Checklist for moving into a new house update#

This way you can update your supplier on your final usage and ensure you are not billed for the next occupant’s energy use. Make a note of your gas and electricity meter readings before you lock the door to your old home.

Sarah Broomfield, energy expert at, says: 'There’s a huge amount to remember amid the stress of moving home, but taking meter readings should be high on your to-do list.

You’ll need to provide them with your new address and moving date, so they know where to forward final bills to. It varies between different suppliers, but most allow you to notify them that you are moving, either by phone or online, up to 28 days in advance. Once a decision has been made, book in your chosen firm at least three weeks before moving day. Most quotes are only valid for a month, so if a quote expires ask the removals company for a requote. If you pack yourself, it’s worth noting the removal company may be unable to fully insure the items you’ve packed.'Īsk for a quote in writing so you can see what’s included in the move. If it’s a video survey, be open and honest about access issues, such as narrow streets or parking restrictions and always make sure you include everything you want moving in the survey,' he says, 'Find out if insurance is offered – if you want greater peace of mind you need to arrange extra cover yourself. More often this is done via video link, but many prefer a face-to-face survey. 'Ask for the removal company to carry out a survey. Stephen suggests talking to local removals companies who are members of the British Association of Removers (BAR) and getting three quotes. If you have a lot of frozen food, consider using it up prior to moving so you won’t have so much to move. Anything that’s no longer wanted you could sell at a car boot sale, on second-hand sites such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree – or you might consider giving away good quality items through Freecycle or to charity shops, to reduce waste going to landfill.' 'Attics, sheds and garages can all be sorted and packed weeks in advance, so these are great jobs to get out of the way early. 'Start with a small task, like going through your bookshelf and picking out the books you no longer want, working up to larger tasks such as your wardrobe, kitchen cupboards and the garage or attic,' advises Rob. Not only will unwanted items end up gathering dust in your new property, but you’ll be paying to move them unnecessarily. There’s no point in bringing things you no longer want or need with you into your new home. Make sure you book the relevant day off work and put arrangements in place to take care of young children and pets. 'Once you have a moving date, confirm the move date with your selected removals company as soon as possible to ensure they have availability.' 'Buying or selling a home normally takes around two to three months to complete but can take much longer if there is a chain,' says Stephen Thorp of the British Association of Removers.

Checklist for moving into a new house