Moving To A New House Checklist: 30 Essential Checks A Handyman Can Do Before You Move In - Handyman Near Me Ltd

82% of people who moved in 2024 said it was stressful, and a big part of that stress comes from discovering hidden problems after moving in. We help homeowners avoid those surprises with a clear, practical moving to a new house checklist focused on the technical checks a handyman can carry out before you unpack a single box.

Key Takeaways

Question	Short Answer
What should I check before moving into a new house?	Focus on plumbing, electrics, bathroom and kitchen condition, sealant, structural carpentry, and safety-critical fixtures. A detailed homebuyer plumbing survey is a strong starting point.
Can a handyman inspect technical issues before I complete the purchase?	Yes, our team can survey plumbing, basic electrical fittings, visible carpentry and fixtures, and provide a clear snag list before you commit.
What are the most urgent repairs before move-in day?	Leaks, unsafe electrics, damaged sealant, non-working toilets or showers, and insecure wall fixings should be handled first. See our dedicated plumbing services for urgent water issues.
Should I budget for handyman work in my moving costs?	Yes. With typical rates from £40 for the first half-hour, it is wise to ring‑fence funds for essential work. Our transparent pricing helps you plan ahead.
Can you help set up furniture and fixtures once I move in?	We assemble furniture, mount TVs, hang shelves and mirrors, and fit curtain rails. Explore our assembly service for full details.
Where can I learn more about maintenance after moving?	Our blog covers practical guides, from resealing to leak fixes, so you can keep your new home in good condition.
Do you cover my area in London?	We provide handyman services across large parts of East and North London. Check coverage on our areas covered page.

1. Pre‑Purchase Plumbing Survey: Hidden Problems To Catch Early

Water damage is one of the most expensive issues to put right, so plumbing belongs at the top of any moving to a new house checklist. Before you exchange contracts, we always recommend a focused plumbing survey to understand what you are really buying.

Our homebuyer plumbing surveys in London assess visible pipework, fixtures, water pressure, and signs of previous leaks. We also look for poor DIY work, ageing components, and any areas where mould or damp may be developing.

Homebuyer Plumbing Surveys Checklist

• Run every tap and check for drips, hammering pipes, and low pressure.
• Inspect under-sink pipework for leaks, staining, or makeshift repairs.
• Check toilets for constant running, weak flushes, or tank leaks.
• Look for water stains on ceilings and around radiators.
• Note old or mixed pipe materials that may require future upgrades.

With a structured survey and written report, you can budget realistically and, if needed, negotiate with the seller. This reduces the risk of discovering costly plumbing issues in the first weeks after you move in.

2. Plumbing Checks Before Move‑In Day: Leaks, Drains, And Pressure

Once the property is yours, we suggest a second, more practical plumbing pass before you move furniture in. It is much easier to fix issues when floors, cupboards, and rooms are still clear.

Our plumbing handymen handle leak repairs, blocked drains, and basic system checks across London, with clear pricing from £40 for the first half-hour and £30 for each additional half-hour. This helps you plan for essential fixes rather than emergency callouts later.

Move‑In Plumbing Checklist

1. Check all taps and mixers for leaks around the base and under the sink.
2. Test every waste for slow draining or gurgling sounds.
3. Bleed radiators and confirm they heat evenly.
4. Locate the main stopcock and ensure it turns freely.
5. Inspect washing machine and dishwasher connections for cracked hoses.

Taking care of these items before boxes arrive means you will not need to empty cupboards again just to access a leaking pipe. We can also advise where proactive replacements will save you money over reactive repairs.

3. Electrical Safety And Function: Essential Checks Before You Plug In

Electrical faults are both inconvenient and unsafe, so they belong on every moving to a new house checklist. Our electrical handymen in London focus on practical, visible checks and minor repairs that make the property usable from day one.

Before you move in, we recommend walking room by room and testing every accessible switch, socket, and fitting. Where we identify concerns beyond the scope of handyman work, we will advise on specialist inspection.

