Moving home checklist – A stress-free house move

1. Arrange time off work during moving week

No matter how organised you think you are, it always takes longer than anticipated. Plan a few days off work during move week so that the whole process is less stressful. Arranging this in advance means that you won’t have to juggle work alongside unpacking boxes. It’s a simple item to tick off your list and will give you peace of mind.

2. Arrange home and contents insurance

Ensure you have home and contents insurance so that your personal items are protected. This will ease your mind should something valuable get damaged during the move. You may already have insurance; in which case you should update your provider with your new address.

3. Take final meter readings for gas, water and electric

On the day you move out, remember to note down your final meter readings for gas, water and electric. This is so that your bill is accurate, and you don’t end up paying for others’ usage. Most energy companies will allow you to change your address online and you can usually stay with the same company when you move home.

4. Arrange broadband, phoneline and digital TV installation

Call your home broadband, phone and TV provider well in advance of your moving date as instillation slots can get booked up weeks in advance. Some providers will allow you to move your existing package across to your new address which can simplify the process.

Remember - when you move home your TV Licence doesn’t automatically move with you, so you will need to transfer it by signing into your licence online and updating your address, using your TV Licence number. You can let the organisation know the date of your move and new address up to three months beforehand.

5. Redirect your mail

Redirecting your mail is a quick and simple way of ensuring your post arrives safely at your door. Not only does it mean you won’t miss any important documents, it can protect you from identity theft. It’s easy to sign up and only costs a small fee with Royal Mail. For peace of mind you can redirect your mail from your old address for as long as you wish – most people choose a six-month period.

6. Update your address on the electoral roll

Update your address on the electoral roll through the gov.uk website. Making this simple change means that you will be able to vote in local and general elections. It can also help to boost your credit rating and provides you with useful evidence of where you live. You’ll need to supply this information via gov.uk for council tax purposes, too, through your specific council website.

7. Update your address on your driving licence, car insurance and car ownership document

When you change address, you need to update your car details. In some cases, this is a legal requirement and can result in a fine if you fail to change it.

• You can update the address on your driving licence online, free of charge.
• Informing your car insurance provider of your new address is vital because it may affect the cost of your insurance. For example, if you are moving to an area with increased road traffic, the cost may increase and vice versa. If you were to have an accident and you hadn’t told your insurer of your change of address, you might not be covered.
• Finally, you need to update the address on your car ownership document. This is free of charge and can be done through the post. Simply send your vehicle log book with your new address to the DVLA and they will take care of the rest.

8. Change GP surgery

Contacting your GP surgery to cancel you and your family’s membership is a simple process which can often be done over the phone. Ask the receptionist to recommend GP practices in your new area as they may have a list available. Once you’ve decided which new GP is most suitable, contact them immediately and fill out the relevant paperwork. Some GP’s may have a waiting-list, so joining in sufficient time can save you problems down the road should you fall ill.

9. Change dental practice

Don’t forget to change your dental practice if you’re moving away from your local area. Seeing your dentist for regular check-ups is key for keeping your mouth and teeth healthy.

Bupa Dental Care has over 350 dental practices around the UK, offering private and NHS dental services.

Registering with us is easy. Simply search for your local practice and get in touch with them today to register and book your first appointment.

10. Update your address with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

If you pay Income Tax through PAYE and live in the UK, you will need to let HMRC know that you have moved address. This will update your address for:

• a. Income tax
• b. National insurance
• c. State pension
• d. Tax credits and child benefit

To sign in you will need a Government Gateway user ID and password and a National Insurance number – a temporary reference code won’t work.

11. Let your employer know your new address

It is important that you inform your employer that you are moving as they will need to update their records for payroll purposes, to be sure that your money is still coming in when payday comes around!

12. Change your address with the Student Loans Company

If you are at university and receiving a student loan or are still paying back a student loan, you should inform the Student Loans Company (SLC) of your new address. You can update many of your details online, such as a change of address, bank, email, or telephone number. You can do this by logging into your student finance account through the relevant website and selecting 'Update My Profile'. Visit the Student Loan Company’s website for further information.

13. Update your bank/building society

Your address forms a part of the formal identification process with your chosen bank or building society. You must let them know the new details so that any important literature or private documentation is sent to the right place. This can be done with most companies via their app, website, in branch or on the telephone. Note – it must be the account holder who gets in touch with them, or the new information won’t be accepted.

14. Pack lunchboxes for moving day

When you move into your new home the fridge and freezer appliances may be switched off and you probably won’t have enough time on your hands to start cooking. Preparing lunchboxes for you and your family in advance means you can refuel on the go. Keeping healthy snacks handy, such as fruit and cereal bars, is especially wise if you have your kids with you on moving day.

Obviously being a dental care provider, we automatically think: Dentist! But the importance of attending regular check-ups for you and your families’ overall health and wellbeing, shouldn’t be underestimated. Don’t let it slip to the bottom of the list, it’s easy to find a new dentist and register; so do it whilst you remember!