Picture this: you insert the key into the keyhole. You twist it to unlock the lock. You walk in and there it is. Your first space on your own. Whether you’ve just jumped on the property ladder for the first time, or you’ve finally left the hectic house share life behind for your own rented flat, you can now take a deep breath and make yourself truly at home.

If this is going to be you in a mere few weeks, you’re probably super excited already. However, that buzz might be peppered with a little bit of nervousness. It’s only natural –– it’s a big move! But don’t fret, we’re here to help. Here are some top tips for moving into your first flat.

1. Put away some money

We hate to start on a less-than-pleasant point, but the truth is most of us underestimate just how expensive it is to move. What’s more, living on your own means you’re less likely to be sharing financial burdens –– whether it’s with your flatmates or your family –– so you need to have a contingency plan for a rainy day. Before you move, make sure you have enough savings to last you at least a couple of months if push comes to shove. Once you’ve settled in, try to come up with a budget and stick to it so you can continue saving up, and consider using an app that allows you to amass spare change by rounding up purchases and setting the difference aside.

2. Prepare your home office

It’s a post-Covid world and the future of work is probably going to move out of the office and into a hybrid model of working from home and the workplace. In fact, 75% of employees want their employers to allow them to work remotely even after the pandemic ends. This means you’ll need to have a space where you can work in your new flat. The minimum is ensuring your dedicated area has good lighting and getting a desk and a comfy office chair for you to work from a laptop. However, a more professional setup including a full monitor, a printer and office supplies can pay off. Whilst we’re still in lockdown, you might want to grab your equipment straight from the office –– some courier companies, such as CitySprint, allow you to do that and even offer same-day delivery services to save you time.

3. Declutter your belongings

Moving into your own space can be misleading. You might feel like you have so much more space, and our monkey brains just want to fill any extra room with stuff. But sooner rather than later, your place will run the risk of getting overly cluttered. Luckily, packing everything up for your new flat is an opportunity to declutter your existing possessions, guaranteeing that everything that gets past the gates of your new abode is absolutely essential. If you’re struggling to get rid of things, you can use the increasingly popular KonMari method to help you. That will definitely spark joy.

4. Make it yours

It’s easy to tell what the absolute must-haves of a new place are. You’d need kitchenware, cleaning products, bedding, towels and the list goes on (whatever you do, definitely don’t postpone getting a plunger. Trust us). But it’s not just about buying things, it’s also about making the space feel like home. If you’re allowed to paint, choose a colour that makes you feel cosy and nice. Clean the house, shuffle your furniture around until you’re happy, use lamps to bring in more light, and burn a candle to get it smelling fresh –– plus, it will create an unmatched ambiance. Decorate, hang up art that inspires you, nurture a few houseplants. Really, go crazy. It’s your kingdom, make it so!

5. Set your expectations

Although this move is thrilling, it won’t be all rainbows and unicorns –– hardly anything ever is. To avoid heartbreak, take on the Scout method and be prepared, at least emotionally, that things will sometimes not be perfect. If you’ve moved in with a partner, open communication is key. Let them know what your routine is like, what you expect from them, what your deal breakers are when it comes to your living space, and what you’re willing to compromise about.

6. Get to know your new neighbourhood

There’s no better way to settle in than to explore your surroundings. Take a little stroll around the neighbourhood, check out the local cafés and restaurants, and find your nearest Tesco. If you live in a particularly friendly area, you can knock on some doors and introduce yourself –– no one ever said no to freshly baked biscuits and a warm hello. You might also want to consider investigating the transport hubs on the block to save you some time for when you actually need to use them. Just wander around and get to know the place!

We’re very proud to bring you this feature in association with CitySprint. For more inspiration for your home, please pay a visit to our interiors page.