You've chosen a new Redrow home from one of our award-wining collections - a fantastic decision! Welcome to the next, exciting chapter of your life. We know that buying and moving into a new home is always a very busy time with plenty of things to consider - but of course, the importance of making your new house your own cannot be overstated.

Here are some top tips and tricks from our team of homebuying experts on how to settle into a new house, make a new build home your own, and get started at your new address.

 

Unpacking at your new home

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. Beyond unpacking, master your moving day with these insightful 'Moving Day Hacks'.

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!”

Creating a cosy atmosphere

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.

Tips to help your pets settle in

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

Fortunately, we have plenty of advice to help. From bringing a comforting blanket, bedding, and a favourite toy, to transporting their familiar litter tray, ensuring your pet’s new home smells like their old place can make a big difference. Dogs, in particular, don’t react well to sudden change. Keeping your dog well-exercised, arranging for a friend to help on moving day, and maintaining old routines as much as possible are key to a smooth transition.

For even more detailed guidance and tips on how to make the move as smooth as possible for your furry friends, explore our dedicated article: Moving to a New Home With Pets.

Getting to know your neighborhood

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?

Long-term settling in tips

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.

Discover more ways to make your new Redrow home truly yours. Visit Inspiration for a wealth of ideas.

 

To the best of Redrow’s knowledge, everything in this guide is true at the time of writing. All descriptions, images and plans are illustrations, examples and/or approximations only and some processes listed may differ when buying a Redrow home, please speak with the sales team at your chosen development for more details. Redrow does not accept any liability or responsibility contractual or otherwise for any reliance on the information contained within the guide.