Things to do when moving into your new house
From packing up your life into boxes to informing various people, there is an endless list of things to do when moving into a new house. This guide will help you stay organised and save you from a lot of stress.
What to do when moving house
Step 1: Pack and declutter your home
Packing can be the most time-consuming part of moving, so begin early to avoid last-minute stress. A useful tip we recommend, when going through your belongings, is to sort them into categories:
• Keep: Items you use regularly or want to keep.
• Donate: Items that are in good condition but are no longer needed.
• Sell: Items that can be sold for extra cash.
• Discard: Items that are broken, outdated or no longer useful.
This will not only help you reduce clutter but also make the packing process smoother. Alternatively, you can pack room by room and label boxes by both room and contents (e.g., Lounge: Books). This way, anyone helping you will know exactly where each box should go and what to unload.
Step 2: Consider hiring a moving company
Choosing the right moving company is crucial to ensure a less stressful move. Take time to research different companies in advance, ensuring they have positive reviews and offer the services you require, such as packing, unpacking or furniture assembly. We also recommend confirming the date and time of your move well in advance and having a backup plan in case of delays.
Step 3: Update personal documents with your new address
Before moving, if you drive, make sure you update your address on your driving licence and vehicle logbook. It’s also important to make sure you update your TV licence.
You should also contact gov.uk so they can update the electoral register and HM Revenue & Customs for National Insurance, pension and tax purposes. This will help prevent missed bills, delayed services and mitigate potential security risks.
Step 4: Notify relevant parties of your house move
In terms of who to inform when moving house, you should let the following know:
• Your employer
• Your doctor/dentist
• Your bank/building society
• Your local council
• Your utility providers. Make sure you give at least 5 working days’ notice to your water provider, and 48 hours’ notice to your energy provider(s).
• Royal Mail redirection services (to forward any stray mail or parcels)
• Your local services (milkman, newspapers, window cleaners etc.)
Ready to make a big move?
If you’re considering moving into a brand-new Bloor home, please speak to one of our friendly sales advisors today.
At Bloor Homes, we support you throughout the move, offering inspections and quality checks before you move in, and a Site Manager to help you settle in afterwards.
FAQs about moving house
How do I sort my utilities when moving house?
On moving day, make sure to record your meter readings and relevant dates for both properties, and settle any outstanding bills to avoid being overcharged. Inform your energy, internet, and broadband providers a few weeks in advance. If you're switching utility providers, set this up before your move. You may face a week or two without Wi-Fi so, if you work from home, arrange an early connection or consider a temporary backup.
How much does moving house cost?
In the UK, the average cost of moving house is nearly £14,500. While this can vary depending on your situation, it's important to plan for costs such as mortgage fees and deposit, stamp duty, and legal fees if you’re using a solicitor. Other expenses to consider include storage, packing materials and cleaning. At Bloor Homes, we offer our Assisted Move scheme to help you sell your old home, so you can spend more on your new one.
How do I cancel my old council tax when moving house?
If you're moving within the same area, your solicitor will arrange the tax band for your new home. Once confirmed, let your local council know via an online form.
If you're moving to a different area, inform both your old and new councils by email, phone, or online form. After cancelling your council tax, register with your new council online.