Move‑In Electrical Checklist

• Test all light switches and fittings, checking for flicker or buzzing.
• Check sockets for looseness and test with a small device or plug‑in tester.
• Confirm extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens operate correctly.
• Inspect visible cables for damage or unsafe extensions.
• Locate consumer unit and check labelling for key circuits.

Our electrical service starts from £40 for the first half-hour, then £30 per additional half-hour, with clear, itemised work so you know exactly what has been fixed. This gives you confidence to plug in appliances and use your new home safely.

 

A concise visual guide featuring the five key steps to moving into a new home. Use this infographic to plan and coordinate your move with ease.

Did You Know?

Moving costs and regrets are high: 78% of people experienced unexpected costs, 70% regret moving, and 60% feel moving was unaffordable.

4. Bathroom Condition Checklist: Showers, Toilets, And Sealant

Bathrooms take daily wear, so checking them thoroughly before moving in avoids leaks, mould, and future disruption. We focus on both function and the smaller details that affect long‑term maintenance.

Our bathroom handymen handle leaks, shower installations, and general repairs, typically charging from £40 for the first half-hour. Combined with a visual inspection, this ensures your bathroom is ready from your first night in the property.

Bathroom Move‑In Checklist

• Flush all toilets and check for rocking, leaks at the base, or constant refilling.
• Run showers and baths, watching for slow drains and weak pressure.
• Inspect tiles and grout for missing sections or cracks.
• Check silicone around baths, showers, and basins for mould and gaps.
• Confirm extractor fans switch on and pull moisture effectively.

If we spot damaged areas, we can reseal and repair before steam and water have a chance to cause further problems. It is much easier and neater to complete this work before you fill the room with personal items.

5. Kitchen Checks: Units, Worktops, Appliances, And Plumbing

The kitchen is one of the most used spaces in any home, so it deserves a dedicated section in your moving to a new house checklist. Our kitchen repair and installation service in London helps you confirm everything is safe, solid, and functional before you move in.

From loose doors to leaking sinks, small issues can quickly become daily annoyances if left unattended. We handle cabinet adjustments, worktop fitting, basic plumbing, and appliance fitting with clear pricing from £40 for the first half-hour and £30 thereafter.

Kitchen Move‑In Checklist

1. Open and close every cupboard and drawer, checking hinges and alignment.
2. Check worktops for swelling, water damage, or loose joints.
3. Run the kitchen tap and inspect under‑sink pipework for drips.
4. Confirm isolation valves and appliance connections are accessible and sound.
5. Test extractor fans, cooker hoods, and any integrated appliances.

Addressing these tasks early makes the kitchen safer and more practical from day one. It also reduces the risk of having to empty cupboards again shortly after moving in to reach a failed fitting.

6. Resealing Bathrooms And Kitchens: Preventing Early Water Damage

Cracked, mouldy, or peeling sealant often looks minor but can quietly let water through to walls and units. For homes in Camden, Islington, and across London, resealing is a key item on any practical moving to a new house checklist.

Our resealing work typically starts from around £40, with additional half‑hours from £30, making it an affordable way to protect your new investment. We use quality, mould‑resistant silicone in bathrooms and around kitchen worktops.

Sealant Health Checklist

• Look for black mould spots or discolouration along bath and shower edges.
• Check for gaps or missing sections where water can creep through.
• Press gently along sealant to see if it has lost adhesion.
• Inspect around kitchen sinks and worktop joints for cracks.
• Note any previous DIY sealant that looks messy or badly bonded.

Tip: Fresh sealant needs 24–48 hours to cure fully, so booking this before move‑in avoids losing access to your bath or sink once you are living in the property.

7. Furniture Assembly: Beds, Wardrobes, And Storage Before Boxes Arrive

Trying to assemble beds and wardrobes with boxes piled around you is frustrating and time‑consuming. Including professional flat‑pack and furniture assembly on your moving to a new house checklist makes move‑in day far smoother.

We assemble furniture from IKEA, Argos, Wayfair, John Lewis, and more, with typical pricing starting from £40 for the first half-hour. We also help with disassembly and reassembly if you are bringing existing pieces from your old home.

