There’s no doubt about it – moving into your first home is a momentous occasion. It’s something to get excited about, and no doubt you’ll be anticipating the move for weeks before it happens. Moving into your first home also requires a bit of planning too – here’s what to focus on so you’re well prepared for a happy new chapter.

You might be moving into your first home straight from living with your parents. You may have lived in college dorms or in shared houses for a few years. Perhaps you have lived in a shared house for a long time, until you have finally been able to afford your own place. Whatever the circumstances, this is a brilliant occasion to be proud of.

It is expected that the average person in the United States will move more than 10 times in their lifetime. Each time you move, there is a lot to remember, and you need to stay organized and do long lists of things that need to be done. So if this is your first move or the first home you will call your own, there may be a steep learning curve. But nothing beats holding your keys in your hand for the very first time.

Here’s how to be organized when moving into your first home.

Change of Address List

It’s important to let all the companies you deal with know that you are moving. Make a list of everyone you need to tell well in advance of moving, as this will make it easier to change your address once you actually move. Important ones for the list include your bank and credit card providers, the driving license authorities, your doctor, dentist, and anyone else you deal with on a regular basis.

Make a longer list of all companies that have your address, such as stores you have store cards with. You won’t need to inform them of your change of address urgently, but you’ll be pleased to have a definitive list to refer back to once you have finally moved.

Book a Removal Company

Even if you have relatively few possessions to move with, you will probably be surprised at how much you need to transport to your new home. As soon as you add a bed, mattress, wardrobe and a few basic pieces of furniture into the mix, you will realize that you will struggle to move with your own transport alone. There are plenty of small movers who may be more appropriate for your needs.

Pack Early

You may not have lots of things to pack, but packing always takes a lot longer than you think it will. Start packing early so you don’t run out of time as your moving date approaches. This means you can also organize your things more efficiently too, which will make unpacking in your new home a lot easier. Pack boxes according to the room you want them to go into when you arrive, and label these boxes clearly. As your moving date approaches, pack one box of absolute essentials that you will want to get your hands on as soon as you arrive. This is likely to include a phone charger, toolbox, cleaning materials, toilet roll, drinks and snacks.

Consider Important Utilities

Think about the utilities and services you will want access to as soon as you move into your new home. The internet is top of the list for many people, and it can take internet providers a little time to book a date to install the relevant equipment in your home. Choose a provider and book an installation date as soon as you have a firm moving day.

Also look at electricity, gas and water providers and find out if there is anything you need to do before you move so there is no interruption of service. Also remember to buy home and building insurance, and make sure it comes into effect on the day of your move.

Furniture You Don’t Yet Have

It can be easy to focus on packing up all the things you currently have and transporting everything to your new home. But what about the things you don’t yet have? Particularly if this is your first home, there may be some essential furniture pieces you won’t want to spend too long without once you have moved. A refrigerator is one item you will want pretty quickly, so if you don’t have one, get one ordered and set the delivery date for your confirmed move date, or the day after to be safe.

Also think about a sofa. If you want to buy a brand-new sofa, they can take several weeks to manufacture. Remember to check the available space in your new home so you buy a sofa of an appropriate size, then order it early on to avoid too many nights spent sitting on the floor!