Why this basket
- The first-night list follows Which?'s moving-day essentials box: loo roll, bin bags and bedding, packed before the move.
- The smoke alarm line follows GOV.UK's rules for rented homes in England and London Fire Brigade's advice on sealed-battery alarms.
- The extension lead follows Electrical Safety First; the bulbs follow Philips Hue's advice to check the existing fitting before buying.
- Each pick states its size, fitting or pack count in the title, so you can match it to your bed, bin and light fittings.
First night
Pack these in the essentials box that is unpacked first.
A smoke alarm with a 10-year sealed battery
FireAngel FA6620 10-year smoke alarm
4.3 on Amazon · 8,016 ratings · 5K+ bought last month · #1 in Smoke Alarms · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Press the test button on the fitted alarm before you unpack. In a rented home in England the landlord must fit one on every storey and check it works on day one; if you own the flat, that job is yours. London Fire Brigade says one alarm is not enough and recommends a 10-year sealed battery. This FireAngel has one and meets BS EN 14604, the listing says.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Easy to fit as a straight swap for an older alarm(4 of 8 reviews)
- Properly loud when it goes off(2 of 8 reviews)
Watch out for
- Some units faulted or false alarmed long before the ten years(2 of 8 reviews)
Our summary of the 8 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Size
- about 12 x 12 x 3.2 cm
- Weight
- 138 g
- Material
- Plastic
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Also recommended on: a Christmas tree.
A duvet sized to the bed
Slumberdown Anti Allergy double duvet, 10.5 tog
4.6 on Amazon · 53,398 ratings · 2K+ bought last month · #5 in Duvets · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Worth waitingon offer 14 of 24 days, not today
Bedding is on Which?'s list for the moving-day essentials box. This duvet is 200 x 200 cm, the size Silentnight gives for a standard double. At 10.5 tog it sits at the bottom of Silentnight's winter range, which suits a flat whose heating you do not know yet. The listing says it is machine washable.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Feels light and fluffy while still keeping you warm(5 of 13 reviews)
- The outer fabric feels soft against the skin(2 of 13 reviews)
- Good quality for the price(4 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Material
- Microfibre
- Care
- Machine Wash
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 24 days; Amazon showed a discount of 10% or more on 14 of them.
Two pillows
Silentnight Deep Sleep pillows (2)
4.3 on Amazon · 29,388 ratings · 2K+ bought last month · #6 in Standard Pillows · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Pillows travel with the rest of the bedding in the essentials box. Medium support is the middle setting, a fair start before you know whether you want firmer or softer.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Soft and comfortable to sleep on(5 of 13 reviews)
- Good value, holding their own against pricier pillows(2 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- Some go lumpy and lose their shape within a couple of months(2 of 13 reviews)
- Thinner or smaller than expected for a standard pillow(2 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Pack
- pack of 2
- Care
- Machine Wash
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 24 days; Amazon showed a discount of 10% or more on 5 of them, including today.
A fitted sheet, duvet cover and pillowcases
Utopia Bedding double set, grey
4.6 on Amazon · 9,866 ratings · 900+ bought last month · #1 in Duvet Covers · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Limited time deal
Cover, fitted sheet and pillowcases come as one set in one size, so nothing is mismatched on the first night. Order the same size as the duvet: this one is double.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Soft, smooth fabric rather than rough or scratchy(9 of 13 reviews)
- A whole matching set for very little money(7 of 13 reviews)
- Deep fitted sheet with elastic all round that stays in place(4 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- The fitted sheet is deep, so it can sit loose on a thin mattress(2 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Material
- Polyester
- Pack
- pack of 4
- In the box
- Fitted Sheet, Pillowcase
- Care
- Machine wash, tumble dry or iron on low temperature; do not bleach.
