Moving house is a notoriously stressful thing. There is more to it than packing and unpacking – in fact, that is the least of your worries! Making sure that people know your new address is one of the time consuming jobs you need to do. Not to mention paying final utility bills, transferring telephone numbers and sorting out your internet connection. Making a list is an effective way of staying on top of everything, so we have created a list below that should cover all the important things.

Top tips

• You will often be asked for proof of your new address. You may have to wait until you have received your first utility bill in your new home before you are able to inform people. To save time, write a generic letter stating your new address and attach a photocopy of a utility bill to it.

• Write an e-mail with your new details and send it to everyone in your e-mail address book. Alternatively, you could print cards with your moving date and new address and post them to everyone in your address book.

Removal firms

Your removal firm can make or break your moving day. It is important to shop around to make sure you get the highest quality service at a price you are comfortable with. Word of mouth is the best recommendation, so ask friends and family for their advice.

If this does not lead anywhere, check out the British Association of Removers (BAR, 01923 699480 or info@bar.co.uk) or National Guild of Removers and Storers (NGRS, 01494 792279 or info@ngrs.co.uk). These professional bodies regulate removal firms and ensure they abide by a code of practice.

Don't forget...

• When you are phoning around removal firms, check that they provide insurance. This means that your possessions are protected during the move.
• Some companies also provide packaging and boxes for you – make sure you ask when you request your quotation.
• Colour code or clearly mark each box you pack so that your removal firm knows which room to leave it in the new property. This will save you any unnecessary lugging.
• Make it clear to the removal men if any items are particularly fragile or valuable, and keep your eye on them to ensure they are treated with care.

Utilities

You need to get in touch with your gas, electricity and water suppliers and inform them that you are moving. A final reading will be taken and you will be issued a final bill.

If you are not sure who supplies your utilities, dig out past bills to check, or contact your landlord.

If you are having trouble, you can find out who is supplying your electricity by calling your local Meter Point Administration Service.

You can find out who supplies your gas by contacting the Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524.

You can find out who supplies your water using this list of suppliers on Uswitch. You can also compare the prices of different utility suppliers on this website – if you find a cheaper alternative, now is the ideal time to change.

Council Tax

To make sure you are not overcharged on council tax, you need to update your details. Check with your local office (contact details will be on your last bill), but generally, you will need to provide the following information:

• your old address and the date you are leaving the property
• your new address
• the name of the new owner or tenant of your old address
• the name and address of the solicitor dealing with the sale.