If you’re moving into a new house there are a lot of things you need to do, especially if you’ve bought your property. As a bit of an organisation obsessive I had my list of what we needed to do way before we got our keys. When it comes to things you’ve got to pay for the earlier you sort it out the less back payments you’ll be charged. Especially for bigger costs like council tax and electricity payments.
Get yourself added to the electoral role
One of the most important things to do when you’re moving into a new house is to add yourself to the electoral role. Councils can do this pretty quickly but it can take creditors months before it’s updated. Doing this proves where you live and can stop any issues setting up bank accounts or applying for credit. I learnt the hard way when my address was never updated back to my parents and I got declined for a phone contract.
Set up a direct debit for council
While you’re setting up your electoral role you’ll want to sign up for your council tax. Other than rent or your mortgage this is likely to be the largest monthly outgoing. And the quicker you sort this out the lower your monthly instalments will be. If you’re living on your own make sure you let them know as you’ll get 25% off your bill.
Moving into a new house- Set up direct debits for utilities
The day you’re moving into your new house take photos of any metres you have for gas, electricity and water. These will be so useful when you’re setting up with your suppliers. As early as possible head online to register yourself as just moved. All utilities will have a section on their website for people who have just moved. Again the earlier you do this the earlier you can get your direct debits set up and not be lumbered with large bills down the line.
Update any insurance policies
Chances are you’ll have sorted your home insurance already as you need it when you’re buying. But now is the time to update the address on any other insurance policies like life insurance and car insurance. With your car insurance it’s likely your costs may change. Although hopefully it will just go down in price. Mine went down by about £90 when I changed our address which I was very happy about. This can be down to the postcode area, your road being safer/ more dangerous or where you park your car. For example if you used to do on-street parking but now park on a drive this is considered more secure.
Set up or move your broadband
If you’re moving into a new house from an existing property you may just be moving your broadband. If you didn’t have it before or cancelled it then you’ll want to set it up as early as possible. You’ll be surprised how lost you’ll feel without internet if you move in without it. Your Smart TV won’t be able to connect, your smart devices may not work and you’ll be using so much mobile data.
We really want to sign up to Virgin Media but they don’t have capacity at the moment. So we’re hoping by the time our renovation is done we’ll be able to sign up.
Moving into a new house- Update your address everywhere
Now comes for the pretty boring thing of updating your address everywhere else. I’d always start with your banks and anything financial like pensions. Then just work through anywhere else including store card, loyalty cards like boots advantage card or your Tesco card and anywhere else you can think of.