Guide to settling into a new home

• Use My Redrow to stay up to date with your new home so you’re truly ready to settle in straight away.
• You can use My Redrow to personalise features and add extras so your new property is completely tailored to you for move-in day.

Whether you’ve moved in with the help of family and friends or had assistance from a removals firm, you’re likely to be faced with a mountain of boxes on your first day in your new home.

It may seem obvious but packing logically holds the key to unpacking more easily. So make sure you label boxes by room and have an ‘essentials’ box packed with everything you’ll need on that first night – a change of clothes, toiletries, towels, the kettle and some coffee or tea bags. For more tips and tricks on packing up your old house.

Our in-house head of interior design Alysha says her number one tip to making your house instantly feel like a home is to make your beds look beautiful. “New bedding and cushions can make those first nights in a new home feel amazing. If you have a comfortable, clean and inviting bed to get into, it can make the stacks of boxes and mountains of clothes and items in the rest of the house feel like a world away. And a good night’s sleep makes the rest of the unpacking, sorting and decorating much more enjoyable!”

Making your home feel like your own is one of the most important steps to settling in properly. There are lots of ways to add character to a new home, and Alysha recommends focussing on lighting as a starting point. Add some smaller lamps on tables and at the bedside to create a cosy feeling and soften the space.

Our Redrow homes are ready to live in when you get the keys (particularly if you purchase one of our Readymade Homes) so you don’t need to make any big decisions on things like paint colours or styles straight away. Instead, we recommend personalising your space with your favourite decorations, photos and plants.

Add some soft furnishings - rugs and curtains - to add even more personality to large, open-plan spaces.

For our nation of animal lovers, settling a dog into a new home or settling a cat into a new home, can be a worry.

Fortunately, there are some great tips online to help. Cats Protection offers advice from bringing a comforting blanket, bedding and toy with them to transporting their litter tray too, to ensure your pet’s new home smells like their old place.

Dogs don’t react well to sudden change, according to dogowner.co.uk. So keeping your dog well-exercised, asking a friend to watch them on moving day, and keeping old routines in place as much as possible is the answer.

Once you’ve got your keys and all your belongings are in, it’s time to get to know where you live! Get out on a few walks to familiarise yourself with your neighborhood and start to explore nearby shops, restaurants, and parks.

It’s also a really good idea to look online to find out more about local groups and places of interest. The more you explore the more you will find there is to see and experience in your neighbourhood.

Redrow developments are built to be thriving communities, so you’ll find plenty of communal spaces and green areas to stroll through and meet other residents. Once you’ve broken the ice with your neighbours, why not consider throwing a housewarming party to welcome them into your new home?

To ensure your new home remains comfortable and efficient as you settle in, here are some essential tips for new home maintenance.

Firstly, consider installing energy-efficient options such as LED bulbs. Not only do they last longer, but they also significantly reduce energy consumption, leading to lower utility bills. New Redrow homes are already more efficient than older properties thanks to our fabric-first construction method.

Next on the list is cleaning gutters. It’s crucial to keep gutters clear of debris to prevent water damage and maintain proper drainage around your property. Regularly checking and cleaning them will help avoid costly repairs down the line.

By taking these proactive steps in maintaining your new home, you’ll create a welcoming environment while ensuring it remains in top condition for years to come.

For more top tips on settling in and making your new home your own, head to our Inspiration hub.