It’s fair to say there’s plenty to remember when it comes to the ‘big move’.
So much so, in fact, trying to keep tabs on everything required during the moving process can become quite overwhelming – even for the most organised person.
We’ve compiled 13 of the most important things to remember when you move home so you can ensure you have everything covered before the big day, but first…
Don’t put off notifying everyone
Forward planning is important in any house move and delaying the things you can’t face will only make life harder as moving day edges closer. And, frankly, you’ll have enough to deal with when that day comes.
Of course, you can only inform people of your moving date when you have one, which might only be a week before the day itself.
With that in mind, draw up a priority list of people and companies you need to inform about your new address and target them first.
Organise mail redirection
Even if you feel you have covered the most important organisations with your ‘change of address’ priority list, even the most organised mover can forget to tell one or two.
For a relatively small fee, you can set up redirection with Royal Mail to ensure you don’t miss any vital post.
Once you have been living in your new home for six months or a year and have informed organisations you forgot about, you’ll find the redirected mail becomes fewer and far between.
So, on to those 13 things to remember…
1. The electoral roll
With a General Election generally taking place every five years, registering your new address on the electoral roll might not seem like a huge priority.
But the roll affects much more than just your ability to vote.
An incorrect address on the roll can greatly affect you credit score, so get your address changed as soon as you can after moving day.
2. Utility suppliers
As well as taking meter readings before moving out of your previous property, take them when you move into your new home.
That will help ensure you are not paying for someone else’s energy usage.
And remember: Don’t simply stay with the supplier your new home’s previous owners used. Moving home is a superb opportunity to switch to a new supplier for gas and electricity and get a great deal.
3. Car insurance
The insurance on your car is only valid if your address is correct. So, once you have your moving day set in stone, let your insurer know so they can update their records for you from that date.
That means if you are unfortunate enough to have a prang on your way to your new home, you should be covered.
Also, don’t forget to update your car’s V5C logbook with the DVLA, which can be done at their website.
4. Council tax
To make sure you are paying the correct amount of council tax relative to your move date, let the local authority know of your change of address as soon as you can.
5. Your employer
Strangely enough, this is often way down people’s priority lists when they move home.
It might just seem like a case of letting your line manager know that you’ve moved and giving him the new address.
But it pays to let your employer’s Human Resources department know in writing. This not only affects your employer’s ability to contact you, but they also need to let HMRC know about your new address for the purposes of tax, national insurance, state pension and tax credits.
If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to do all this yourself at HMRC’s website.
6. TV licence
What do you mean you’ll be too busy unpacking to watch TV? That may be true, but not having a valid TV licence, even if it is switched off, could see you fined up to £1,000.
Once you have your moving date, change your address online.
7. Doctor’s surgery
If you are moving within the catchment for your existing doctor, let them know your new address as soon as you can.
If you’ve heading further afield, try to make time to find out which surgery is nearest your new home and contact them to advise you are moving.
They’ll be able to tell you how to register and should inform your previous surgery that you are now under their care.
8. The bank
This is one that can easily be forgotten. Given the cashless way in which we pay for goods in 2019, it’s easy to forget there is actual money in your account at all.
Let your bank know about your new address. This can usually be done online or over the phone, but if you have moved to a new town or city, why not pop into your new local branch?
9. Premium bonds
Again, this might not seem like a priority. But imagine if you won a big prize and NS&I couldn’t get hold of you!
Premium bonds are a common thing people lose track of when moving, but even if you only have a small amount, it’s an investment nonetheless.
10. Your will
This is an important thing to remember. But, again, it’s often one people tend to forget.
Nobody likes having to think about the worst, but for the benefit of your family, make sure you inform your solicitor and executors that you have moved.
11. Mobile phone, TV and broadband
If you subscribe to a service such as Sky or Virgin Media, there’s a strong chance all of the above will be supplied by them. That certainly makes things easier!
Update them with your address – it could also be a good time to try to negotiate a better deal if you are also near the end of your contract.
12. Your pets
No, you don’t have to tell your pets directly… but you should inform your vet or any pet insurance providers of your new address.
If you own a cat or a dog with a microchip, make sure you update the contact details on it.
13. Family and friends
Last, but not least, don’t forget to let those closest to you know your new address details.
This can be nice time to post out cards or send out a group WhatsApp message… while you’re at it, don’t forget to invite everyone to the house warming!
If you have any other questions about moving home, speak to your local CJ Hole office who will be happy to help.
