The easiest things to forget when you move are the ones that don’t go in a box: meter readings, updating your address with DVLA and the electoral register, settling council tax, and redirecting your post. Here’s a short list to work through, so nothing catches up with you after the move.
On moving day
- Meter readings. Read your gas and electricity meters on the day you move out and give the readings to your supplier. Which? suggests taking readings and photos of the meters in both your old home and the new one. Citizens Advice says to give your supplier at least 48 hours’ notice that you’re moving.
- Keys for everything. Leave the new owners the keys for windows, sheds and garages too, labelled or left in their locks, and ask the seller to do the same for you.
- The lofts, sheds and cupboards. Check the loft, garden shed, under the stairs and the backs of cupboards before you lock up for the last time.
The address changes
- DVLA. Update the address on your driving licence and your vehicle log book. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t tell DVLA when your address changes. Which? suggests waiting until after you’ve moved, as you may need your licence as ID or to hire a van.
- Electoral register. You need to register to vote again when you change address.
- Council tax. Ask your old council for a final statement; you might even get a refund.
- TV licence. Transfer it to your new address.
- Post. Royal Mail’s redirection service can send your post on for three, six or 12 months. It can take up to five working days to start, so set it up ahead of the move.
- Banks, insurers and regular bills. Your bank may use your address in its security checks, so update it early.
Once you’ve arrived
If you’ve moved to a new area, register with a local GP soon, as there could be a delay in getting treatment when you first register. If your pets are microchipped, update their details on the microchip database. Which? also suggests getting the locks changed, so you know who has a key.
When there’s a gap between homes
If your new home isn’t ready on the day you leave the old one, or you can’t yet fit everything in, a storage unit keeps your belongings safe in the meantime. It also means fewer boxes in the way while you’re dealing with everything above. Our page on storage when you’re moving house explains how a short stay between homes works.
To plan your move, call us on 0800 2545585, or get a price online.
Related questions
- How do I know what unit size I need?
- Can I rent a storage unit for a week?
- How many boxes will I need?
Further reading
- Which?: Moving house checklist
- Citizens Advice: Moving home: gas and electricity supplies
- GOV.UK: Change the address on your driving licence
- GOV.UK: Register to vote