Move-in day: your hour-by-hour survival guide

The day has arrived. Boxes are packed, keys are ready, and you are about to start a new chapter. Here is how to make it a good one.

Do the inventory check first. Before you unpack a single box, walk through the property and photograph everything: every scuff, stain, crack, and appliance. Compare it against the landlord's inventory if one exists. Email the photos to yourself (and your landlord) so you have a timestamped record. This protects your deposit later.

Test everything. Run taps, flush toilets, check the boiler, test the oven and hob, flick every light switch, and try the locks on all windows and doors. Report anything broken to your landlord in writing immediately: today, not next week.

Unpack the essentials first. Set up your bed, put your toiletries in the bathroom, and make the kitchen functional (kettle, mugs, basic cutlery). Everything else can wait. You will feel settled faster once you can sleep, shower, and make a cup of tea.

Meet your flatmates properly. If everyone is moving in on the same day, take 20 minutes to sit down together once the worst of the chaos is over. Introduce yourselves, swap numbers, and decide on something immediate, like what to order for dinner. First-day goodwill goes a long way.

Set up the wifi. If the internet is not already active, call the provider and get it sorted. Shared living without wifi is a recipe for frustration on day one.

Do a first shop together. Pool together for the household basics: washing-up liquid, sponges, bin bags, toilet roll, hand soap, and a few cleaning products. Use the Casamates shopping list to track what you need and split the cost automatically from day one.

Enjoy it. Moving is tiring, but it is also a fresh start. Once the essentials are sorted, crack open a drink, order food, and enjoy your first evening in your new home. Set up Casamates while you are all together so you start organised from the very first day.