Moving into a new house is an exciting milestone – your home is fresh, untouched, and full of potential. But unlike a pre-owned property, a brand new home comes with its own unique quirks, timelines, and tasks. From tackling snagging lists to adjusting to the drying out process, it helps to know what’s normal, what’s not, and how to plan for a smooth start.
This guide will walk you through the most important things to know when moving into a new build – from the moment you pick up the keys, through your first few weeks, and into those crucial early months. Whether it’s managing condensation, confirming your postcode with delivery firms, or working out when to hang your curtains (spoiler: it’s not day one), we’ve got you covered.
You’ll also find expert advice from Removals & Storage Experts, one of London’s most trusted moving and storage specialists, plus links to practical resources, checklists, and tools to make your move easier. Let’s help you turn your blank canvas into a real home, so you have one less worry .
Before You Move – Planning Makes a Big Difference
The run-up to moving day is more than just packing boxes; it’s your chance to make sure your first days in your new build go smoothly. The right preparation now can save you stress, money, and even delays when you finally arrive at your brand new home.
Create a Clear Plan for Your Move
Moving into a new build often means coordinating with your developer, snagging surveyors, utility companies, and a removal company — sometimes all in the same week. That’s why having a clear plan is essential.
Start by using a new build house checklist to track everything from utility setups to key handovers. You can also refer to these helpful tips for moving into a new build home for additional guidance. Make sure you confirm your moving day and new address in writing with your removal company and let them know if access could be tricky. Some new estates are still under construction, which can make navigation difficult for direct delivery drivers.
Tip: If your new postcode isn’t live yet, use a nearby one temporarily and include clear directions. This small step makes a big difference when ordering furniture or dealing with delivery firms unfamiliar with new developments.
You’ll also want to measure your room dimensions before the move. That sofa you love might not fit through the front door, or it could overwhelm a smaller space. Planning for soft furnishings and large items in advance avoids costly returns and ensures a smoother setup on day one.
Set Up Utilities and Address Services in Advance
Unlike an older property, a new build may not come with pre-registered utility accounts. You’ll need to:
- Check utilities (gas, electric, water) are active and meters are labelled with the correct serial numbers.
- Choose a local energy supplier — in some cases, the developer may recommend one for initial setup.
- Book your internet and phone line installation in advance. These services can take a few weeks to activate in a new build, especially if it’s a fresh connection.
Next, update your new address with essential services. Start with:
- Royal Mail redirection
- Banks and insurance providers
- HMRC and DVLA
- Your workplace and medical providers
Tip: Set calendar reminders to chase any missing updates. You’d be surprised how often mail continues going to your old address long after you’ve moved.
Before budgeting for furniture, installations, or removals, it’s worth understanding removal and storage service costs so you know what to expect. It’s another way to plan ahead and avoid unnecessary surprises on or after your moving day.
Talk to Your Local Council
Once you’ve got the keys, notify your local council right away. This helps:
- Trigger your council tax banding assessment
- Arrange for wheelie bins delivered to your door
- Get access to local services like recycling, parking permits, and electoral roll updates
In some cases, especially if you’re the first owner, you may need to submit your door number and new postcode directly to the council to ensure your home is fully registered.
Your First Day in a Brand New Home
You’ve picked up the keys, unlocked the door, and stepped into your brand new home. It’s a big moment – but before the boxes pile up and the broadband’s plugged in, there are a few important things to do. The first day in a new build isn’t just about unpacking; it’s your chance to check, test, and make sure everything is as it should be.
Start with a Thorough Walkthrough
Before you move in furniture or start hanging curtains, do a full walkthrough of the property – ideally with the site manager or developer. This is your opportunity to spot anything that doesn’t match what was agreed, such as:
- Missing or damaged fixtures
- Poor finishes or workmanship
- Appliances that aren’t connected or functional
- Incomplete fittings (like unsealed bathrooms or misaligned doors)
This is often referred to as the home demonstration and should include a practical explanation of how things work – central heating, kitchen appliances, window vents, and anything else specific to your build.
Tip: Don’t assume everything is working – run taps, flush toilets, test lights and sockets, and try opening all windows and doors. Check the instruction manuals are present and make sure your fire and smoke alarms are operational.
If anything looks off, record it with photos and make a note for your snagging list.
