Moving checklist
Moving home can be stressful. That's why we've put together this handy list of things to consider when you're on the verge of moving *.
Notifying others of your change of address.
This includes:
- Benefits agencies (Universal credit/state pension/Disability Living Allowance/Jobseekers etc)
- Post office (if re-directing mail)
- Driving licence (contact the DVLA)
- Banks
- Credit cards
- Store cards
- Online accounts such as Paypal and Amazon
- Insurance (life/contents/car etc)
- Doctors
- Dentist
- Optician
- Schools
- Friends and family
- Subscriptions
- Vets (including microchipping details for any existing pets).
Cancel, transfer and set up services and utilities
- Arrange to turn on and test for gas - when moving into a property for the first time you will need to setup an account with a gas supplier. Once this is done you will need to contact us to arrange for your boiler to be turned on and tested. More information about our gas contractors can be found here.
- TV packages (e.g. Sky/Virgin)
- Broadband
- Phone (including mobiles)
- Electricity
- Gas
- Water
- Council tax
- Take meter readings for utilities in your previous and new property (where applicable) and notify suppliers that you are moving.
Packaging and storage
- Have a clear out of unused items
- Pack infrequently used items well in advance
- Create an “essentials box” for day one of the move – include things like kettle, mugs and toilet rolls.
- Label boxes according to the room the items will be going to and secure an inventory on the outside so you can easily see what’s inside.
Some useful links
Support with energy bills
If you know someone who uses a prepayment meter and is struggling with money problems due to Covid-19, help is available. Energy suppliers are offering support under new Government guidelines.
We've pulled together information on this from the ‘Big Six’ energy suppliers to get you started.
For different suppliers, check out their website and get in touch with them directly. Explain the individual circumstances so they can share details of any support available. This could include nominating a third party for credit top ups, having a discretionary fund added to their credit, or being sent a pre-loaded top up card so supply isn't interrupted.
Supplier contact details:
You can read more about the Government’s emergency measures with suppliers here or find out more information from Ofgem on the extra help from energy service providers here.
*Please note: Optivo has no affiliation with any of the companies or resources mentioned. Optivo will not be held responsible for any damages suffered as a result of using any of the products or services mentioned. Customers do so at their own discretion.