5 things to do before moving into a new home

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When moving into a new home, there’s bound to be a few things that you forget about or only remember at the last minute.

In the middle of packaging of boxes and finalising all the legal parts of your move, it's understandable that a few things might slip off your to-do list, which may prove important further down the line once you're in your new home.

To make sure you've got all those little tasks sorted before for the big move, we've pulled together a new home checklist for five key things to do before your move.

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Redirect your post

With so much to think about leading up to moving day, it is easy to forget to redirect your post.

If you’re lucky enough to be moving only a short distance, you’ll likely be able to pick up mail from your old address with little hassle. But to avoid inconveniencing the new occupier, or for those moving further away from the previous address, this is best arranged before the move even takes place.

Important post such as car insurance, bank statements, store cards and magazine subscriptions all need to be altered, but inevitably some things will be forgotten. Make sure you tell all the key places when and where you’re moving home so you don’t miss anything essential coming in the post.

If you want to be extra sure nothing gets missed, the Royal Mail's Postal Redirection service is a useful service which sends on any post to your new address for the next three, six or twelve months for a fixed fee.

Register to Vote

It’s a common mistake to think that you're automatically registered to vote at your new address after moving. This needs to be arranged as soon as possible after your move.

If you don’t register at your new home, it may mean you have no say in who represents you in local and national government.

Not being on the electoral register can also damage your credit score and make it more difficult to obtain credit, due to discrepancies in your registered address. The registration process requires all members of a household over the age of 18 to register individually, and can be done at the following address: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

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Take advantage of new contracts

Moving to a new home often allows you to sign up to new providers for your core services, so it is well worth looking into the possibilities. Your phone, broadband and TV packages can all be negotiated after moving house, and you may even find that being in a new area brings added benefits, such as high-speed internet.

Before moving day, speak with your current providers, let them know you're moving and see what offers and upgrades can be offered based on your new location. You might also want to shop around and see what else you can get as a brand new customer with another provider, or speak to your Avant Homes Sales Advisor to find out what discounts our partners are offering.

Let local services know

If you use a milkman, newspaper delivery service, or a window cleaner, be sure to square up with them and notify them of your change in circumstances before you leave. If you are moving too far away it is unlikely you will still be able to use the same providers in your new property, so take time to research your new local area.

The same rules apply for other delivery services, such as food deliveries or meal providers like HelloFresh -- make sure you've updated your details with them so your next delivery ends up at the right house. There’s nothing worse than waiting for a takeaway that’s gone to the wrong address…

Your new neighbours will probably know the most reliable places for certain amenities, so use your introductions as an opportunity to get to know them and your local area.

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Think about your pets

Moving house not only causes upheaval to the people moving, but also to any animals who are making the transition too.

For smaller pets such as hamsters and rabbits, it will simply involve relocating their hutch or cage, but they will need to be transported safely in the necessary pet carriers.

For dogs, it is best to get completely moved in before allowing them to roam their new garden and home, so perhaps ask a family member or friend to dogsit for a day or two while you move.

The animals most affected by house moves, however, are cats. If you have a cat that is normally let out during the day or evening, it will initially struggle with the transition and may even be reluctant to head out.

If you are moving close to your previous property, there is also a chance your cat will begin returning to the old house to be let in at night, so be prepared to make a few journeys in the first couple of weeks after moving. The RSPCA has advice on how to make a house move as stress-free as possible for your feline friend.

Looking for more tips on moving house? Check out the other articles on the Avant Homes blog! Share your best home-moving info with us @AvantHomes on Twitter using #AvantMovingTips

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