Create and Confirm Your Snagging List
Around 95% of new build buyers experience issues (or “snags”) when moving into a new home — from cosmetic scuffs to more serious faults. This is completely normal. As the first owner, you have a two-year warranty window to report and resolve these issues with your builder or developer.
If you haven’t already done so, consider arranging a professional snagging survey. It’s usually best to book this just before you move into your new build home , while the property is still empty. A good surveyor will inspect everything from internal walls and doors to plumbing, electrics, loft insulation, and more — identifying problems that might otherwise go unnoticed. You can also learn more about how to spot common construction defects before creating your snagging list.
If you’re building the snagging list yourself, keep it simple:
- Note the room, location, and issue
- Include photos with dates
- Send your list in writing to your developer
- Keep a copy and follow up as needed
Remember: spotting small cracks, salty substance on walls (efflorescence), or minor movement in flooring is part of the house drying and settling process. These are not unusual — but should still be monitored over the first few months.
Settling In – What’s Normal (And What’s Not)
Now that you’re in and unpacking, you might start to notice small quirks in your new build home. Maybe there’s a hairline crack above a door frame. Or a bit of salt dust forming on a wall. The good news? These things are completely normal – part of the process known as settling or drying out.
Cracks, Shrinkage, and Efflorescence
New build homes are constructed using materials like timber and plaster, which contain moisture during the build. Once the property is heated and ventilated, those materials begin to dry, shrink, and shift – especially in the first few months.
What you might see:
- Small cracks in plaster or along joins in internal walls
- Nail pops or minor gaps around skirting and door frames
- A salty substance (efflorescence) on walls or brickwork
- Slight gaps where soft furnishings meet window or floor edges
These are rarely structural and don’t mean the property isn’t structurally sound – but they should be monitored and, where appropriate, added to your snagging list.
Tip: If a crack is larger than a 10p coin or keeps widening, speak to your builder or a surveyor to check it’s not a more serious issue.
How to Help Your House Dry Out Properly
During the drying phase, the aim is to keep conditions stable and allow moisture to escape gradually.
Tips to support drying out:
- Keep windows open regularly (even a few minutes a day)
- Use window vents rather than sealing rooms tightly
- Avoid blocking radiators or vents with large furniture
- Keep the heating on low and consistent – resist turning it up and down too often
- Avoid using dehumidifiers unless recommended by your builder (they may halt natural drying)
You might also notice condensation on windows – especially in kitchens and bathrooms. That’s to be expected early on. Good airflow and gentle heating will help balance things out.
Hold Off on Decorating (Yes, Really)
It’s tempting to start painting and personalising your blank canvas right away, but patience pays off. Most builders apply a breathable layer of paint designed to allow the home to dry. Covering it too soon with standard paint or wallpaper can trap moisture and slow the process.
Instead:
- Focus on light-touch personalisation (e.g. soft furnishings, artwork, lighting)
- Wait at least 6 to 12 months before applying permanent décor
- If you must paint, use breathable paint recommended for new builds
Waiting also gives you time to see how each room functions – how the light moves, where heat collects, and what changes might actually be helpful down the line.
Smart Setup Tips That Save Time and Stress
Once your new build has started to settle, it’s time to make it feel like your dream home. But before you dive into personalising every room, a bit of planning can save you time, money, and frustration. From room dimensions to lighting and safety checks, setting things up smartly will make a big difference – especially in the first few weeks.
Think Furniture First
New build homes often feature modern layouts, open-plan spaces, or tighter room proportions than older properties. Before you buy or move in any bulky furniture, take time to:
- Measure your room dimensions (including ceiling heights and doorway widths)
- Consider how doors open and where windows are positioned
- Leave space around window vents and radiators to support airflow
- Use masking tape on the floor to visualise how items will fit
Tip: Choose modular or adaptable pieces where possible. What fits in this home may not work in the next – especially for first-time buyers.
Start with Soft Touches
While you might be eager to decorate, it’s best to ease into personalisation. Stick to non-permanent changes at first:
- Layer in soft furnishings like rugs, curtains, cushions, and throws
- Hang temporary artwork or mirrors with adhesive hooks
- Use table and floor lamps to explore how lighting affects the space
- Test your layout before committing to wall-mounted fixtures or built-ins
These small adjustments help you figure out how you use each space — which often differs from how you imagined it pre-move.
