When you’re on the move, there’s so much to think about and organise. At Wigwam, we’re all about helping our customers and to help simplify the process we have come up with our ten-point checklist of the key people you need to inform of your new abode for an easy life.
Post: While much of our correspondence is now online, bills, magazines and other important items will still be addressed to your current address. Royal Mail offer a handy Redirection Service which allows you to automatically have your post send onto your new address (for a small fee). This gives you the time to write a checklist of mail arriving to your old address and update over time.
Internet: For some, the internet is a utility more important than telephones or even gas and electric. Transferring of your internet service can often take some time and we advise you speak to your current supplier about your contract and how to get an installation or changeover booked in to avoid meltdown!
Gas and electric: You should advise your current energy supplier of your move date at least 2 days before and take your final meter readings to pass on so that you get an accurate closing bill. When you move home you can stay with the provider or change to a new one, and make sure you take the new meter readings when you move in.
Banks: Inform your bank and any credit and store cards of your new address as soon as possible, to make sure all of your communications are coming through to the right property and that you have the correct billing address set up.
TV license: If you’ve paid your TV licence annually up front, you just need to change your address with them and the contract will carry on as usual. What is better, is you can now do this online.
Council tax: Council Tax charges differ in amount depending on the area/property you live/move to as well as the amount of people. Get in touch with your local council to finalise your current bill, and get set up with your new council (if applicable) as soon as possible as you need to pay from the date you move in.
Doctors and dentists: There may be a waiting list doctors or dental surgeries in your new local area so sign up with your new address as soon as possible – you never know when you may need them.
Water: As with your energy suppliers, your water supplier also needs to be notified and you need to have your details changed with them. Your new area’s water supplier will contact you once you’ve moved in to work out a payment plan with them.
Insurance: Do you have your buildings and contents insurance planned. Be aware that you need to have buildings insurance from the point of exchange, not on completion – so make sure you remember to sign up.
Voting: Make sure you’re registered to your new address on the Electoral Roll, so you can be involved in national and local votes. If you’re asked to register and you don’t do so, you could be fined by your local Electoral Registration Office.
For help in finding your next home, contact the friendly team at Wigwam on 01482 50 51 52.
