Seven essential things to do when moving to a house
Moving is a big deal. You’ve got a lot to think about and if you don’t organise yourself, it can get pretty stressful. That needn’t be the case, though. You can save yourself a whole load of hassle if you do the seven essential things below:
1. Redirect your mail
Redirecting your mail is crucial to prevent yourself from identity theft. You don’t want your personal information dropping through the letterbox and into the wrong hands. You can set up redirection online with Royal Mail, but you’ll have to pay a little bit for the service. Six to twelve months is usually long enough.
2. Notify your bank
Banks, building societies and other financial institutions or service providers that you deal with will all need to update their records. This will allow them to contact you if there’s an emergency or they have to send you important financial information, such as a new PIN number.
3. Check the broadband availability at your (new) address
Moving your broadband from one house to another can feel like a massive hassle, but it doesn’t have to be. Fortunately, there are sites that make it easy to find out what services are available in your area. Whether you’re able to keep your existing supplier or you need to find a new one, once you know what’s available you can arrange for your broadband to be set up on the day you move in so there’s no drop in service. Finally, one less thing to worry about.
t’s never good to be without broadband too long, so you want to install it in your new address as soon as possible. Before you move in, you can Google something like ‘Check my area for broadband’, research the availability of broadband in your new area and then arrange to set it up. Often, broadband service providers will allow you to transfer your package to your new address if they operate in the area.
4. Collect all the right keys
Don’t collect just the front and back door keys and window keys. You may also need keys for the garage, garden gate, conservatory or shed, so make sure you collect all the keys from the previous owner before you move. When you do move into your new home, change all the locksin case someone other than the previous owner has a copy of the keys. This will also keep you in favour with the insurance companies. Speaking of insurance…
5. Check you have valid insurance cover
Mortgage contracts often require you to have building insurance as part of the terms and conditions for granting you the mortgage. In any case, it’s important to insure your home during the move and after it, so set up an insurance policy 30 days before you move in and schedule it to start when you get the keys to your new home. If you have an insurance policy already, check the terms of the policy cover the move.
6. Record the meter readings
Although it can slip your mind easily, remember to record your meter readings before you leave your old address. Then inform your suppliers so they don’t invoice you for someone else’s usage. You may even consider changing to a new supplier if you’re tied into a contract with your current suppliers.
7. Apply for a parking permit
If you’re moving to an address with ‘residents only’ parking, you’ll have to apply for a permit. Depending on whether it’s a private residential parking scheme or not, you’ll have to apply to the scheme or to the local authority.
Moving is a tricky business with lots to keep in mind so you can transfer to your new address without any hassle. Follow these tips and you’ll certainly keep your stress levels to a minimum. As well as taking the above action, you should also notify the DVLA and your car insurance provider of your change of address.
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