Moving house checklist

Click to download our free PDF checklist, which covers everything from ordering packing cases to defrosting the freezer and breaks your tasks down according to how far in advance you'll need to do them.

List of organisations and companies to contact before you move

Government bodies

You'll need to update your address with the DVLA for both your driving licence and vehicle registration. Don't do this before you move, as you may need your driving licence for identification and van hire.

Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to contact HMRC or the Department for Work and Pensions.

You'll need to ask your local authority for a final council tax statement, and you may even get a refund. Finally, don't forget to update your details on the electoral roll.

Contact:

• Department for Work and Pensions
• HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
• Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA)
• Electoral roll
• TV Licensing
• Your local authority.

Financial institutions

Your bank and credit card providers will need to know your new address.

This is especially important as current account and credit card providers may use your address as part of their security checks to verify your identity.

Contact:

• banking and savings account providers
• credit card companies
• investment funds
• store loyalty card providers
• pension services.

Insurance providers

You should notify your contents insurance provider of when and where you will be moving. Check with them what is and is not insured during the move, as you may need to get additional insurance from them or your removals company.

Contact any companies you have insurance with, including:

• car insurance (and any breakdown services provider)
• home insurance
• mobile phone insurance
• pet insurance
• life insurance
• health insurance (including dental insurance).

Utility suppliers

Let your utility providers know the exact date you'll be moving. You should take meter readings and photographs of the meters on moving day in both your old and new home.

When you're settling in, don't forget to shop around for the best deal – Which? Switch can help you compare.

Contact:

• water supplier
• gas provider
• electricity provider.

Regular bills

Any company that provides a service you pay a regular bill for – such as a mobile phone or telecoms provider – will also need to know about your change of address.

Contact providers for your:

• home phone
• broadband
• cable TV
• mobile phone.

Health services

Make registering at your new local GP a priority, as there may be a delay in getting treatment when you first register.

Contact:

• local NHS doctor's surgery – register ASAP so there are no delays when you need to see your GP
• specialists, such as your dentist and optician.

Work and education contacts

Your employer and your child's school will need your address details, especially if you're listed as an emergency contact.

Contact:

• your employer (and company pension fund)
• colleagues and alumni networks
• professional associations
• schools, colleges and educational institutions.

Leisure and family activities

Make sure your subscriptions are up to date, and share your address with any other organisations that might contact you via mail.

If your pets are microchipped, be sure to update the details with their database companies.

Contact:

• newspaper, magazine and newsletter subscriptions
• clubs, including sports teams or gym
• charities you support
• pet microchip databases.

Redirecting your mail and calls

If you’ve lived in your property for many years, you’ll have a lot of work to do updating people and companies with your new contact details.

You can make this process easier by using the Royal Mail's redirection service, which takes up to five working days to come into effect and redirects all mail to your new address.

You can keep this service for three, six or 12 months after moving into your new home to avoid post going astray. Prices start from £33.99 for three months' redirection (£41.99 for a couple).

If you are changing your phone number, you may also be able to arrange for your telephone company to automatically inform callers of your new number for a few weeks following the switchover date.

When to start packing to move home

The earlier you start packing, the better. Begin packing non-essentials a couple of weeks before moving day. It's worth planning where all your furniture will go a few weeks in advance of your move and disposing of any items you don't want to take with you. 

You may need to order packing cases, and possibly new curtains and carpets for your new property too.

Take a look at our page on packing for moving for a full rundown of how to make the process stress-free.

Choosing a removal company 

If you're looking for a removal company you can trust, check out Which? Trusted Traders. Before giving any company the official seal of approval by naming them a Which? Trusted Trader, we assess them in person, and make credit, reference and administrative checks to ensure they are a reputable company.

• Find out more: how to choose the best removals company.

Preparing your home for the new owner

It can be helpful to prepare a briefing sheet for the new owner. This should include how to operate the boiler and alarm, the location of the meters, fuse box and stopcock, and any other useful information about the property. 

You could either label all keys or leave them in the lock that they operate. Don't forget shed and garage keys, and those for the window locks. 

It's a good idea to ask – or have it as part of your purchase agreement – that the person you are buying from does the same.

If you need a tradesperson you can trust, check out Which? Trusted Traders for builders, plumbers, plasterers, locksmiths and more.

What do I need to do after I've moved?

There are a few loose ends with your new property that usually need to be tied up as soon as you've completed your move. 

If your property cost more than £125,000 (or £300,000 as a first-time buyer) you'll have to pay your stamp duty bill within 30 days. Your conveyancer will usually calculate and pay this on your behalf.

You should also get a locksmith to change the locks so your household has a unique set of keys.