First Flat

[Stevenj214]

It looks like I will be moving into my first flat on 7th May. What would be your top tips on practical things to do - I'm thinking things like take meter readings...

[Rollin]

Inform Council Tax office of single occupancy to get discount. That's if you are on your own

[scirocco265]

Make sure you notify everyone of your new address - bank, subscriptions, doctors etc
Sign up for Royal Mail's re-direct service
Take meter readings
Check all services are working (gas, water etc)
Keep cleaning products to hand (much easier to do it before furniture goes down)
Make sure everything included in the sale is present (e.g. curtains, carpets)
Plug in fridge and fill with beers
Order takeaway

[trix-a-belle]

as above plus;
more beer
make sure you have something proper to sit on (not a bucket or box)
buy lampshades - may sound stupid but when I moved into my place they only left 1 really nasty one & the glare soon got to me especially in the hallway (won't be so bad for you as its still light in the evenings, I moved into my place in the middle of nov)

[Simpo Two]

When I bought my first house I had only a bed, a coffee table and a deckchair to sit on.

Fortunately my work colleagues (who were a bit further up the chain than me) had garages full of old stuff so I was able to furnish most of the house with donations. Not quite the colour scheme I had in mind, but it was free

A fridge-freezer is a must.

[mgtony]

May sound obvious, but change the locks as soon as you move in. You don't know if any previous owners/tennants still have copies.

[al1991]

Agree with cleaning everything before putting furniture into place.
Organise the boxes of stuff by room to save time later.
Sort your wireless out so you can surf PH straight away.
Meet the neighbours.

[b2dan]

Don't forget a kettle, brew mugs, tea, coffee etc... The beer is for after. It's hard work trying to unpack when not sober!

[Stevenj214]

Thanks for the tips. Kettle and Toaster now ordered!

There will be some stuff left in the flat (white goods, sofas, possibly a bedstead) but I won't know exactly what until I get the keys on Friday.

I stocked up on cleaning stuff when ASDA had it all on sale for their 'Spring Clean'!

Buildings & Contents insurance sorted.

Can't sort broadband until I move in, I don't think? There is a Virgin connection in the flat anyway, so hopefully won't take too long to sort out.

[al1991]

So, how did it go? All sorted?

[Stevenj214]

al1991 said:

So, how did it go? All sorted?

Yup! All smooth so far. Gas and electric all sorted. Virgin being installed for TV/Internet/Phone on Friday or Sat. Fridge is full of beer and I'm off to buy a TV tomorrow!

I made a video to show the far away family, but ight as well share here too - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2RepVB2qiY

Overall I'm 10/10 excited!

[y2blade]

Stevenj214 said:

al1991 said:

So, how did it go? All sorted?

Yup! All smooth so far. Gas and electric all sorted. Virgin being installed for TV/Internet/Phone on Friday or Sat. Fridge is full of beer and I'm off to buy a TV tomorrow!

I made a video to show the far away family, but ight as well share here too - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2RepVB2qiY

Overall I'm 10/10 excited!

glad to here the move went well and getting set-up with the essentials

[Stevenj214]

al1991 said:

Meet the neighbours.

Met downstairs neighbour so far, really nice guy. Offered to call the council to get my boxes and stuff picked up, gave me a bag of treats for Jinx and told me if I need any power tools or odd jobs done to give him a shout. Will introduce myself to the rest tomorrow.

[Stevenj214]

Also got the first letter addressed to me at my new address today - Council Tax! East Renfrewshire council definitely seem to be on the ball with that one! Hopefully they're as efficient with any other issues/enquiries!

[al1991]

Good to see it's all gone smoothly so far, enjoy your new pad.