture items.
• When dismantling furniture, store the screws and bolts in well-labeled freezer bags. This will prevent the no-end of stress when it comes to reassembly.
• Before you leave your old property, do one last check once everything is out.