Step 5 Moving House
What do I need to do for moving house?
The cliche goes that moving house is one of the most stressful experiences of your life. Yes it is upheaval and yes it does require planning, preparation and a fair degree of effort but it can go very smoothly and be a lot easier than you think. Please read our exclusive moving guide to help you move home the easy.
Countdown to moving day
There is so much to organise in just packing for the move that often important things are understandably over-looked. Use this checklist a couple of weeks before you move to make sure you’ve got everything covered. But beware – don’t notify anyone of your change of address until the contracts have been exchanged, as the sale can still fall through leaving you with the chore of contacting everyone again.
- Change of address service
You can tell many different organisations of your new address, including gas and telephone companies and government offices.
- Have you contacted your council tax office?
Contact your local council’s council tax office to let them know the date you move out of your current property and when you move into your new one so they bill you correctly.
- If you receive benefits have you told your benefit provider?
Give your details to the local Jobcentre Plus office or, if you don’t yet have Jobcentre Plus in your area, contact your Jobcentre or social security office. You can use the Jobcentre Plus link to find your nearest Jobcentre Plus, Jobcentre or social security office.
- Have you redirected your post to your new address?
You can download the form from the Post Office website. It can take up to 10 days to set up and there is a charge.
- Have you told the utility providers (gas, water, electricity)?
You need to tell them at least 48 hours in advance that you are moving. Pass on the details of your current supplier to the people moving in. On your moving day you will need to read the meters in both properties so the correct bills can be issued. When you move in to your new home contact who you want to supply your utilities so they can register you as a new customer and start billing you from that day.
- Have you updated your driving licence and vehicle registration documentation?
Visit the Driving and Vehicle Licencing Agency to find out how.
- Have you updated your details on the Electoral Register?
The register is updated every month and you need to be included on it to vote. A form is available from the Electoral Commission’s ‘About my vote’ website. You can complete the form online, or download and send it to the Electoral Registration Office which is based at your local council.Electoral Commission register to vote link
- Have you told the TV licensing?
Your television licence will need to be transferred to your new address. You can do this online or by calling 0870 241 6468.
Advice courtesy of Direct gov
What happens on Moving day?
Now the day has finally arrived, it’s time for the big move as you move house! Here are some great moving day tips.
Packing & Unpacking
- If you are packing then ensure that the containers you use are strong enough to permit stacking in the van without harming the contents.
- Ensure each container is not filled above its top level, which prevents sealing and stacking.
- Do not make the cartons too heavy to lift. Half fill these cartons and then top up with lighter items.
Self Assembly Furniture
- This is not made to be flattened, moved and reassembled, so it is not insured against if the furniture does not fit together perfectly after the move.
- This furniture typically needs to be dismantled before the move day.
Attics and Lofts
- Unless this is fully boarded the moving team are typically not allowed to enter this area due to Health and Safety regulations.
Ensure the contents of unboarded areas are sorted and placed in a convenient room.
Removals into Storage
- Check that all personal papers and documents are retained by yourself prior to putting your possessions into storage.
Cookers/Washing Machines/Fridges & Freezers
- These should all be disconnected prior to the moving day.
- The drums of washing machines must be secured to avoid damage, with the proper brackets obtained from the local authorised agents.
- Fridges and Freezers should be washed out with detergent to avoid unpleasant odours. They should be dried thoroughly.
Curtains/Blinds/Items Fixed to Walls
- These should typically be taken down prior to the moving team arriving.
Clothing
- Clothing already on hangers can remain on them, other clothing needs to be packed.
Bedding & Linen
- All bedding and linen should be folded and laid out on beds ready for packing.
Audio & Video Equipment
- This is best moved in its original packaging.
- Any record deck and pick up of a record player should be secured for transit in accordance with the manufacturers instructions before the moving team arrive.
China/Glass/Ornaments & Books
- Generally China/Glass/Ornaments and Books can be left in the cupboards and on the shelves ready for the moving team to pack (if these have been included in the quotation). It is the customers responsibility to check all cupboards have been emptied.
Food Stuffs
- Food stuffs cannot be moved into storage.
When moving direct from one home to another, ensure any packets, lids, bottle tops are secured and sellotaped.
- If moving the contents of a freezer, condense into large polythene bags, so that the entire contents may be lifted and refilled in a few seconds.
Contents of Garages & Garden Sheds
- These should be sorted in advance of the moving day; any rubbish discarded, tools cleaned and bundled together.
- Any flammable substances, old tins of paint, creosote, paraffin, matches, gas bottles or similar items, cannot be carried by most removal companies. Any other containers or bottles should be securely sealed with sellotape to prevent spillage.
Pets
- Pets should be sedated and travel with the family. The most mildly tempered creatures can become aggressive when the family home is being moved.
Access
- Access to and from the doorway of your home is critical for removal vehicles. Please explain to neightbours in advance that a large removal vehicle will be parked outside your home causing a possible degree of inconvenience.
Long Term Storage
- Washing machines and dishwashers must be completely drained of surplus water as damp, mildew and seizure of component parts can take place when these appliances are not used for a considerable length of time
Good luck and dont get too stressed!
