The HFS Move-In Checklist 2026

30 Jul 2026

Luke M. Williams

A good move-in checklist makes all the difference. Without one, it’s easy to arrive at your new room and realise you’ve forgotten your ID, your bedding doesn’t fit, or nobody told you where to collect your keys. Move-in day has more moving parts than most people expect. There’s paperwork, timing, transport, and a room to turn into somewhere you can actually live, all within a few hours.

Most of that stress comes down to preparation. So, below is a complete move-in checklist covering three things: what to sort out beforehand, what to bring with you, and what to expect once you arrive. Follow it, and the day itself should feel far more routine than chaotic.

The HFS Move-In Checklist 2026

Before You Arrive

  • Tenancy agreement signed and any upfront costs covered.
  • Move-in date and time confirmed with your accommodation team.
  • Photo ID ready to have to hand (passport or driving license).
  • Proof of address or confirmation email, in case it’s needed at check-in.
  • Contents insurance arranged or confirmed to be included in rental costs.
  • Emergency contact details noted down, both for yourself and who to contact in an emergency.
  • Start pack ordered, if you’re using one, in good time for delivery before you arrive.

That last point is worth planning early. UNPACKED can deliver a bedding or kitchen pack in as little as two working days before your move-in date. Even so, ordering earlier gives you more flexibility, especially during a busy period like the start of term.

What To Bring On The Day

  • Photo ID and any paperwork requested by your property team.
  • Phone charger and a portable battery pack if you’ve got a long journey ahead.
  • A bag of immediate essentials (toiletries, a change of clothes, medication) separate from your main luggage, in case boxes or deliveries take longer than expected.
  • Snacks and water for the journey and while you unpack.

Essentials for Your Room

This is where the bulk of the actual “stuff” comes in. A student starter pack can take the biggest chunk of your move-in checklist off your hands.

  • Bedding: The UNPACKED bedding pack covers your duvet, pillows, fitted sheet, and duvet set. It’s sized to fit your specific bed, from single through to king.
  • Kitchen.: The UNPACKED kitchen pack covers dinnerware, pans, an oven tray, utensils, a tin opener, a colander, knives, a chopping board, and tea towels. Everything is induction-compatible and dishwasher-safe.

Whichever box you opt for, both arrive in one labelled box, waiting in your room before you get there. That means you can sort this part of the list well before moving day itself.

Beyond that, you’ll still want to think about:

  • Storage (under-bed boxes, hangers, laundry basket)
  • Study bits (desk lamp, stationery, extension lead)
  • Personal touches (photos, fairy lights, a throw)
  • Toiletries and towels
  • A small first aid kit

On the Day

  • Arrive within your allocated window. Accommodation teams often stagger arrivals, so stick to your confirmed slot where you can.
  • Collect your keys or fob from the site team, and check what to do if you lose them.
  • Check your room against any inventory provided, noting any existing damage so it’s on record from day one.
  • Locate your fire exits and any safety information for the building.
  • Say hello to your flatmates. You’ll be sharing a kitchen with them for the year, and a five-minute introduction on day one makes the first week considerably easier.

After You’ve Moved in

  • Register with a local GP
  • Check where your nearest supermarket, pharmacy, and launderette are
  • Confirm your Wi-Fi or broadband setup
  • Save your accommodation team’s contact details in your phone
  • Take a photo of your room on arrival, useful for any deposit queries later in the year

Move-in day goes more smoothly when you sort the big things in advance: paperwork, keys, and the basics of your room. Working through this move-in checklist ahead of time is one of the simplest ways to shorten what’s left to do. Ordering a starter pack to cover the basics helps too, all before you’ve even packed the car.

Time to Get Sorted

If you haven’t confirmed your room yet, check the Homes for Students website for any remaining availability for the 2026/27 academic year. Last-minute rooms do come up as other students finalise plans, so it’s worth a look even this close to the start of term. Once you’re booked in, visit UNPACKED to order your bedding or kitchen pack. Choose your delivery date, and it’ll be waiting in your room before you arrive.

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