Ten things you need to remember when you move house

You’ve got the keys and you’re finally in so now you have a long list of things you need to change.

There is so much to think about, and as you become overwhelmed with excitement and panic amidst all the (organised) chaos, it’s easy to forget some important things from your ‘to do’ list.

So, here is a recap of ten really important jobs that you need to do once you’ve moved in.

1. Re-direct your post

Make sure you don’t miss out on receiving all those corny birthday cards from your best friends. On a serious note, you can get all your post redirected via the Post Office (although you do have to pay a fee). Also, be sure to inform your bank of your new address as soon as possible; in the age of digital banking, you can sometimes do this online or via your app.

2. Sort out your TV licence

While you spend more time online watching Netflix and YouTube there still remains the legal requirement to have a TV licence. If you had a license at your previous address and need to have it reassigned to your new home, you just need to change your address with them, and the contract will continue as usual. Otherwise you will need to purchase a new one which can be done simply by going online to register your new address and to confirm your payment preferences.

3. Set up the internet

Arguably the most important job of all … it’s best to ring up your current provider and ask about your contract terms. You might even be able to transfer it over to your new house or it could be a chance to shop around if you’re finishing your contract. You’ll need to book a date for installation though and that could take several weeks so try and plan ahead if possible.

4. Arrange your Council Tax

This is something you’ll want to sort out as a priority. Contact your local council to finalise your current bill, and to change your address if moving to an address that remains in the area covered by the Council. If not, then set up an account with your new council as soon as possible as you need to pay from the date you move in. The Council Tax due will depend on where you live, the size of your property and how many people live in your home. Local council websites are the best places to start to work out how much you’re likely to be paying.

5. Register to vote

It may seem like the last thing on your mind when you move in, but if you registered to vote in your old home you’ll need to register again for your new address to be able to to vote in national and local elections. Do not wait for a notification to arrrive through the post. This can be set up online using the local Council website.

6. Notify your Gas & Electric supplier

You should have already taken final meter readings before you moved out. Then you need to take new meter readings at your new home to ensure you get the most accurate bill possible. When you move home you can stay with the same energy provider or change to a new one, although check the conditions of your contract first.

7. Do the same with your Water supplier

This is another job that requires you to set aside time in your day to speak to a supplier although you might be able to do change your address online. Your water supplier needs to be notified so that they are made aware that your details have changed. Your new area’s water supplier will contact you once you’ve moved in to work out a payment plan with them.

8. Register with Doctor & Dentist surgeries

There may be a waiting list for good doctor and dentist surgeries in your new local area so sign up with your new address as soon as possible – you never know when you may need them.

9. Arrange insurance

Last but by no means least, make sure that you have your buildings and contents insurance in order. Be aware that you need to have building insurance from the point of exchange, not on completion – so make sure you remember to have signed up to a policy before proceeding with the exchange of contracts.

Finally... contact all your suppliers including credit card companies, DVLA, passport agency to confirm your change of address.

This can sometimes be done on a website where all the suppliers will be notified on your behalf saving you time and effort. Finally, let every company you make regular purchases from, typically online, know your new address to save deliveries still being made to your old address.