Moving into your new home is stressful, there’s no doubt about it! When the boxes are unpacked and you’re settling into your new property, you should spare five minutes to run through this moving-in checklist.
It might just save you a lot of time and hassle in the future:
- Redirect your mail: No matter how many times you tell people that you’re moving house, there will always be someone who sends letters to your old address. Royal Mail provide a postal redirection service for exactly this purpose, so be sure to signup and provide your information. Any mail directed to your old address will automatically be diverted to you in your new address, as if by magic! You can save lots of time and hassle by setting up the redirection service sooner rather than later.
- Switch over your utilities accounts: When you move into your new property you should contact utilities providers and tell them you’ve moved. You will need to provide your new address, and in most cases you will also need to provide the serial number associated with your new utility meters. Before you leave your old property, you should make a note of the meter readings – and even take a picture where possible. When you move into your new property, make a note of the meter readings right away, and again, if possible you should take a picture. This ensures that you only pay for utilities that you and your family use – not those of a previous – or future – tenant or owner.
- Keep your important documents safe: It’s really easy to forget about your cache of important documents when you move house. We’re talking about passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates and so on. Once you’ve got your bearings in your new property, look for a way to keep these documents safe – perhaps by having a safe installed, or by keeping them in a locked drawer.
- Inform banks and other companies about your address change: It can seem like a big task to contact all of the companies you deal with – and your bank – but it’s something you’ve got to do. Remember to inform your mobile phone provider, credit card issuer, DVLA, car insurance company and any other businesses or organisations that have your address records on file. While you’re at it, write to your friends and let them know of your address change too – why not take the opportunity to invite them over for a cup of coffee?
- De-clutter: Moving house is a great time to de-clutter and get rid of things you don’t really need. If you find yourself questioning whether you actually need things when unpacking them, put them back in the box and donate them to your local charity shop! There’s no need to hoard possessions you won’t need or don’t like, so why not donate them to your local charity shop so that they can turn them into cash?
Once you’ve followed this checklist you’ll start to feel a lot more “at home” in your new surroundings, knowing that everyone has been informed of your move.