Moving out and getting settled

Published on 25 May 2026

Moving out for the first time in the UK can feel like navigating a maze, full of hidden costs and complex paperwork. Many first-time movers find themselves asking not just "what do I need to do?", but "how do I even start?". This guide cuts through the noise, offering clear, actionable advice to help you budget, find a place, and set up your new home without unnecessary stress.

Setting up your first home can be daunting, but managing your energy doesn't have to be. Fuse Energy offers a straightforward approach to energy supply, helping you settle in quickly and easily. Get started with Fuse Energy today by clicking here.

Getting ready to move out: the essentials

Before you even start packing, a solid plan and a clear understanding of the legal landscape are crucial.

Budgeting for your first home

The biggest hurdle for many first-time movers is often financial. Underestimating the total cost of moving can lead to significant problems. You will need to account for more than just rent; think about deposits, agency fees, furniture, and initial utility bills. Creating a detailed budget that compares your monthly income against all potential outgoings is a sensible first step.

Saving for deposits and moving costs

When renting, you will almost certainly need to pay a security deposit and potentially the first month's rent in advance. In England, tenancy deposits are capped at five weeks' rent for properties with an annual rent under £50,000, and six weeks' rent for those £50,000 or higher. These deposits must be protected in a government-backed scheme. Beyond the deposit, consider costs for removals or van hire, and essential items for your new home.

Finding your first place: what to look for

Once your finances are in order, the search for your first home begins. This involves more than just finding a property you like; it means understanding the legal framework that protects you as a renter.

Navigating tenancy agreements

A tenancy agreement is a legally binding contract between you and your landlord, outlining your rights and responsibilities. Most renters in England will have an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST). Key elements to look for include the landlord's name and address, the rent amount and due date, the deposit amount and which protection scheme it is in, and the start and end dates of the agreement. Always read it carefully before signing and do not be afraid to ask questions or even negotiate terms.

Understanding your rights as a renter

As a tenant in the UK, you have several important rights. These include the right to live in a safe and habitable home, meaning your landlord must maintain the property to a standard free from hazards, covering heating, electrical safety, and structural integrity. You also have the right to "quiet enjoyment," meaning your landlord cannot enter your property without appropriate notice. Since 1 May 2026 - the commencement date for the Renters' Rights Act 2025, which received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025 - new protections have been in force, including the abolition of 'no-fault' Section 21 evictions and a shift to periodic tenancies, giving tenants more security.1 Landlords must now provide a reason (grounds for possession) to end a tenancy.

Essential checks before you sign

Before committing to a property, conduct thorough checks. This includes viewing the property in person, never handing over money without seeing it first. Ensure all appliances are working, check for signs of damp, and confirm that safety certificates (like gas safety and electrical safety) are in place. When you move in, carefully check the inventory against the property, noting any existing damage and taking photos.

Setting up your utilities: energy, broadband, and more

Setting up essential services like electricity, gas, and broadband is a fundamental step when moving into a new home. It is often a source of anxiety for first-time movers, but it does not have to be.

Connecting your electricity and gas with Fuse

Arranging your energy supply is straightforward with modern providers. Fuse Energy supplies gas and electricity to homes across England, Scotland, and Wales. When moving home and switching to Fuse, you use the standard switch-in flow for your new address. Fuse coordinates the switch with your previous supplier, so you do not need to contact them separately to notify them of the move. Your only responsibility is to provide final meter readings from the property you are leaving. If you have a smart meter, Fuse picks up the closing read automatically after switch-in. If you have a manual meter, you submit the reading in the Fuse app or on the website within 5 days of switch-in, and Fuse forwards it to your previous supplier.

Understanding your energy bills

One of the biggest worries for first-time movers is unexpected bills. Fuse aims to remove this fear by providing clear, real-time usage data and forecasted costs directly through its app. This transparency allows you to keep track of your energy consumption and manage your budget effectively. Smart meters, which can be upgraded for free through Fuse Energy after you switch in, enable automated meter readings, contributing to accurate billing and helping you understand your usage patterns. Fuse Energy bills are issued on the second working day of each month, covering usage from the first to the last day of the previous month.

Choosing broadband and other services

Beyond energy, you will need to arrange broadband, and possibly a TV licence. Shop around for the best deals on broadband, as prices and speeds can vary significantly. Remember to factor these into your monthly budget.

Managing your new home's finances

Moving into your first home involves more than just paying rent and utilities; there are other financial responsibilities to consider.

Registering for council tax

Council Tax is a mandatory local government tax on residential properties in the UK.2 You will need to contact your local council to register for Council Tax at your new address. If you are the only adult living in your home, you can apply for a 25% single person discount on your Council Tax bill.3 This discount does not depend on your income or savings. In some circumstances, such as if everyone in your home is a full-time student, you might be exempt from Council Tax entirely or receive a larger discount.4

Setting up home insurance

While not legally mandatory, home contents insurance is a sensible investment. It protects your belongings against theft, fire, and other damages. Consider arranging this before or shortly after you move in.

Budgeting for ongoing living costs

Beyond the initial moving expenses and fixed bills, remember to budget for everyday living costs. This includes groceries, transport, personal care, and entertainment. Living independently means taking full responsibility for all your expenses, so a realistic ongoing budget is essential for financial stability.

Moving day and settling in

The big day has arrived! With careful planning, moving day can be less chaotic.

Your moving out checklist

A comprehensive checklist can make all the difference. Here is a summary of key tasks:

• Two weeks before: Arrange mail redirection, start using up freezer food, and confirm utility setups.
• One week before: Thoroughly clean your old home, notify your current council you are moving, and update your address with banks, DVLA, HMRC, and other services.
• Moving day: Take final meter readings at your old property and initial readings at your new one, ideally photographing them. Ensure all windows and doors are locked at your old place and collect keys for your new home.
• Essentials box: Pack a box with immediate necessities like a kettle, mugs, tea/coffee, snacks, toilet roll, hand soap, basic tools, phone chargers, and any medication. Keep this with you, not in the moving van.

Updating your address and key contacts

Once you are in, update your address with everyone important. This includes your bank, employer, GP, dentist, and any subscription services. Registering to vote at your new address is also important.

Making your new house a home

Unpack strategically, starting with essentials. Personalise your space to make it feel like home. Address any immediate issues with the property or utilities promptly. Settling in is a process, so be patient with yourself as you adjust to your new independent life.

Moving into your first home marks a significant step towards independence. Fuse Energy understands that managing energy should not add to the overwhelming list of new responsibilities. The Fuse app is designed to make energy management effortless, putting control directly in your hands. With clear pricing, real-time usage data, and 24/7 human customer support, Fuse Energy offers a modern energy experience designed around you. Switching takes as little as 3 minutes, so you can take control of your bills from day one. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today and start saving. You can also learn more about our mission to deliver the cheapest, cleanest energy possible by clicking here.

References

1. NRLA. Renters' Rights Bill gets Royal Assent – but what happens next?
2. UK Government. How Council Tax works: Who has to pay
3. Turn2us. Council Tax Discounts: Single Person Discount
4. Citizens Advice. Check if you can pay less council tax