Pre‑Move Furniture Setup Plan

1. Identify key items you want ready on day one, such as beds and wardrobes.
2. Arrange for furniture delivery or move‑in the day before you bring most boxes.
3. Provide layout ideas so we can position large items correctly first time.
4. Ask us to secure tall wardrobes and units to walls where needed for safety.
5. Keep assembly manuals and spare fittings together for future adjustments.

By the time your removals team arrives, the main furniture will already be in place. This makes unpacking quicker and keeps your new home organised from the start.

Did You Know?

Among moves, 53.5% occur within the same county, 24.3% within the same state, 17.3% to a different state, and 4.9% abroad, which means most people can schedule pre‑move handyman checks locally without major travel logistics.

8. Hanging And Mounting: TVs, Shelves, Mirrors, And Curtain Rails

Once the big items are in place, the next move‑in priority is secure hanging and mounting. Poorly fixed TVs, shelves, or mirrors can cause injury and damage, especially in family homes.

Our hanging and mounting service in London includes TVs of all sizes, shelves, storage units, mirrors, frames, curtain rails, and blinds. We work with accurate measuring and levelling so your new home both looks tidy and stays safe.

Hanging & Mounting Checklist

• Decide TV positions and confirm there is power and signal access.
• Mark heights for shelves and cabinets, considering head clearance and doors.
• Plan mirror and artwork locations away from potential knock zones.
• Install curtain rails or blinds before privacy is needed on the first night.
• Ask for heavy items and high shelves to be fixed into suitable wall anchors.

With this part of your moving to a new house checklist ticked off, the property quickly starts to feel organised and complete. It also prevents later re‑drilling and patching because items were hung in the wrong place.

9. Safety, Structural, And Joinery Snags A Handyman Can Catch

Beyond visible plumbing and electrics, many new homes have smaller structural or joinery issues that only appear once you live there. Including these on your moving checklist helps us catch and fix them before they cause frustration.

Typical items include loose banisters, sticking doors, poorly fitted skirting, or unstable steps. While we are not structural engineers, we can identify concerns that need escalation as well as handle a wide range of practical carpentry fixes.

Safety & Joinery Checklist

• Check stair handrails and balusters for wobble or missing fixings.
• Open and close every internal door, checking latch alignment and clearance.
• Look for gaps or movement in flooring, especially at thresholds.
• Inspect window handles and restrictors for smooth, secure operation.
• Confirm loft hatches, cupboards, and access panels are safe and usable.

When we combine this with other pre‑move checks, you start life in your new home with fewer day‑to‑day irritations. It also reduces the risk of minor issues developing into more expensive repairs later on.

10. Budgeting And Scheduling Your Handyman Move‑In Checklist

More than half of movers report that their move cost more than expected, often because they did not plan for essential repairs and setup. Building handyman time into your moving budget avoids this problem and protects your cash flow.

Our pricing is transparent, typically £40 for the first half-hour and £30 for each additional half-hour across most services. This lets you estimate costs for plumbing checks, electrical fixes, resealing, assembly, and hanging work with realistic figures.

Suggested Scheduling Plan

Timeframe	Checklist Focus	Typical Handyman Tasks
Before exchange	Condition assessment	Homebuyer plumbing survey, visual bathroom and kitchen review
1–2 weeks before move‑in	Safety & water tightness	Plumbing fixes, electrical tests, resealing, basic joinery
Day before move‑in	Core setup	Furniture assembly, TV wall mounting, curtain rails
First week after move‑in	Fine tuning	Additional shelves, artwork, snagging repairs

We recommend booking key tasks as early as possible, especially if you are moving during peak season between May and August. This keeps your move on schedule and reduces last‑minute stress.

Conclusion

A clear, practical moving to a new house checklist focused on technical and maintenance checks can remove a huge amount of stress from your move. By tackling plumbing, electrics, bathrooms, kitchens, resealing, furniture assembly, and mounting work before or immediately after you move in, you protect your new home and avoid costly surprises.

We support homeowners across London with these essential tasks, combining transparent pricing with experienced, multi‑skilled handymen. If you are planning a move, treat this checklist as a starting point, then tailor it to your property and timeline so your new house is safe, comfortable, and ready to live in from day one.