Moving Home Guide
Moving home can be a hectic time and to help the process run as smoothly as possible,
here are some useful tips:
Removal company
Try to give as much notice as you can - never assume that your local removal companies will be available on the day of your move. However, the completion date is not fixed
until exchange of contracts takes place and if you pay a deposit before the date
is fixed, this is at your own risk.
Temporary accommodation
If you need to stay in a hotel be sure to check availability as soon as you can, especially if your move is during peak holiday dates or other popular time e.g. sporting events.
Packing
This is the ideal opportunity for a clear-out. Dispose of any items you no longer need either by selling them, auctioning them, holding a car boot sale or donating them to charity. If you are doing the packing yourself make sure you:
- Start packing two weeks or more prior to your move
- Obtain the necessary materials to avoid any damage to goods
- Obtain boxes and cartons suitable for their intended contents. Ask your removal company if they provide these or if you must provide your own.
- Label boxes with the details of their contents and the room they will be placed in at your new address.
- Remember to move all items out of your loft / attic rooms,shed and garage.
Notify your change of address
If you are short of time you can re-direct your post using The Royal Mail re-direction service. You must give at least 7 days notice for the service to commence. You can pick up an application form from any Post Office branch or you can call 04857 777888 to ask for a form to be sent to you.
Make a list of all the places and people who need to know your change of address.
- Friends and relatives
- Bank and Building Societies
- Employers
- Insurance companies
- Schools
- Doctor, Dentist, Optician – if you are moving to a new area search for services within your local area. If you are undergoing regular hospital treatment you will need to check if you are required to transfer hospitals.
- Driving Licence - Complete section 1 on your licence and return it to DVLC, Swansea , SA99 1BN
• Vehicle Registration – Send the appropriate section of your Vehicle Registration Document to the Vehicle Licensing Centre, Swansea , SA99 1AB.
- TV Licence – Fill in the change of address part of your existing licence.
- National Insurance / DSS - Inform your local DSS office informing them of your National Insurance Number, Full name and date of birth.
- Local Authority – Council tax and electoral registration - notify both your current authority and the authority you are moving to.
- Subscriptions – notify any clubs, charities or organizations that you subscribe to.
- Pets – transfer your pet’s details to a new vet close to your new address.
The week prior to your move
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Furniture
if you have furniture that can be disassembled / flat packed make sure you do so as soon as possible.
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Electricity & Gas supply – You must give at least 48 hours notice to your energy suppliers. Contact your suppliers and remember that the energy market is competitive enabling you to weigh up offers. For further information contact Energy Watch on 0800 887777.
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Water – you must give at least 48 hours notice to both your current and new authority to carry out disconnection and re-connection of your water supply.
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Newspapers, Window Cleaners, Milk – remember to cancel / re-arrange any services that you will no longer require.
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Keys – make sure you pick up the keys ready for the moving date.
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Fridges and freezers – remember to de-frost fridges and freezers that you are not taking with you.
The day before your move
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Washing machine / Dishwasher - Empty, disconnect and drain pipes, secure the drum of the washing machine with the manufacturers transit brackets.
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Refreshments – remember that your cooker will be disconnected and ensure you have refreshments ready for the move – it can be thirsty work!
The day of the move
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Items that are staying - Make sure any items that are not moving are clearly labeled.
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Final check - Once all the items are in the removal van have a final check around the property to make sure nothing has been forgotten.
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Meter readings - Before leaving, make a note of all relevant meter readings, and arrange for key transfer as agreed. On arrival at your new home, make a note of meter readings.
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Your new address – make sure that the removal company knows the layout of the new property. Make sure that everything is in the right place before the removal company leaves.