In the first few days and weeks of living in your new property, it pays to have already done your research on the local amenities and services.
To help you get off to a winning start, here are our recommendations of 10 essential things to find out before you move house.
1. Nearest pharmacy
It’s always handy to know where your local pharmacies are, especially those that are open late or operate 24 hours. You never know when you might need some emergency pain relief, whether it’s for the adults or children in your family.
Use the NHS location search to find the contact details of pharmacies in your local area. You’ll be able to find out how to register, opening hours and details of the health services provided.
2. Hospitals/A&E
If you do fall ill, and need to see a doctor, you’ll want to know where your local walk-in centre is. Most are open from 7am – 10pm, and you don’t need to have an appointment. You’ll be able to be seen even if you aren’t registered at a local doctor’s practice, but it’s advisable that you register at a doctors’ surgery at your earliest convenience.
3. Dentists
Trying to find a dentist that’s taking on new patients can be tricky, especially if you’re looking for an NHS dentist.
Ring round a few local practices, and ask for recommendations, as it’s better to be registered now than to be stuck with a toothache later without a dentist you can rely on for treatment.
4. Leisure centre
Whether you enjoyplaying racquet sports, going for a dip or hitting the gym, it’s helpful to know the opening times of your local leisure centre and the activities available. If you’re looking to become a member, you should check out the different membership options, and compare it with other sports centres in the area. Swimming pools tend to have set times for family swimming, ladies only swimming and general swimming, so it’s always best to check before you set off, to save being disappointed.
5. Bin collections
Hopefully, you’ll have been left a note by the previous owner, or have been sent a letter from your local council to let you know on which days your bins will be collected and emptied.
If you’ve moved to a new area, the colours of the different bins are likely to be different from what you’re used to, so have a word with your new neighbours or check out your council’s website if you’re not sure which is which.
6. Local tips
You’ll no doubt have packaging and miscellaneous items to get rid of in the coming weeks, especially if you’ve bought a pre-owned home and the previous owners didn’t take all of their belongings with them. Find out where the local tip is, as you’ll probably have to make at least a couple of trips.
7. Local shop
It’s always handy to know the opening times of your closest shop for essentials like milk and bread. If they have a cash machine outside, even better, because you’ll be able to get cash out, even when they’re closed.
8. DIY/Hardware store
While newly built homes won’t require immediate DIY work, it’s always handy to know of any local hardware stores where you can pick up materials for any repairs to your property. It also helps to know a handyman who will be on call for emergency repairs and who can travel to your home if called upon.
9. Cleaner
If you want to employ a cleaner to help you keep your property sparkling going forward, try to get personal recommendations from your new neighbours or friends. You could use their services on a weekly, fortnightly or a one-off basis.
If you’re going to be wanting your new property to be cleaned before you move in, book them well in advance, so they’re ready to start as soon as you get your keys on completion day.
10. Local takeaways
You’re probably not going to want to cook on the day you move into your home, so it’s good to have a few takeaway menus handy. You can ask for recommendations from friends and family who live in the area, check out reviews on TripAdvisor or head straight to websites such as Just Eat, to place your order.
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