Your Moving Home Checklist

You’ve successfully bid for the home you want and you’re moving home. 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!

Your moving timetable 

One month before you move

  • Notify water, gas and electric companies that you’re moving house. You’ll also need to tell the local council (Council Tax, housing benefit), TV licensing and a host of others. Use our handy checklist 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 you won’t 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 with the room they will be going into in your new home – it makes moving in much easier!
  • Ask friends and family to be on standby to help you move (or to look after kids or pets so they’re out of the way). If you work, make sure you can get time off for the move.

Two weeks before you 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.
  • Arrange to have your mail re-directed to your new address by the Royal Mail (there is a charge for this service).

One week before you move

  • Pay local bills like the milkman and 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
  • Do a final check of cupboards, sheds, the loft and under the stairs just to make sure nothing is 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!) If you want a hot drink, don’t forget the kettle

The day you move

Give the house 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?

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