Moving home is said to be one of the most stressful things you can do, and it can wreak havoc with your finances, but there are lots of things you can sort out before moving day to make your life easier. Here are our top 12 things to arrange in advance.
There can be a lot to worry about on moving day, ensuring that nothing is forgotten and that everything goes smoothly; However, there are some things you can do to make sure your finances deal with the move without a hitch.
Here are 12 things to get sorted before the packing begins:
1. Get your mail re-directed
With data protection and identity theft more of a concern than ever before, getting your mail re-directed to your new address by Royal Mail is a must if you want to make sure your personal information doesn’t go astray.
You can set up to redirect your mail in advance of the day you move and for as long as you wish, although 6-12 months is usually sufficient.
There will be a small charge but it's more than worth it to stop your important paperwork falling into the wrong hands.
You can set up your mail re-direct on the Royal Mail website.
2. Tell your banks about the move
You need to make sure that you tell any banks, building societies, insurance companies or other financial companies that you have dealings with about your move so they can update their records.
Keeping them informed is not only a good idea because it will mean they can get hold of you in an emergency, but it will also stop any important financial documents - PIN numbers and new cards for example - falling into a stranger's hands.
Write to each bank in advance to inform them of your new address and your moving date to ensure that their records remain up to date.
3. Check your new home is insured
If you're buying a new house you're likely to need buildings insurance in place as a condition of your mortgage contract.
However, whether you're renting or buying, protecting your possessions against loss or damage both during the move and afterwards is only sensible.
Once you know the details of your new home you can put a insurance policy in place up to 30 days in advance and schedule it to start the day you pick up the keys.
Use our home insurance comparison tables and read our guide How to Find the Best Home Insurance Quotes to find the best policy for your new home.
Alternatively, if you have an existing home insurance policy in place, double check that it covers you during the move and contact your insurer to inform them of your change of address.
It may be that you need to pay a little extra to amend your policy if the amount of cover you need changes - if you move to a bigger home for example.
4. Make sure your car moves with you
When you move home you need to make sure that your car also makes the journey.
You need to update the address on your car insurance, car ownership certificate and driving licence to ensure everything is sound on moving day.
Updating the address on your driving licence is free and easy to do and will also provide you with proof of your new address, which can be useful once you’ve moved in.
You can either update your details online on the Directgov website or visit your nearest Post Office to complete a paper application.
Making sure that your car insurance company also know that you’ve moved is a must.
Most policies are to some extent based on your location and where the car is kept overnight. So fail to notify your car insurance provider that you’ve moved and they could refuse to pay if your need to make a claim.
It may be the case that you will need to pay a little extra if your insurer deems the area you'll now be living in as more risky. However, if they see it as safer then you could even get a small refund!
When you move home you should also update your car’s ownership certificate to list your new address. You'll need to send the V5C part of your car registration documents updated with your new details to the DVLA and they'll send you a new one.
It's worth noting that it can take up to 4 weeks for new registration documents to be issued so if you need to tax your car within this time you'll be able to fill in a form at the Post Office instead.
5. Take final meter readings
Ensuring that you only pay for the water, gas and electricity that you have actually used is vital when you move home.
Remember to take the meter readings at your property and notify your suppliers before you move to ensure that you don’t get billed for someone else’s utilities.
Your gas, electricity and water company is likely to have a change of address form on their website which you can use to inform them of your move date and details.
You should be able to keep with the same gas and electricity companies when you move. If you choose to do this they'll arrange the switch for you.
However, if you're not tied into a fixed term deal it's a good idea to check whether you could save by switching to a different gas or electricity deal when you move.
6. Change your details on the electoral roll
Updating your status on the electoral roll will ensure that you can still vote in local and national elections after you move.
Making sure that you are registered on the electoral roll at your new address can also help improve your credit rating.
Visit aboutmyvote.co.uk to find out how to update your electoral roll details.
7. Check you can move your TV licence
If you want to watch TV in your new home you'll need to notify the TV licencing company about your change of address.
Inform them of your new address and let them know the date you are moving to make sure you’re covered from the day you move in.
Visit the TV licence website for more information on how to update your details.
8. Arrange to move you digital TV and broadband
Most broadband, landline and digital TV providers will allow you to take your existing package with you when you move at no extra cost - providing they offer a service in your new area.
However, you will need to contact them in advance to find out whether it is possible to move your service, or if not whether they're able to offer an alternative or a refund for the contract term you have outstanding.
If you're not tied into a deal it's worth looking at whether you can get a better broadband, landline or digital TV package for less when you move as it may be that different providers offer services in your new area - you can use the postcode search in our broadband comparison tables to discover your options.
9. Apply for a parking permit
If you are moving to a ‘residents only’ parking area then you may want to apply for a parking permit before you moving date so you aren't left in the lurch once you arrive.
To apply for a parking permit you will need to contact your local authority, or if it is a private residential parking scheme apply direct through them.
10. Change the address on your subscriptions
If you have a monthly or weekly subscription to your favourite magazine or some other delivery service (milk, vegetables, DVDs or otherwise) then it’s easy to forget to give them your new address if you leave it until after you've moved – especially if your magazine is still going to your old address!
Contact any companies that regularly send you things before you move out to make sure you don’t miss out on things you've paid for.
11. Arrange a child minder/baby sitter for moving day
Keeping the kids entertained while your unpacking boxes can be tricky.
To save their sanity (and your own!), consider arranging for them to stay with a friend or family member until you’re sorted in your new home.
12. Eat up the food in your freezer
When you’re moving home it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to move your freezer without losing all the food inside.
To avoid wasting food and your money, make sure to use up all your frozen foods in the week before you move.
If you have anything left over, ask a friend or neighbour to store it in their freezer until your appliances are installed in your new home.
