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 transporting boxes and furniture. It also requires organising essential administration to keep services 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 planning advice.
Before You Move
Getting a head start on important administrative tasks before moving day can save time and 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 in case of billing queries.
- Check broadband availability at your new address and arrange installation early to minimise disruption.
- Gather key documents such as tenancy agreements, completion statements, and insurance details for quick reference.
If You're Renting
Whether renting or buying, many administrative steps are similar. Confirm who supplies your energy, water, and broadband, and ensure bills are correctly assigned.
- If utilities are included in rent: your landlord or letting agent is usually responsible for supplier notifications.
- If you pay utilities directly: arrange transfers and account setup yourself to avoid unnecessary charges.
- Council Tax: tenants typically manage this unless stated otherwise in the tenancy agreement.
Official guidance can help clarify tenant responsibilities where needed.
Setting Up Utilities and Essential Services
When you move in, confirm all services are active and registered in your name to avoid confusion or unexpected charges.
Energy (Gas and Electricity)
Record meter readings at both properties. Notify your previous supplier to close the account and your new supplier to open one.
Confirm opening readings and account details promptly to avoid billing issues.
Water
Contact your previous water supplier with final readings, then register with the regional supplier covering your new address.
Early setup helps ensure accurate billing.
Broadband and Phone
Check whether your current provider can transfer service to the new address. If not, arrange a new connection as early as possible.
Return any old equipment as required to avoid charges.
Council Tax
Notify both your previous and new local councils as soon as you move.
Early registration ensures correct billing and access to any applicable discounts.
Change-of-Address Checklist
After utilities are sorted, update your address with all relevant organisations to avoid missed correspondence.
- Government & Official: DVLA, HMRC, electoral register.
- Financial & Insurance: Banks, lenders, pension providers, insurers.
- Health: GP, dentist, optician.
- Subscriptions & Services: Streaming platforms, online shopping, loyalty programmes, TV licence if applicable.
- Mail: Consider Royal Mail redirection to catch anything missed.
Prepare Your New Property
Completing a few tasks before moving furniture in can make settling in easier and safer.
- Clean the property before moving belongings inside.
- Carry out minor repairs or decorating while rooms are empty.
- Locate key controls such as the stopcock, fuse box, gas shut-off valve, and meters.
- Change locks if previous occupants had access.
On Moving Day
Keep important documents, valuables, and essentials with you rather than packed away.
Having a clear plan for loading order and access helps the day run more smoothly.
After You Move
Once settled, confirm that services and accounts are active and correctly set up.
- Confirm gas, electricity, and water accounts are registered in your name.
- Test broadband and phone connections.
- Verify council tax registration.
- Check first bills for correct readings and dates.
- Set up direct debits or reminders for payments.
- Store meter readings and correspondence digitally for reference.
Common Questions About Moving House Administration
How far in advance should I notify utility companies?
Contact suppliers around two weeks before moving to arrange final accounts and avoid charges after departure.
What happens if I forget to close an old utility account?
You may continue to be billed until the account is closed. Final meter readings help resolve 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 and suppliers often adjust charges based on occupancy dates.
Can I keep the same energy supplier when I move?
If your supplier operates in the new area, accounts can sometimes be transferred. Otherwise, a new supplier will be required.
Make Your Move Easier
Once administration is organised, planning transport and timing becomes far simpler, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home.
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