Moving house checklist

Click the button below to download our free PDF checklist so that you can keep track of what tasks you've done and what's left to do. 
 

Who should I inform about moving house? 

Even if you use the Post Office's mail-redirection service, it's a good idea to inform important companies, such as banks and utility companies, directly.

Make a list of all the companies and organisations you need to inform, including their contact details and when to do it by.

List of organisations and companies to contact

Here, we explain which organisations you'll need to contact, and the key considerations to take into account.

Government bodies

Update your address with the DVLA for both your licence and vehicle registration - but not before you move, as you may need your 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 statement of your council tax - and may even get a refund. And 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

Banks, lenders and credit card companies will need to know your new details. This is especially important with current account and credit card providers, which may use your current address as a security check or 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 the 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 utilities providers know the exact date you'll be moving. You should take meter readings and photographs of them (ideally date-stamped ones) of the meters 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 provider, telecoms provider, magazine subscription etc – will also need to know about your change of address.

Contact providers for your:

• Home phone
• Broadband
• Cable TV
• Mobile phone

Health services

You'll have to let any medical organisations you deal with know you're moving as well. 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 most current address details - especially if you're listed as an emergency contact.

Contact:

• Your employers (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 Post Office’s change-of-address service, which takes up to 10 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.

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 in our detailed guide on how to choose the best removals company.

Preparing your home for the new owner

It is very helpful if you 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 information. 

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

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. 

Also, get a locksmith to change the locks so your household has a unique set of keys.