Your Moving Home Checklist

Congratulations you have successfully bid for a new home!

You can use our handy checklist to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Your new landlord won’t always be able to tell you exactly when the keys will be available but if you do as much as you can before the move, it will make the whole moving experience much easier!

Things to do before you move

  • Notify water, gas and electric companies that you’re moving home. You’ll also need to tell the local council (Council Tax, housing benefit), TV licensing and a host of others. Use our list of services you need to inform below so you don’t miss anyone.
  • If you have a digital TV or internet service, check how much notice they will need to change your service over to your new address.
  • Have a sort out – get rid of everything you won’t be taking with you. Things in good condition can be re-used – look out for projects that recycle furniture and give books, toys and clothes to your favourite charity shop.
  • Start to use up the contents of your freezer, this will mean that you will not have to worry about lots of food defrosting come the day of your move.
  • Start collecting boxes and pack away everything you won’t need before the move such as ornaments and keepsakes. Label each box so that you know what is in it and what room its contents will be going into in your new home.
  • Ask friends and family to be on standby to help you move (or to look after children or pets so they’re out of the way). If you work, make sure you can get time off for the move.
  • Contact your local council to arrange for any unwanted bulky items to be collected (such as wardrobes, fridges and TVs – your council may charge).
  • Find a removal company to help you move or hire a van or ask a friend or family member who has a car or van.
  • Arrange to have your post/mail re-directed to your new address by the Royal Mail (there is a charge for this service).
  • Pay any local bills such as the milkman or the newsagent.
  • Arrange where and when you will be able to pick up the keys and sign for the tenancy.
  • Start putting together a box of essentials that you’ll need on the day of the move.

The day before you move

  • Pack everything you will need for your first night in your new home so it is to hand, making sure that it is easy to access and does not get missed up with other boxes/items.
  • Do a final check of cupboards, sheds, the loft and under the stairs just to make sure nothing is forgotten or left behind.
  • Put your moving day essentials in a box to take with you, such as tea, coffee, milk, sugar, and biscuits (and toilet roll, hand wash/sanitizer and hand towel). If you want a hot drink, don’t forget the kettle, cups and spoon.

The day you move

  • Give the home a final quick clean (if you’re renting privately, you don’t want any problems getting your deposit back).
  • Make a note of all your meter readings and keep them somewhere safe to pass on the utility companies once you’ve moved so you can get a final reading.
  • Have one last check of each room, lock up, leave the keys in the agreed location or with the landlord and head off to your new home!
  • When you arrive at your new home make sure you have all the keys for doors, windows, sheds, etc. and ask your landlord if any are missing.

Who do you need to inform about your new address?

(this is not a complete list as there may be services specific to you and your needs)

  • Bank, building society or credit union
  • Credit card provider/Finance company
  • Council Tax
  • Gas & electric companies
  • Water company
  • TV Licensing
  • Home contents Insurance company
  • Car Insurance company
  • Vehicle Licensing company
  • Phone company
  • Mobile phone provider
  •  Internet Provider
  • Cable TV or satellite provider
  • DWP or Job Centre
  • Child Support Agency
  • Housing benefit team
  • Your employer
  • Pension Provider
  • Life Insurance provider
  • DVLA
  • Schools & colleges
  • Doctor/Health Centre
  • Dentist
  • Vets
  • Family & friends