Make Safety a Priority
A smart setup also includes checking that everything is in working order. Even if your builder conducted a demonstration, it’s worth going over these again:
- Test all fire and smoke alarms
- Confirm central heating is functioning across every room
- Check that flush toilets work properly and aren’t leaking
- Look for water pooling near exterior walls or patios
- Open and close every window – some new build buyers find small alignment issues after things settle
If you haven’t done so already, run taps in every sink and bath, and check hot water is flowing properly. Make sure you have instruction manuals for all kitchen appliances — and contact the developer promptly if anything is missing.
Tip: It’s a good idea to create a folder (digital or paper) to store warranties, manuals, and builder contact details – just in case you need quick access.
Final Checklist for Your First Few Weeks
The first few weeks in your new build home are all about settling in – not just emotionally, but practically too. While things may still be drying out and adjusting, this is the ideal time to tick off some important admin, check systems, and lay the groundwork for a smooth start.
Confirm Key Services and Deliveries
Some systems might have been tested during your home demonstration, but you’ll want to double-check everything is running smoothly:
- Ensure central heating is working on a full cycle (test timers and thermostats)
- Check hot water flow by running taps in every bathroom and kitchen
- Verify that kitchen appliances (hob, oven, washing machine, etc.) are in working order
- If anything’s not working, contact your developer promptly and keep a written record
Also, make sure:
- Instruction manuals and appliance serial numbers are accounted for
- You’ve registered any warranties (some require doing this within 30 days)
Tip: Don’t forget to label your fuse box – a five-minute job that will save future headaches.
Admin You’ll Thank Yourself For
Sorting paperwork might not be exciting, but it’s essential. These are the important things to handle early:
- Confirm your new address with your local council to finalise your council tax band
- Request your wheelie bins delivered if not already in place
- Set up redirection with Royal Mail
- Notify your energy and water suppliers, and confirm they’ve assigned the correct serial numbers
- If needed, use a temporary postcode for deliveries while waiting for your new postcode to activate
- Keep a list of all contact numbers for your builder, developer, and warranty providers
Tip: It’s also worth giving delivery drivers extra guidance for the first few weeks – especially if you’re on a new street or development with incomplete signage.
Snagging & Monitoring
Your snagging list doesn’t stop after week one – in fact, the first month is when many issues reveal themselves:
- Watch for small cracks, water pooling, or excessive condensation
- Keep an eye on internal walls, doors, and flooring as things settle
- Add anything new to your snag list and send monthly updates to your builder if needed
- If you had a professional snagging survey carried out before move-in, now’s a good time to review what was flagged and follow up
Turf, Garden, and External Setup
Most new build buyers are handed a blank canvas when it comes to the garden. If your outdoor space is just soil:
- Lay turf within the first few weeks to prevent soil erosion and water pooling
- Avoid walking on fresh turf for 6–8 weeks
- Make a plan for fencing, bins, sheds, or planting once the ground is established
Wrapping Up – Your New Home Journey Starts Here
Moving into a new build home is a fresh start – full of possibility, but not without its quirks. From drying walls and incomplete postcodes to forgotten bin deliveries, there are plenty of things that feel a bit unusual at first. But here’s the key takeaway: that’s completely normal.
With the right approach, a clear plan, realistic expectations, and a bit of patience, your brand new home will quickly become a space that feels just right for you. Give your home time to breathe, give yourself time to settle, and don’t be afraid to chase up your builder or developer if something doesn’t look or feel right.
Whether you’re unpacking the last of your boxes or finalising your snagging list, this guide should help you move from uncertainty to confidence, one checklist item at a time.
And if you need help with removals, storage, or delivery logistics, you can always reach out to the team at Removals & Storage Experts – we’ve supported thousands of new homeowners through this exact process.
About the Author
Marcin Markiewicz is the founder and owner of Removals & Storage Experts, a London-based company that has helped over 8,000 homeowners and businesses relocate since 2005. With nearly two decades of hands-on experience in removals, packing, and secure storage, Marcin is passionate about making moving less stressful – especially for first-time buyers navigating the quirks of new build properties.
When he’s not overseeing complex moves or expanding his team’s expertise, Marcin enjoys sharing practical, jargon-free advice to help people feel more at home, faster.