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Bath, hand and face towels
GC Gaveno Cavailia 10-piece towel bale
4.0 on Amazon · 4,342 ratings · 1K+ bought last month · #1 in Towel Sets · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Towels are easy to lose in a box marked for the wrong room. A 10-piece cotton bale covers bath, hand and face towels in one order, per the listing, so there is a spare while the first one dries. Buyers say the bath towels are small for an adult; add a bath sheet if you want one to wrap round you.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Soft to the touch straight out of the pack(5 of 13 reviews)
- Good value for a full set of towels(7 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- Thinner than the photos suggest, more budget than plush(5 of 13 reviews)
- The bath towels are on the small side for an adult(4 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Material
- Cotton
- Pack
- pack of 10
- In the box
- 10 Piece Of Bale Set
- Care
- Do Not Bleach
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Toilet roll
Velvet Classic quilted toilet tissue (24)
4.3 on Amazon · 23,946 ratings · 80K+ bought last month · #1 in Toilet Tissues · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Worth waitingon offer 9 of 21 days, not today
Loo roll heads Which?'s list of moving-day essentials. A 24-roll pack is one delivery instead of a string of corner-shop trips while you settle in.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Soft yet strong enough not to tear in use(7 of 13 reviews)
- The quilted sheets feel a cut above basic rolls(2 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- Slim rolls on a wide tube, so a pack goes quickly(5 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Material
- Paper
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 21 days; Amazon showed a discount of 10% or more on 9 of them.
Bin bags for unpacking rubbish
by Amazon drawstring bin liners, 50 L (20)
4.4 on Amazon · 1,080 ratings · 6K+ bought last month · #5 in Bin Liners · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Which? puts bin bags in the essentials box because unpacking makes rubbish before there is a bin. These are 50 litres with drawstrings, the size of the pedal bin in week one.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Fit a standard 50 litre kitchen bin snugly(5 of 13 reviews)
- Strong enough for everyday rubbish without splitting(7 of 13 reviews)
- The drawstring ties easily and holds a full bag(3 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- Some find them flimsy, tearing once the bag gets heavy(2 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Weight
- 180 g
- Material
- Polyethylene
- Capacity
- 50 litres
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
First week
A lidded kitchen bin
4.4 on Amazon · 15,037 ratings · 5K+ bought last month · #1 in Under Kitchen Counter Bins · recorded 27 Sept 2026
A pedal bin opens without a hand on the lid. The listing gives 50 litres with a soft-close lid that stays open while you scrape plates, and the 50 litre drawstring liners from the first night fit it.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Feels sturdy and well made for the price(5 of 13 reviews)
- Slim with a flat back, so it tucks against a wall(3 of 13 reviews)
- Easy to wipe clean(2 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- The pedal only lifts the lid part of the way(2 of 13 reviews)
- The lid can come off its fixing or a clip can snap(2 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Size
- about 25 x 16 x 13 cm
- Weight
- 1.7 kg
- Material
- Plastic
- Capacity
- 50 litres
- In the box
- 1 x complete Bin - Base and Lid
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 22 days; Amazon showed a discount of 10% or more on 0 of them.
Spare bulbs in the right fitting
Vanke bayonet LED bulbs, 9 W (6)
4.5 on Amazon · 6,454 ratings · 1K+ bought last month · #3 in LED Bulbs · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Philips Hue's guide says to look at the existing bulb before buying. A B22 bayonet has two pins on the side; an E27 Edison screw screws in. This six-pack is B22, warm white 2700K and 9 W, sold as a 60 W equivalent. If your fittings are screw-in, buy E27 instead.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- A warm white glow rather than a harsh blue light(4 of 8 reviews)
- Bright enough to replace an old 60 watt bulb(5 of 8 reviews)
- Pops into a standard bayonet holder with no fuss(2 of 8 reviews)
Our summary of the 8 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Material
- Aluminium, Polypropylene (PP)
- Pack
- pack of 6
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
A 13 A extension lead
Masterplug 4-socket surge lead, 2 m
4.8 on Amazon · 1,211 ratings · 5K+ bought last month · #2 in Power Strips · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Electrical Safety First says extension leads are rated at 13 A, one lead per wall socket, and never one lead plugged into another. This Masterplug has four switched sockets, surge protection and a 2 m cable, per the listing. Add up what you plug in so the total stays within the rating.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Each socket has its own switch, handy for turning things off(7 of 10 reviews)
- Feels solid and well built rather than flimsy(6 of 10 reviews)
- The 2 metre cable is a useful length(4 of 10 reviews)
Our summary of the 10 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Weight
- 460 g
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Washable cleaning cloths
4.0 on Amazon · 59,593 ratings · 10K+ bought last month · #1 in Reusable Cleaning Cloths · recorded 27 Sept 2026
Which?'s checklist says to set aside time, a vacuum and cloths for cleaning on moving day. Eight washable 30 x 30 cm microfibre cloths cover cupboards, shelves and the fridge before you unpack into them.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Leave mirrors, glass and taps free of streaks(4 of 13 reviews)
- Dry quickly and hold up well in the washing machine(4 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- Very thin, better for quick wipes than heavy jobs(7 of 13 reviews)
- Too small and thin for washing a car or motorbike(2 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
- Material
- Microfiber,Polyester,Polyamide
- Pack
- pack of 8
- Care
- Machine Wash,Hand Wash
From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.
