A handy to do list when moving home
Moving home can be overwhelming – but it doesn't have to be! Follow our timeline and tick off tasks as the weeks go by leading up to the big move. We've broken down all the essentials you need to complete at least eight weeks before your moving date.
8 weeks to go
Plan and prepare!
Leave yourself enough time to plan ahead of your move. Getting all your ducks in a row will help reduce stress later down the line.
Keep a folder handy with all home moving documents safe. It's also a good idea to review your home insurance policy to ensure that it covers your new home from the day you move in.
Start searching for removal companies to see what they offer. By starting earlier, you can increase your chances of finding the best deal.
Sort and save
Moving house is a great opportunity to get rid of unwanted items and make some extra money by selling them through eBay, Gumtree or Shpock.
Remember to stock up on packing materials such as boxes and bubble wrap. Ask around your local shops to check whether they have any spare boxes.
Who doesn't need extra cash when moving?
4 weeks to go
Redirecting mail
You might be wondering, how do I redirect my mail? It's simple. Head to the Royal Mail Redirection site and tell them your new address.
Tell everyone you're moving
Seems pretty obvious but it's worth checking. Make sure you tell your bank, doctor, dentist, and (if you have pets) your vet will also need to be notified. And if you're moving out of a rental property, don't forget to notify your landlord in writing.
Remember to tell these very important people:
- The electoral register
- DVLA (Driving and Vehicle License Authority)
- HMRC
Household utilities
- Gas
- Electricity
- Water
- Cable/satellite/broadband
- Home phone
- Mobile phone
- Council tax
- Boiler/heating maintenance
- TV Licence
Financial companies
- Bank
- Building society
- Savings accounts
- Credit/store cards
- Loan companies
Insurance services
- Building and contents
- Car
- Vehicle breakdown cover
- Health
- Life
- Pet
Work and education
- Employer
- School/college/university
3 weeks to go
Book your removal van
Make sure you check parking restrictions and if necessary, order permits for your removal van if you aren't moving somewhere with a drive.
Get snacking
Keep your energy up and tackle an essential moving task at the same time – start snacking! Get to work on open packets and frozen food as these items do not travel well.
2 weeks to go
Label all boxes
Make sure you check all the nooks and crannies of your soon-to-be old home for forgotten treasures. Label all boxes to give yourself an easy time on the other side!
Don't forget to check the following:
- Loft
- Basement
- Under stairs cupboard
- Garage
- Garden shed
1 week to go
Prepare a package containing all the items you'll need as soon as arrive at your new home. Keep it with you so it doesn't get lost among the boxes in the removal van. Here are a few things we couldn't go without on our first night in a new home:
Kitchen essentials
- Cutlery for each family member
- Tea and coffee for the morning
- Kettle
- Healthy snacks
- Bin liners
Living room essentials
- Board games
- Laptop and family DVD
Bedroom essentials
- Bedding
- Phone chargers
- Change of clothes for each family member
Bathroom essentials
- Towels
- Toiletries
- Toilet roll
- Soap
- Cleaning supplies
- First aid kit
- Family medication
- Baby changing supplies
Other accessories
- Light bulbs
- Portable radio
- Pet food/water bowls/bedding and accessories
And just when you think you've told everyone you're moving don't forget about:
- Your online accounts (e.g. supermarkets and other shopping accounts)
- Professional bodies (such as your trade union)
- Pension provider
- Loyalty cards
- Hire purchase/rental companies
- Premium Bonds
- Subscriptions
- Optician
- Cleaner/milkman/window cleaner
- Solicitor
- Accountant
- Household insurance for your building and contents
- Reconfirm the details of your move with the removal firm. At this stage of the move, it is vital that you double-check everything.
1 day to go
Make sure you keep all important documents on hand and you've packed all your essentials. Remember to leave yourself plenty of time to defrost your freezer before the move too.
Moving day has arrived!
Take pictures of your gas and electricity meter readings at your old place and your new home. Contacting your energy company might not be top of the list to do on moving day, but it's a great way to log this information. Let your energy supplier know so that you get correct billing for both places.
If you're an existing EDF Energy customer and are staying with us after your move, contact us when you move in so we can set up your new account.
You're in your new home – now what?
Congratulations – you’ve made it to your new abode! Now it’s time to check out our top tips on how to set up your home to be as energy-efficient as possible.
Be savvy
There are plenty of ways to reduce your bills in your new home. From turning down your thermostat to how much water to put in the kettle – we've got you covered! Find all our energy-saving tips here.
Be smart
Invest in one of our smart meters to help you keep track of your energy usage. You won't ever have to take a meter reading again.
You should also take this time to set up your home to be as smart as possible! From Amazon's Alexa to Phillips Hue Bulbs – smart technology has the power to transform your new pad.
Start afresh in your new home by keeping your bills low while doing your bit for the planet. Find out more with our guide to smart meters and check out our home buyers guide for energy.
Conclusion
So, sit back, relax and take a deep breath – it's all going to be OK. The only thing you'll need to worry about is how to keep the carpets clean during the housewarming!