Moving house means more than boxes and keys — you also need to handle utilities, bills, and address updates. This guide explains what to do before, during, and after moving day, with official UK links for energy, water, council tax, broadband, and mail redirection. Whether renting or buying, you’ll find clear checklists and answers to common moving admin questions so you can settle in without the stress.
Handling Your House Move: What to Do Before and After You Move (Bills, Admin, and Utilities Checklist)
Moving house involves more than just moving boxes and furniture. It also requires organising essential administration to keep everything running smoothly once you have the keys.
This guide outlines practical steps to prepare your new home — from transferring utilities to updating your address and managing bills effectively.
Looking for advice on organising your move?
See our Packing and Preparing for Your House Move guide for useful timelines, decluttering tips, and booking advice.
Before You Move
Getting a head start on important administrative tasks before moving day can save time and help prevent overlooked details later.
- Inform your current suppliers of your move date for gas, electricity, water, broadband, and council tax.
- Take final meter readings and photograph them for your records as evidence should any billing queries arise.
- Check broadband availability at your new address and arrange installation early to minimise service disruption.
- Gather key documents such as tenancy agreements, completion statements, and insurance details for quick reference during updates.
If You're Renting
Whether renting or buying, most administrative steps are similar. Confirm who provides your energy, water, and broadband, and ensure bills are correctly assigned. Refer to your tenancy agreement to understand responsibilities:
- If utilities are included in rent: your landlord or letting agent is typically responsible for meter readings and supplier notifications.
- If you pay utilities directly: follow the same steps as other householders to transfer and set up your accounts to avoid unnecessary charges.
- Council Tax: tenants usually handle this unless your agreement states otherwise.
If you need further information about tenant energy responsibilities, official resources can provide guidance.
Setting Up Utilities and Essential Services
On moving in, verify that all services are active and registered in your name to avoid confusion or surprise charges.
Energy (Gas and Electricity)
Record meter readings at both your old and new properties. Notify your previous supplier to close your account and your new supplier to open one. This helps avoid incorrect billing for previous occupants' usage.
Most suppliers provide processes for transferring or establishing new accounts when moving. Confirm your first reading and account details promptly. Ask your supplier about any support services available for your needs.
Water
Contact your previous water supplier with final readings and open a new account with the regional supplier covering your new address. Water services are generally determined by location rather than supplier choice.
Promptly setting up your account helps ensure correct billing.
Broadband and Phone
Check broadband coverage at your new home and whether your current provider can transfer your service. Notify them in good time to maintain your contract without interruption.
Schedule installation early to avoid downtime and return any equipment as required to prevent charges.
Council Tax
Inform both your previous and new local councils as soon as you move to avoid overlapping payments.
Find your new local council using official tools to ensure timely notification.
Early registration ensures you are billed correctly and can access any eligible discounts.
If you have overlapping responsibility for two properties, councils often provide adjustments for the actual occupancy period.
Set up a payment method for convenience once you've received your bill.
Change-of-Address Checklist
After sorting utilities, ensure all relevant parties have your new address to protect your data, avoid missed correspondence, and reduce risk of identity issues.
- Government & Official: Update your address with the DVLA, HMRC, and electoral roll.
- Financial & Insurance: Notify banks, credit card companies, pension providers, and insurers.
- Health: Register your new address with your GP, dentist, and optician to transfer records.
- Subscriptions & Services: Update streaming, online shopping, loyalty programmes, and remember any TV licence updates if applicable.
- Mail: Consider arranging Royal Mail redirection service for a few months to catch any missed post.
Prepare Your New Property
Before moving furniture in, some early tasks can make settling in easier and safer.
- Book a professional cleaning service or deep clean on your own before the move.
- Complete minor repairs or repainting while rooms are empty.
- Locate key controls like the stopcock, fuse box, gas shut-off valve, and meters for emergencies.
- Change locks if previous occupants had access, to enhance security.
On Moving Day
On the day, a reliable removal service can help move your belongings smoothly.
Consider using Find My Man and Van to book local drivers who provide transportation suited to your schedule.
Curious about what the moving day involves?
Read What to Expect on Moving Day for a detailed timeline from arrival to unloading.
After You Move
Once settled, perform these checks to confirm services are active and accounts properly set:
- Confirm gas, electricity, and water accounts are active and registered in your name.
- Test broadband and phone connections.
- Verify council tax registration.
- Review your first bills to ensure meter readings and service dates are accurate.
- Set up direct debits or payment reminders for your utility accounts.
- Report any unexpected charges promptly to your suppliers.
- Keep digital copies of correspondence and meter readings as evidence if needed.
Looking for tips on settling in?
Visit our Ultimate Guide to Moving and Settling In for essentials during your first week, unpacking advice, and ways to make your new home comfortable.
Common Questions About Moving House Administration
How far in advance should I notify utility companies before moving?
Contact your current suppliers at least two weeks before moving day to arrange final accounts and prevent charges after your departure. Notify new property suppliers soon after confirming your move-in date.
What happens if I forget to close my old utility account?
You'll continue to be billed for services at your old address until the account is closed. Taking and photographing final meter readings helps resolve any billing disputes.
Do I need to pay bills for two properties during an overlap?
If you are responsible for both properties temporarily, you may be billed for both. Councils often adjust council tax charges for the actual days occupied at each property. Accurate meter readings help ensure fair billing for utilities.
Can I keep the same energy supplier when moving house?
If your current energy supplier operates in your new area, you may transfer your account. Otherwise, you'll need to choose a supplier that covers your new address. Once set up, explore tariff options relevant to your needs.
Make Your Move Easier
Once your administration is managed, arranging trusted local movers can simplify transport and timing, letting you focus on settling in.
Our platform connects you with local movers to assist with the practical side of your move.
