Moving into a new apartment in London is an exciting milestone, but settling into a new home can also feel overwhelming. From unpacking and updating your address to getting to know your neighbourhood and establishing a new routine, there can be a lot to think about during those first few weeks.
At Dolphin Square, we know that settling in isn’t about doing everything at once, but focusing on the right things at the right time. This 30-day guide covers the essentials to help you get organised, explore your surroundings and make your new apartment feel like home.
Moving in and setting up on day one
Amongst the cardboard boxes and excitement of moving, your first day doesn’t need to be about getting everything perfect. Focus on the essentials that will make your new apartment feel comfortable and functional.
Keep a few first-night necessities separate from the rest of your belongings, such as chargers, toiletries, bedding and a change of clothes. Having these within easy reach means you won’t need to unpack every box before you can settle in for the evening.
If you’re moving to Dolphin Square, some preparation before the day itself can make things even easier. Residents can book a dedicated move-in slot, including lift access and a parking bay for the moving vehicle. You’ll also have the opportunity to book a home demonstration, where a member of the team will introduce you to your apartment’s appliances, controls and key features.
Once you’ve moved in, take the time to review your Inventory Check-In Report when it arrives and flag anything that doesn’t look right. This gives you and the Dolphin Square team a clear record of the condition of your apartment at the beginning of your tenancy.
With the practicalities taken care of, resist the temptation to unpack everything at once. Get the essentials sorted, make yourself comfortable and take some time to explore your new surroundings.
What to sort in your first two weeks
Once the boxes are flattened and your apartment is starting to feel like home, your first couple of weeks are a good time to take care of the remaining practicalities and get to know your new neighbourhood.
Review your inventory: Your Inventory Check-In Report will typically be sent within five working days of your arrival. Take some time to review it carefully and flag any discrepancies within the five-day review period, so there is an accurate record of your apartment’s condition at the start of your tenancy.
Get connected: At Dolphin Square, you don’t need to arrange your own energy supplier or submit meter readings. Your opening readings are taken automatically, and our third-party billing agent will contact you to set up your utility account. For Wi-Fi, every apartment has a ready-to-use Glide network, allowing you to choose a package and get online quickly.
Update your address: Make a list of the organisations that need your new details, from your bank and employer to subscriptions and insurance providers. You can also update your address on the electoral register through the official government website.
Find your local services: Don’t wait until you need an appointment to find your nearest GP. Use the NHS website to find a local surgery and learn how to register as a new patient.
Redirect your post: If you are expecting letters at your previous address, setting up Royal Mail Redirection can help make sure important post follows you to your new home. At Dolphin Square, you’ll also have an individual post box, while larger parcels can be delivered to the Keys & Parcel Office.
Start exploring Pimlico: Once the admin is out of the way, spend some time getting to know your new neighbourhood. Familiarise yourself with your commute, discover your nearest shops and cafés, and explore different ways of getting around London. With Pimlico Underground station, Victoria Station and connections along the Thames all within easy reach, you’ll soon find the routes that work best for your routine.
Making it feel like a ‘home’ in your third week
By week three, the heavy lifting is usually over and the practicalities are beginning to settle. This is the time to focus less on moving in and more on making your apartment feel like home, adding the personal touches and routines that create a genuine sense of belonging.
Week three is also a good time to start making the most of life beyond your apartment. At Dolphin Square, that might mean starting your morning at the Fitness Club, spending some time in the co-working space, enjoying a coffee at the Café & Bar or the Juice Bar, or simply taking a walk through the Grade II-listed gardens.
Our resident events also provide opportunities to meet your neighbours and become part of the wider Dolphin Square community. From summer gatherings on the Croquet Lawn overlooking the River Thames to outdoor Pilates and yoga sessions and quiz nights at the Café & Bar, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Sometimes, feeling at home is as much about the people and community around you as it is about the apartment itself.
What to check by the end of your first month
As you reach the 30-day mark, it’s worth taking a moment to make sure everything in your apartment is working as it should and that you’ve taken care of any remaining practicalities.
One of the benefits of living within a professionally managed estate is having support close at hand. At Dolphin Square, our on-site teams are here to help with everything from day-to-day enquiries to maintenance concerns, giving you added peace of mind as you settle into your new home.
By the end of your first month, life in your new London apartment should be starting to feel more familiar. Perhaps you’ve found your favourite spot in the gardens, established a regular Saturday morning game on the riverside tennis court, or started recognising familiar faces when you stop for a coffee at the Café & Bar.
It’s these everyday routines and connections that can turn a new apartment into somewhere that truly feels like home.
If you’re still searching for the right place to call home in London, explore our available apartments or get in touch with our Leasing team to discover life at Dolphin Square.
