Moving Tips

• Don't notify anyone of the change of address before the contracts are exchanged - if the move falls through you'll have to notify everyone all over again.
• Draw up a plan of your new property, showing where you want your furniture placed. This saves you the trouble of moving it yourself later.
• Label all your boxes and tea chests showing which rooms they should be put in
• Make the move that bit easier by throwing out clothes and things you don't need. Some removal firms support Oxfam and have an OXBOXX scheme whereby you put all your unwanted goods in boxes, labelling them. The removal company will then deliver the boxes to the nearest Oxfam on your moving day
• On the day pack one box with a kettle, tea bags, coffee, milk, and snacks. Matches, kitchen roll, can-opener, sharp knife, cutlery, plates, screwdriver, candles, loo rolls, and light bulbs are also a good idea. Keep this box with you, along with important documents, telephone numbers you may need, cash and valuables and the keys to your new home.
• Pack the things you rarely use first
• Take down all the fitted items such as wall lights, shelves, and brackets, mirrors and pictures, which you have agreed to take. It will be more time-consuming than you think.
• On the day of the move, turn off water, gas meter, boiler and all electric and gas appliances; make a note of the readings on the meters.
• Arrange with the Post Office to have your mail redirected automatically to your new home.

Who to notify

• Before you move you need to contact the local offices of the water, gas and electricity companies and the phone company
• National savings and premium bonds
• The Council Tax departments in the area where you live now, and the area you are moving to.
• The companies handling any pension and life assurance policies you may have
• The companies that handle your home contents and buildings insurance, and car insurance. Make sure than you are covered in your new home
• The TV license authority
• The Inland Revenue and the Department of Social Security
• The DVLA to change your driving license to incorporate your new address
• You also need to contact banks, building societies, and credit card companies
• Your doctor, dentist and optician
• Your employer
• Friends and relatives