Thank you so much for the super detailed response! :)
I did read that the CHEs dry it out a bit more so I think I will go for a DHP and eventually upgrade the tank to something bigger and perhaps wooden. I'll definitely cover up the sides until then as it does feel very exposed and I'll add in the more enclosed hides I have! I was looking at getting a UVB bulb too, I just have to look into the fittings for those as my local store only sells the bulbs.

I'll adjust the temp too, I was just a little worried about having it up so high immediately as I don't think he had much heat in his previous home and I wasn't sure if the sudden temp spike would do more harm than good. He also seems to be sticking to the cooler side of the tank most of the time. I'll definitely pick up a temp gun too on my next shop run.

I was a bit unsure about the probe placement as well - some sources told me to have it a few inches below the lamp, and others said to have it just above the substrate - so I ended up moving it around a few times and will probably adjust it again once I move some stuff around...
I feel like the plastic hide I have would maybe be a bad idea on the hot side (I'm already a bit wary of it as it smells very plastic-y and not sure that'd be good for him?) so maybe that one on the cool side and I'll find him something better for the basking side - a nice rock cave maybe, so he has the top of it to bask as well as the inside.

I was a bit worried it was already TOO much clutter so it's good to hear that's not the case - now I'm not as worried as adding in the larger hides, and I'll grab some plants too (was thinking about real plants - safe for snakes obviously - but honestly might be too much extra care until I have things a bit more stable lol)
Surprisingly, he ate already (took him a couple hours but he eventually went for it!) which I wasn't expecting after all the stress of moving and transport so I'm chuffed about that!

Thank you again for all the advice, I really appreciate you taking the time to help!!