“HE WHO FAILS TO PLAN, IS PLANNING TO FAIL” ARE THE FAMOUS WORDS ADOPTED BY WINSTON CHURCHILL. IF THEY WORKED FOR HIM TO WIN A WAR, THEY’LL DEFINITELY HELP YOU IN ONE OF THE MOST STRESSFUL THINGS YOU MAY EVER DO – MOVING HOME.
One of the easiest ways to make your move less stressful, is to create a checklist of things you will need to do. Here are a few things you can do to help:
- Internet: What would we do without the Internet? If it’s for your kids to play games, working from home, or relaxing while checking social media, our lives today revolve around the internet. Speak to your current provider to confirm how long you have left on your contract, if their service is available where you are moving to and provisionally book a date for installation, (if required). Sometimes installation can take weeks following a phone call. It’s much better to let your provider know in advance.
- Insurance: Your current buildings and contents insurance will only usually cover your existing property. You will need to either change your existing policy to your new address or set up a new policy. Sites like Money Saving Expert and Uswitch offer great comparisons. Just make sure you are covered on your new property.
- Post: Quick question: do you know every item of post you subscribe to? If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t. Contact all of your utility providers, magazine subscriptions, banks etc. and give them your new address. For the services you have forgotten, you can set up a post redirection with the Post Office. There is a fee for this (contact your Post Office for the price), but it will save you losing any post.
- Gas and electric: Let your current provider know you are moving at least 2 days before you move. You can then provide them with a final meter reading and avoid any later issues. Always ask who you are speaking to so you have a reference to confirm they have your final reading. When you move you can set up with a new provider or stay with your current one. Check with your provider if you have any penalties before leaving.
- TV License: If you pay for your license annually, contact them and let them know your new address. As a general rule, you only require one TV license per household. Confirm this with TV Licensing.
- Council Tax: Get in touch with your local council to finalise your current bill, and get set up with your new council as soon as possible, as you need to pay from the date you move in. Council Tax differs in amount per area, per property type and even by the amount of people in the property.
- Doctors and Dentists: There may be a waiting list for good doctor and dentist surgeries in your new local area, so sign up with your new address as soon as possible – you never know when you may need them.
- Water: As with your energy suppliers, your water supplier also needs to be notified and you need to have your details changed with them. The water provider in your area will usually be in contact with you after you move in. Check www.water.org.uk to confirm who the provider is at your new property.
- Voting: Make sure you’re registered to your new address on the Electoral Roll, so you can be involved in national and local votes. If you’re asked to register and you don’t do so, you could be fined by your local Electoral Registration Office. By not registering to vote, your credit rating could be affected.
- Removals: If you plan on renting a removal van or you are going to use a removal company, research who provide the service locally. When you have a suggested completion date, start to make removal plans. Always be aware that until actual completion, a house sale is not certain. Be mindful of this when sorting out your removal plans.
Useful links
https://www.gov.uk/pay-council-tax
https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/
https://www.uswitch.com/
https://www.postoffice.co.uk/
