Planning your move
Congratulations on moving home! To make your move go as smoothly as possible, here is a countdown to remind you of all the things that need to be done before you can finally put your feet up and relax!
Firstly…
Notify us - please check your tenancy agreement for the your notice period.
Contact your telephone company to organise reconnection/installation.
Inform utility companies - electric, gas and water, that you will be moving and tell them your new address so they can arrange to read meters (if necessary) and send bills.
Get several quotes from removals companies. Make sure they are fully insured to cover your possessions (look for a firm that belongs to the British Association of Removers).
Start collecting packing materials.
Book time off work.
Have a clear out!
2 weeks and counting...
Book a removal company or van.
Notify your local authority of move and new address for council tax purposes.
Inform other people of your change of address. These may include:
- your bank / building society
- your local authority for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit
- Revenue & Customs regarding Tax Credits and Child Benefit
- schools
- doctor
- dentist
- DVLA
- employer
- friends and family
- credit card company/finance companies
- insurance companies
- library service
- mobile phone provider
- savings institutions
- pension company
- sports and social clubs of which you are a member
- any other service providers, e.g. satellite TV
Arrange for the redirection of mail with the Post Office.
Arrange gas cooker or heater connections (we recommend that all gas connections are carried out by a qualified contractor).
Organise someone to look after any children and pets if necessary.
Make plan of new home and decide which rooms will be used for what.
Start packing (it's never too early!). Mark boxes as you pack to find them easily and help the removals people to put them in the right rooms.
1 week left
Cancel any services, e.g. window cleaner, milkman, newspaper delivery.
Confirm arrangements with utility companies for reconnection of appliances.
Arrange the exchange of keys. Collect yours as soon as possible.
Make sure that the property you are leaving is clean and tidy.
Aim to empty the freezer of as much food as possible before the move.
The day before
Do the last of your packing.
Finish cleaning the house.
Defrost fridge/freezer.
The day of the move
Disconnect any remaining appliances.
Ensure the meters are read before you leave the property - both by yourself and the officials.
Pack a box of emergency supplies. Make sure the kettle, mugs, teabags, coffee, milk, sugar and spoons are easy to locate.
Have one last final check in cupboards, wardrobes, sheds.
Close and lock doors and windows.
Check that all containers have been delivered to your new home.
