You are here: Home > Mortgages > Mortgage News > Mortgage articles

Moving checklist

Moving Checklist

Use the following checklist to make sure you find out all you need
to know when moving home

1. Arranging the move

If you decide to move yourself, look into the costs involved. Where long distances and several journeys are concerned it may be worth hiring the professionals
If you do use a removal firm, check the contract to be clear on exactly what the firm will do and what happens if any of your goods get damaged during the move.
Also check with your home contents insurer to make sure you are covered during the move
If you are moving from a large city to a smaller area, it may be cheaper hiring the removers from the place you are moving to
If no one can recommend a particular removal firm to you, use one that is a member of the
British Association of Removers (tel: 020 8861 3331)

2. Things to do

Book the removal firm if you’re using one (give at least two weeks notice)
Hire removal boxes or tea chests for packing if they are not supplied by the removal firm
Start packing things you won’t immediately need
Arrange for the professional disconnection of gas cookers and any other appliances that you are taking with you (give seven days notice)
Arrange for the final reading of gas/ electricity/ water (give 48 hours notice). Arrange for readings to be taken at your new property to make sure you are charged for power/ water from the date you move
Arrange for your final telephone bill, and arrange for a telephone connection at your new home - see if you can transfer your existing number over to your new home
Cancel standing orders or direct debits from your bank account in favour of your existing house (mortgage, gas, electricity payments) and complete fresh ones for your new house
Cancel deliveries of paper, milk, and so on and pay off your accounts
Defrost the fridge/ freezer.
If moving with a freezer filled with food, turn it up to maximum for a few days before the move

3. Moving Tips

Don't notify anyone of the change of address before the contracts are exchanged - if the move falls through you'll have to notify everyone again
Draw up a plan of your new property, showing where you want your furniture
Take down all the fitted items such as wall lights, shelves, and brackets, mirrors and pictures very early on. It will be more time- consuming than you think
Pack the things you rarely use first
Make the move that bit easier by throwing out clothes and things you don't need. Some removal firms support Oxfam and have an OXBOXX scheme whereby you put all your unwanted goods in boxes, labelling them. The removal company will then deliver the boxes to the nearest Oxfam on your moving day
On the day, pack one box with a kettle, tea bags, coffee, milk, and snacks. Matches, kitchen roll, can- opener, sharp knife, cutlery, plates, screwdriver, candles, loo rolls, and light bulbs are also a good idea. Keep this box with you, along with important documents, telephone numbers you may need, cash and valuables and the keys to your new home
Label all your boxes and tea chests showing where they should go
On the day of the move, turn off water, gas meter, boiler and all electric and gas appliances; make a note of the readings on the meters
Arrange with the Post Office to have your mail redirected automatically to your new home. Redirection costs £6.55 for a month; £14.30 for three months; and £33 for a year. That is the price per surname rather than per property.

4. Who to notify

Before you move you need to contact the local offices of the water, gas and electricity companies and the phone company
You also need to contact banks, building societies, and credit card companies
The Council Tax departments in the area where you live now, and the area you are moving to
The companies that handle your home contents and buildings insurance, and car insurance. Make sure that you are covered in your new home
The companies handling any pension and life assurance policies you may have
Rental companies if you are renting your TV or video, and the TV licence authority
The Inland Revenue and the Department of Social Security
The DVLA to change your driving licence to incorporate your new address
Your doctor, dentist and optician
Your employer
Friends and relatives
National savings and premium bonds