Moving House Admin, Bills and Utilities Sorted: What to Do Before, During and After Your Move

Handling Your House Move: What to Do Before and After You Move (Bills, Admin, and Utilities Checklist)

Moving house isn't just about boxes and furniture. There's a lot of behind-the-scenes admin that keeps everything running once you've got the keys.
This guide covers the practical steps that make your new place ready to live in — from switching utilities to updating addresses and staying on top of bills.

Still figuring out how to get organised before moving day?
See our Packing and Preparing for Your House Move guide for timelines, decluttering tips, and booking advice.

Before You Move

Get a head start on the essential admin. Sorting it before the van arrives saves time later and prevents forgotten details.

• Let your current suppliers know your move date for gas, electricity, water, broadband, and council tax.
• Take final meter readings and photograph them for your records — they're proof if you're later billed incorrectly.
• Check broadband availability at your new address and schedule installation early to avoid downtime.
• Gather key documents — tenancy agreement, completion statement, and insurance details — so updates are quick.

If You're Renting

Most of the same admin applies whether you're renting or buying — you still need to know who supplies your energy, water, and broadband, and make sure the bills are in the right name. Check your tenancy agreement to confirm who's responsible for each service:

• If utilities are included in the rent: your landlord or letting agent should handle meter readings and supplier notifications.
• If you pay them directly: follow the same steps listed here for energy, water, and broadband to avoid being placed on a costly default tariff.
• Council Tax: tenants usually pay this unless it's a student property or stated otherwise in the contract.

If you're unsure of your rights or responsibilities, Ofgem has a clear overview in its guide for tenants and energy supply.

Setting Up Utilities and Essential Services

When you arrive, confirm every service is working and billed in your name. Getting this right early prevents surprise charges and confusion later.

Energy (Gas and Electricity)

Take readings at both properties. Tell your old supplier you've moved and give the new one your first reading to avoid being placed on the previous occupant's potentially expensive default tariff.
If you're unsure who supplies your new home, use Find My Supplier for gas or electricity, or check the Energy Networks Association search for regional grid details.
Most energy suppliers make it easy to transfer or set up an account when you move. Notify your old supplier of your final readings, then contact the supplier at your new property to open an account in your name. Ofgem’s guide on getting energy when moving home explains how to avoid billing overlap and ensure you’re on the right tariff from day one. Once your new account is active, compare tariffs to find the best deal. If you qualify for the Warm Home Discount or would benefit from extra help, ask to join your supplier’s Priority Services Register when you set up your account.

Water

Close your old account with your final reading, then contact the regional supplier for your new property. Water suppliers are region-specific, so you'll usually stay with the company assigned to your postcode rather than choosing a new one.
Setting up the account straight away avoids any delay in billing or risk of being charged at a higher estimate.

Broadband and Phone

Check which providers cover your new postcode and whether your existing company can transfer service. If your provider offers home-move support, tell them at least 14 days in advance to keep the same contract and avoid reconnection fees.
Arrange installation early so you're not left offline, and return any routers or devices if required to avoid equipment charges.
You can check local coverage through the Ofcom broadband checker.

Council Tax

Update both councils as soon as you move to prevent double billing.
If you're not sure who handles your new area, use the official Find your local council tool.
Registering early ensures you're billed in the correct band and can access single-person or student discounts if you're eligible.
If you're responsible for two properties for a short overlap period, most councils can adjust your account so you only pay for the days you actually occupied each address.
Set up a direct debit once you receive your new bill to keep payments consistent.

Change-of-Address Checklist

Once the utilities are sorted, make sure everyone else knows where to find you. This protects your data, avoids missed bills, and helps prevent identity fraud.

• Government & Official: Update your address with the DVLA, HMRC, and the electoral roll.
• Financial & Insurance: Notify banks, credit cards, pension providers, and insurers to keep your accounts secure.
• Health: Register your new address with your GP, dentist, and optician so your records follow you.
• Subscriptions & Services: Update streaming accounts, online shopping profiles, and loyalty schemes. Remember to update your TV Licence if needed.
• Mail: Set up Royal Mail Redirection for at least three months to catch anything missed.

If you're unsure who currently supplies a service or need help switching, contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline for impartial support.

Prepare Your New Property

A few small jobs early on make your new home safer and easier to settle into.

• Book a deep clean before furniture arrives.
• Handle small repairs or painting while rooms are still empty.
• Locate the stopcock, fuse box, gas shut-off valve, and meters — knowing these early can prevent damage in an emergency.
• Change locks if the property was previously rented or occupied to improve security.

On Moving Day

Even the most organised plan needs reliable movers.
Compare trusted local drivers through Find My Man and Van to book affordable, insured transport that fits your schedule.

Want to know what happens on the big day?
Read What to Expect on Moving Day for a clear timeline from arrival to unloading.

After You Move

Once you’re in, run through these quick checks to make sure everything’s working and correctly billed:

• Confirm that gas, electricity, and water accounts are active and in your name.
• Test your broadband and phone connection to ensure service is live.
• Check that your new council tax registration has been processed.
• Review your first bills to make sure meter readings and dates are correct.
• Set up direct debits or payment reminders for new utility accounts.
• Report any unexpected charges or billing errors immediately to your provider.
• Keep digital copies of confirmation emails and meter readings — they’re your proof if something goes wrong later.

Ready to settle in?
Visit our Ultimate Guide to Moving and Settling In for first-week essentials, unpacking tips, and ways to make your new home feel like yours.