As if there isn’t enough to think about when preparing to move home, once you have moved, there are suddenly a whole new array of things to take into consideration. 

So with this in mind, here are some tips from us at Aubrey and Finn of things to consider once you have moved into your new property. 

1) Change the locks

As one of our locksmith friends always reminds us – do you really know who has a key to your property? When you move and don’t change the locks you never know who the previous occupants have given a key to, their friends, and family, Beryl the next door neighbour or even Doris who lives at number 15! For your own security and peace of mind perhaps consider having the locks changed on moving day so that you can be certain that the only people who have keys to your home are people you’ve given them to! 

2) Re-Stock your Food Supplies

People will often try to use up all of the food in their fridge, freezer and cupboards before moving so that they don’t have extra stuff to transport over to their new home and may worry about the food defrosting or going warm during the move, especially during the summer months. 

Before moving, order an online supermarket shop to arrive at your new property either the evening of, or the day after your move so that you can restock food at your new home without having the hassle of going out to the shops on moving day.

3) Change the Utilities  

Ensure that the services which are attached to your old property like your Council Tax, Water, Utilities provider, TV, telephone and broadband provider are informed you are moving. Give readings if needed for your old property and take readings as soon as you get into your new property, or order your new services and get them set up as soon as you can. 

4) Find out when refuse is collected 

Perhaps not the most glamorous of questions but it’s important to know when and how refuse is collected in your new home. If you haven’t been told by the previous owner or occupant, you can use the Postcode checker for Dacorum or St Albans  to discover when your refuse will be collected each week and which bins to put out for collection. 

5) Change your Address

One of the most pressing things to do will be to change your correspondence address with as many companies as possible.  Setting up a redirection may help you to catch any post which is still being sent to your old address but it’s important to ensure you change your address with companies including for any bank accounts, credit cards or other accounts you have. 

6) Inform Insurance Companies and the DVLA!

Insurance premiums are often affected when you move home, so it’s vital to inform your insurance companies and change your home, car, health or pet insurance cover over to your new address. 

Also, inform the DVLA. Did you know that it’s illegal to have a driving licence with an incorrect address on it so it’s important to change your address on your driving licence asap!  

7) Send out those “Change of Address” Cards!

Want to ensure your nearest and dearest know your new address? Make a note of who is on your Christmas Card list, or who sends you letters through the post and have some new cards printed up with your new address so that you can send them a “New Address” card well in advance of expecting that birthday or Christmas card!

8) Changing Doctor’s Surgery

If you have moved out of the previous area you were living in, then it may be helpful to find a new GP or Dental Surgery. Do your research and ask around for the best ones in your new area, or maybe consider which surgeries will match your needs – late night opening for example, a pharmacy onsite or the ability to book appointments online. Once you have decided on your chosen surgery then go in and register. It’s important to do this asap as any referrals will be sent to your old address until your new address is updated.

9) Have a plan for emergency situations

Once you are in then ensure that you familiarise yourself with how to deal with basic emergency situations around your home for example, where your stopcock is to turn your water off, how to reset your fuse box if you need to or even how to reset the boiler in the event it goes off. You don’t want to be figuring out how to do these things on the day that you actually have a problem so familiarising yourself when you move in can help to pre-empt this. 

10) Locate local amenities

Want to know the best place to go for that essential takeaway at your new home? Ask your new neighbours or research via the internet where your new essential go-to amenities are including the nearest takeaway, convenience store, post office, hair dresser, even hospital if you have moved towns or bus/tube/train routes if you will be relying on public transport!

We hope that these tips are useful to help you if you are considering moving home. If we can help with any aspect of your next home move then please do get in touch!