Moving into a new house is an exciting milestone, but once the boxes are unpacked and the furniture is in place, there’s still a bit of admin to tackle. Sorting out the essentials early on will help you settle in smoothly and avoid any unwanted surprises later. Here’s a checklist of the key administrative tasks to complete after moving into your new home.
Update Your Address
One of the first things to do is update your address across all important accounts and organisations. Start with the essentials: your bank, employer, insurance providers, HMRC, GP and dentist. If you drive, make sure you update your driving licence and vehicle registration with the DVLA.
You can also set up a Royal Mail redirection service to ensure that any post sent to your old address reaches you while you update your records. This service can be set up for three, six, or twelve months.
Set Up Utilities
Before you move, make a note of your gas, electricity, and water suppliers. On the day you move in, take meter readingsand send them to the suppliers to ensure you’re only billed for your own usage.
If you’d like to switch energy providers, you can compare tariffs using comparison sites such as Uswitch or MoneySuperMarket. You’ll also need to register with your new water company, as this varies by region.
Don’t forget about your broadband and TV licence either, setting these multi utility services early will save you the hassle of being disconnected or fined later.
Check Your Council Tax Band
Once you’ve moved in, contact your local council to register for council tax. You’ll need to confirm your move-in date so your account can be set up correctly. It’s also worth checking that your property is in the right council tax band, as mistakes do occasionally happen. You can check and challenge your band via the government website if you think it’s incorrect.
Review Insurance Policies
Your home is one of your biggest investments, so make sure it’s properly protected. If you haven’t already done so, set up buildings insurance (if you own the property) and contents insurance to cover your possessions.
If you already had contents insurance at your previousaddress, don’t forget to update your policy with your new details, this ensures you’re still covered in the event of a claim.
Register to Vote
When you move house, you’re automatically removed from the electoral register at your old address. It only takes a few minutes to re-register online at gov.uk/register-to-vote, but it’sessential if you want to vote in local or national elections.
Find Local Services
Finally, take some time to familiarise yourself with your new area. Register with a nearby doctor and dentist, locate your nearest pharmacy, and find out your bin collection days. If you have children, you may also need to update school records or arrange new school placements.
Getting your admin in order after moving house might not be the most glamorous task, but it’s an important step in making your new home truly yours. By updating your records, setting up essential services, and taking care of the practical details, you’ll be able to enjoy your fresh start with peace of mind.