Moving Guide

Two to Four Weeks Before Your Move

Packing

• If you’re planning on doing your own packing, we advise you start two weeks before your move.
• Use this opportunity to de-clutter and get rid of items you don’t need or use anymore. You can find more info on where you can take your unwanted goods to be recycled or reused on our Unwanted Items page.
• Label your cardboard boxes as you pack them, including the location or room where they need to go. Try not to overfill boxes or pack too many heavy items in one box. You can find more tips and information about getting your belongings ready to move in our Guide to Packing.

Bills and Suppliers

To help your relocation go smoothly, it’s worth thinking about who you need to notify about your change of address in advance. Here’s a quick checklist for some of the most important people or organisations you’ll need to contact:

• Your utility suppliers - Gas, Electric, phone and broadband.
• Your Bank, Insurance, pension and credit card providers.
• Stocks and Shares, Savings and Loan Companies.
• Council Tax and Electoral Roll.
• Subscriptions e.g. magazines – contact any companies have subscriptions with and let them know you’re moving.
• Doctor/Dentist/Optician – make sure you de-register if you’re moving out of the area and find an alternative surgery nearer to your new address.

• Inland Revenue – You’ll need to give them your reference number which (you can find this on your P60, payslip or coding notification).
• DVLA Driving Licence – Change your address online.
• Vehicle Licence – send the appropriate section of your Vehicle Registration Document to the Vehicle Licensing Centre, Swansea, SA99 1AB.
• Royal Mail – Arrange to redirect your mail online .
• TV Licence – Update your details online.

Other things to consider

• Pets – if you have any pets you may need to book them into kennels/cattery or arrange for them to be looked after by friends or family during your move. You’ll also need to find a new vet and arrange for the transfer of your pet’s records.
• Hotels – if you need to stay in a hotel during your move, we advise that you book your hotel well in advance, especially over the busy summer months.

Three Days Before your Move

• It’s a good idea to pack an overnight bag around this time – make sure that you include clean clothes, towels, toiletries and any medication you’ll need.

• If you’ve got any furniture that needs dismantling before your move, make sure you keep any specialist tools you need handy.
• If you plan on putting your things into storage for a long time, remember to hold on to some clothes for different seasons.
• Gather up the keys to your current property including spares left with family or friends.
• Check that the keys to your new home will be available when you arrive, or arrange to pick them up en-route.

• Organise some refreshments for the next day – moving is hard work! It’s always a good idea to have basics such as tea, coffee, juice, fruit and biscuits easily accessible.

• Pack emergency supplies like toilet rolls and soap, a screwdriver (make sure it's charged up), pliers, paper towels and light bulbs in the boot of your car so they’re handy if you need them.
• Do last-minute laundry.
• Prepare plants for travel – bubble wrap can be useful to help protect them.
• Put your mobile on charge before you go to bed!