Price: we have checked it on 24 days; Amazon showed a discount of 10% or more on 0 of them.
Also recommended on: damp and condensation.
A spray for kitchen and bathroom surfaces
Elbow Grease all-purpose degreaser, 1 L
4.6 on Amazon · 5,075 ratings · 10K+ bought last month · #1 in All-Purpose Cleaners · recorded 27 Sept 2026
One spray does most of the first clean. The listing says this litre bottle lifts grease and oil from kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Read the label before using it on wood or natural stone.
What buyers say
Buyers like
- Cuts through grease, even burnt-on, with little scrubbing(9 of 13 reviews)
- Works on most surfaces around the house, even fabrics(4 of 13 reviews)
- Has a pleasant scent rather than a harsh chemical smell(2 of 13 reviews)
Watch out for
- Read the label first, as it can dull wood or laminate(2 of 13 reviews)
Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.
More about this pick
Price: we have checked it on 24 days; Amazon showed a discount of 10% or more on 0 of them.
Can wait
- A second set of bedding. One set covers the first week; a second matters once you are washing sheets and need something on the bed.
- Curtains or blinds. Which?'s checklist says to order curtains only if needed; measure the windows in the flat first.
- Pans, a knife and chopping boards. The kitchen has its own list: see what to buy for a first kitchen.
Skip it
- SkipBlock (cube) adaptors on an extension leadElectrical Safety First says to use one extension device per socket and never plug one into another; an adaptor on a lead does both.
- SkipA cable reel for indoor useElectrical Safety First warns that a reel run while still wound can overheat; a 2 m lead reaches most sockets without that risk.
Quick questions
Does my landlord have to provide a smoke alarm?
Yes, if you rent from a private or social landlord in England. GOV.UK's guidance says the landlord must fit at least one smoke alarm on every storey with living space, plus a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance other than a gas cooker. They must check the alarms work on the first day of a new tenancy. After that, you test them and report faults.
Which light bulb fitting do I need?
Check the bulb already in the fitting. Philips Hue's guide says a B22 bayonet has two pins on the side, an E27 Edison screw screws in, and E14 is the smaller screw used for candle-style bulbs. GU10 spotlights have two short prongs underneath and are common in kitchen and bathroom ceilings.
Can I plug an extension lead into another extension lead?
No. Electrical Safety First calls this daisy chaining and says never to do it; use one extension device per wall socket and keep the total load within the lead's rating, usually 13 A. If you rely on leads every day, it suggests having extra wall sockets fitted by a registered electrician, which in a rented flat means asking the landlord.
What should go in the first-night box when moving?
Which?'s moving checklist says to prepare it a day or two ahead with loo roll, soap, tea bags, mugs, bin bags, a phone charger, pet food and bedding. This page covers the bedding, bin bags and loo roll; kitchen kit has its own list.
What size is a double duvet?
200 x 200 cm. Silentnight's buying guide gives a single as 135 x 200 cm, a double as 200 x 200 cm and a king as 225 x 220 cm. Check the bed size before you order, and buy the cover set in the same size.
Sources: Which?: Moving home checklist (PDF) (checked 26 September 2026); GOV.UK: Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm regulations, guidance for landlords and tenants (checked 26 September 2026); London Fire Brigade: Smoke alarms and heat alarms (checked 26 September 2026); Electrical Safety First: Extension leads safety (checked 26 September 2026); Philips Hue: Light bulb sizes guide (checked 26 September 2026); Silentnight: Duvet buying guide (checked 26 September 2026).
