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Checklist for Moving into a New Home

Oct 12, 2023
Moving day checklist
The days before moving house can be stressful, with many things to consider. We’re here to help with this handy moving day checklist to help you get organised:

• Hire a removal company
• Update your address
• Redirect your mail
• Pack your belongings
• Clean your home
• Move in!

Key Takeaways

1. Essentials for Your First Night:
Pack essentials separately for your first night and keep them easily accessible.
Consider items like toiletries, bedding, and basic kitchen supplies.


2. Security Measures:
Change all door and window locks immediately after moving in for added security.


3. Insurance Coverage:
Ensure you have appropriate contents and buildings insurance from the date of exchange.


4. Utility Meter Readings:
Take and report gas, electricity, and water meter readings on moving day.


5. Change of Address Checklist:
Update your address with relevant authorities, redirect your mail, and switch energy providers or banks.

1. Hire a removal company

You can compare removal companies’ quotes once you agree on a move date. The cost will depend on how many packages you’re moving, how far and how many people are needed to help you move. 
 
If you’re on a budget or have few things to move, consider hiring a van and handling the move yourself to save money. 
 

2. Update your address

Updating your details is one of the most important things to do before moving house. Contact your utility suppliers and other services in advance so they have time to update their records. 
 
Below is a breakdown of where you may need to update your address when you move house. 
 

Utilities

  • Electricity
  • Gas
  • Water
  • Phone and broadband
  • TV license
 

Insurance 

  • Home insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Work insurance
  • Car insurance
  • Pet insurance
 

Money

  • Bank
  • Credit card companies
  • Investment or brokerage firms
  • Loan provider
  • Pension provider
 

Healthcare 

  • GP
  • Other specialists 
 

Local authorities

  • Council 
  • Electoral roll
  • Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
 

Work

  • Employer
  • Professional associations (if applicable)
  • Clients or customers (if you’re self-employed)
  • Schools
 

Recreational 

  • Gyms
  • Libraries
  • Social clubs 
 

3. Redirect your mail 

Let the Royal Mail know you’re moving so they can redirect your post. You can do this at your local post office or online.  
 

4. Pack your belongings

It’s time to get packing. We recommend labelling every box with the room it belongs in, so you can get your things in place and find what you need quickly. You may also want to mark if any box has heavy, fragile or holds valuable items. 
 
If you’re supplying your own packing cases and materials, order them in advance to avoid delays. 
 

5. Clean your home

Now you’ve packed your belongings, it’s time to prepare your home for the new owners. Gather cleaning supplies and clean every inch so the new homeowners can enjoy their new space.
 

6. Move in!

The big day is here. Some things you may want to do once you move into your new home include: 
 
  • Check utilities are up and running
  • Ensure you have the keys to every door (internal and external)
  • Find out how the bin collection works
Now, take some time to settle in and enjoy your new home! 
 
Browse our brand-new homes across the UK and discover our home buying offers for first and second-time buyers. Call or visit our Sales Advisers and start your journey to homeownership with David Wilson Homes today.  

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