Moving house checklist | Things to do when you move

Moving house checklist | Things to do when you move | YBS

Reading time 5 minutes

At a glance:

Prepare for the move by gathering boxes, clearing out unwanted items and labelling boxes.

Tell the relevant people about your move and get your license updated.

Get ready for the big day! Remember to check your meters and meet the neighbours.

Preparing for the move

Prepare boxes

In the weeks and months before moving day, try to keep hold of any boxes from online orders.

Boxes of all sizes will come in handy (but the bigger the better) and will make packing easier. You can also buy moving boxes fairly cheaply online.

Packing

You may be surprised by the amount of stuff you’ve collected over the years. Save yourself a lot of hassle by decluttering before the move.

Here are some other packing tips:

Group items from the same room together and label boxes clearly.
Use quality packing tape and paper (not newspaper as the print can rub off).
Fill any gaps with scrunched-up paper to cushion your cherished items during the journey.
Don’t make your boxes too heavy to lift — you risk doing damage to the items, and your back, so test the weight.
Distribute the weight of the items evenly inside the box (heaviest on the bottom).
Make sure you have the right posture before lifting bulky boxes. Feet should be shoulder-width apart, one slightly in front of the other, bend from the knees and keep a straight back.

Who to tell that you’re moving

Building society, lender or bank

Let your bank or building society know that you’re moving. You can usually do this online, over the phone or in a branch.

Local authority

If you’re moving to a home in the same local authority area, you’ll need to let your current council know that you’re moving to a new address.

If you’re moving to a new area, you’ll need to tell both current and new authorities about your change of address. This will make sure pay the right amount of council tax. Most councils now have online forms you can fill in.

Driving licence

You are required by law to notify the DVLA of any change of address. You will need to get your driving licence, vehicle log book (V5C) and vehicle tax updated.

There’s a potential fine of up to £1,000.00 if you don’t do this, so it’s best to update your details as soon as you can on the DVLA website. You can still drive while you’re waiting for the update.

HMRC

Whether employed or self-employed, you’re responsible for telling HMRC about your new address. You’ll need to wait until you’ve moved before you can do this. Update your details online on the HMRC website.

Post office redirection service

Make sure your mail moves with you by paying for the Royal Mail redirection service.

You can redirect your post to any address in the UK or abroad for up to three, six or 12 months. Doing this will make sure your post reaches you properly.

Utilities

Let all your utility providers like your energy supplier know you’re moving and make sure they have your new contact details.

You’ll need to submit final meter readings before you leave. You can usually do this any time until the day before you move, but it’s best to check first with your supplier. It’s a good idea to take a quick pic so you have a record of your readings.

Don’t forget to arrange broadband in your new property as soon as you have a moving date. Let your installer know ASAP if your plans and dates change.

TV licence

You’ll need to swap your TV License over to your new address. Simply visit the TV Licensing website and fill in the online form.

Employer

Let your employer and pension provider know that you’re moving. This is so they can update your details and make sure any documents and pay slips are sent to the right address.

Doctors and vets

Let your GP and vet know that you’re changing address so they can update your details. Let them know that you’ll be moving and getting a new local doctor.

Subscriptions and online shopping

Update your contact details on online shopping and payment platforms. There’s nothing worse than buying a treat and having it sent to the wrong address!

Moving day!

Loading the van

If you’ve decided to hire a van and do the removals yourself rather than paying a company, here are a few tips to take the strain out of your move:

Take larger pieces of furniture apart to make moving it easier. Bag-up screws, nuts and bolts and tape them to the bottom of the piece of furniture.
Pack large, bulky items like furniture into the van first.
Get hold of a hand truck with dolly wheels to make moving larger objects easier and to take the strain off backs and limbs.
Working outwards, stack your boxes against the walls of the truck, leaving you with an aisle down the centre.
Make sure the boxes with essentials are unpacked first (think toothpaste, shampoo, bedding!).

Check your home

Before you close the door on your old home for the last time, do one final sweep to make sure you haven’t left anything behind.

Don’t pack away your vacuum cleaner so you can give everything a final clean. It’s also a good idea to leave a note for your buyers with contact details, just in case they have any questions.

Arrange pet or childcare

Moving can be stressful, particularly if you have young children, pets or both. Make things easier by arranging care for your kids and furry friends on moving day.

Move furniture first

When you’re finally in your new home, get the important stuff set up first. Start with your bed, sofa and kettle. Treat yourself to a takeaway on your first night – unpacking the kitchen can wait until morning!

Getting settled

Meet the neighbours

In the words of a well-known Aussie soap, “everybody needs good neighbours”.

Take the time to say hello to the folks next door and make a good first impression.

Change the locks

Changing locks may not seem like a priority, but it’s worth doing for the security and peace of mind it brings. Get in touch with a local locksmith to arrange a replacement.

Handle any post from the previous resident

If you’re still getting post for the previous owners, let them know and either arrange for them to collect or write ‘return to sender’.

Check the meters

It’s best to take meter readings in your new home as soon as you can, then contact the current supplier to provide your readings.

This will help the provider give you an accurate first bill and make sure you don’t pay for gas or electric you haven’t used.

Register to vote

You need to update your address on the electoral register as this doesn’t happen automatically when you move.

You’ll need to fill in a few personal details and will be asked for your National Insurance number, so have this to hand.