Relocating to a new property involves far more than just transporting your belongings. The administrative burden can be significant, and overlooking key tasks can lead to unnecessary stress or even financial penalties. At Oakley, we've compiled a comprehensive list of logistical considerations to help you prepare for a seamless move.

Utilities: The Essentials

One of the first things to address is your utilities. Failing to inform providers can result in you paying for services at your old address or arriving at your new home without power or water.

• Electricity and Gas: Contact your current suppliers to provide your moving date and final meter readings. Arrange for new accounts at your new property, ideally a week or two before you move. Take photos of the meter readings at both properties on moving day as proof.
• Water: Inform your water supplier of your move. They will usually transfer your account or advise you on setting up a new one with the relevant provider for your new area.
• Broadband, TV and Landline: Give your current provider plenty of notice. Some providers require 30 days. Check if your current provider can service your new address or if you'll need to switch. Arrange for installation at your new property well in advance.
• Council Tax: Notify your local council of your moving date for both your old and new properties. This ensures you're billed correctly and avoids any arrears or overpayments.

Updating Your Address: Critical Contacts

Updating your address with various organisations is paramount to ensure you continue to receive important correspondence and maintain access to services.

• Banks and Financial Institutions: Inform all banks, building societies, credit card companies, and investment providers. This is crucial for security and to prevent identity fraud.
• Driving Licence and Vehicle Registration: You are legally required to update your driving licence and vehicle V5C logbook with the DVLA. This can often be done online and is free.
• Insurance Providers: Contact your home, car, travel, and life insurance providers. Your premiums may change based on your new postcode.
• Employer/Pension Provider: Ensure your employer has your new address for payroll and correspondence. Update any private pension providers too.
• Doctor, Dentist, and Optician: If you're moving out of the area, you'll need to register with new healthcare providers. If staying local, simply update your address.
• TV Licence: Update your address with TV Licensing to ensure you're covered at your new property.
• Subscriptions and Deliveries: Don't forget magazine subscriptions, streaming services, and regular online delivery services. We see it a lot when Amazon deliveries for previous owners turn up at a property!

Often Forgotten Tasks: The Hidden Hurdles

These are the items that often slip through the cracks, causing headaches later on.

• Redirecting Mail: Set up a mail redirection service with Royal Mail. This is invaluable for catching anything you've missed and typically lasts for 3, 6, or 12 months.
• Pet Microchip Details: If you have pets, update their microchip details with the new address. This is vital if they ever go missing.
• School/Nursery: Inform your children's schools or nurseries of your move and new contact details.
• Loyalty Cards: Update your address for any supermarket or retail loyalty schemes.
• Local Authority Services: Check for changes in rubbish collection days, recycling schemes, and local amenities.
• Friends and Family: While not an official task, don't forget to share your new address with your nearest and dearest!
• Return Library Books: A small but easily forgotten task!
• Cancel Local Memberships: Gyms, clubs, or other local memberships you won't be using anymore.

By tackling these logistical tasks systematically, you can significantly reduce the stress associated with moving house. A well-organised move allows you to settle into your new home and community with ease. If you have any questions about the moving process, contact our team of experts on the link below!