TV Licensing

Moving house and changing address checklist

When you’re moving house, you’ll have a lot on your mind. For example, you will need to remember to move your TV Licence to your new address, as it won’t automatically move with you. You can do this up to three months before you move.

We want to help you make sure you’ve got everything covered when you move to a new house, so we’ve put together some useful checklists when moving house below, including hints and tips for making your life easier.

There is also a handy moving house and change of address checklist PDF to download to help you get prepared.

Pre-Move Checklist #1: Two months before moving house

1. Get your most valuable possessions assessed for insurance and ask if your policy will cover your move.
2. Keep a folder of all the key documents about your move.
3. If you haven’t done so already, you can look for a school (opens in a new window) in your new neighbourhood.
4. You can move your TV Licence to your new address now.

Pre-Move Checklist #2: Six weeks before moving house

1. Check your inventory list and arrange for professional cleaning if your contract requires it.
2. Check your home insurance to make sure you are covered from the day you move into your new house.
3. Choose your removal firms and ask for written quotes. Ask them for references and check what their insurance will cover.
4. Start getting rid of possessions you no longer need. Decide which items can be taken to a charity shop, sold at car boot sale, or offered to your friends.
    

Pre-Move Checklist #3: Two weeks before moving house

1. Put non-essentials like books and clothes you won’t need into boxes.
2. Set up a redirect mail service - (opens in a new window) with Royal Mail ® (fee payable) and – if you haven’t done so already – let us know that you’re moving. That way we can make sure you’re licensed at the new address.
3. Contact your broadband and phone provider.
4. Tell your insurance provider (car, home), HM Revenue & Customs HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) (opens in a new window), bank, employer, GP and dentist that you are moving.
5. Let the bank know about any changes to Direct Debits and standing orders.
6. Tell the DVLA (opens in a new window) to change the details on your driving licence and any vehicle documents.
7. Let friends and family know where you’re moving to with change-of-address cards.
8. Finalise arrangements with your removal company. Confirm arrival times and make sure they have directions to your new address.
    

Pre-Move Checklist #4: One week before moving house

1. Pack a special box or two with what you'll need on the first night in your new house.
2. Pay your final bills. If you haven’t done so already, update your address with TV Licensing, utilities, bank or building society, current credit cards, insurance providers, and any pensions and investments you may have.
3. Cancel local deliveries and services, such as newspapers and the milk.
4. Arrange a time to collect the keys to your new house from the estate agent.
5. Register to pay council tax for your new house.
    

Pre-Move Checklist #5: The day before moving house

1. Do a final quick clean where furniture has been moved.
2. Walk through your house and make sure everything is accounted for.
    

Checklist for the day you're moving house

1. Make a note of all meter readings and keep them safe.
2. If you are renting, go through the inventory checklist with your letting agent.
3. Before leaving, take one final look around to see if you've forgotten anything. Also check all windows are secure and water, gas and electricity supplies are switched off.
4. Make sure you're present when the removal people arrive so you can guide them around the house, and check for any damage when they unload your furniture.
    

Checklist for when you've moved house and are in your new address

1. You may find letters from TV Licensing at your new address saying the property is unlicensed. If you’ve not already moved your licence, you can do so now to stop any more letters.
2. Switch utility providers.
3. Find a doctor (opens in a new window) in your new area.
4. If the property doesn't already have new locks, now might be the time to get them.
5. Update the electoral register (opens in a new window), as you won’t be automatically registered to vote.
6. As you unpack, it may be that some things – including your old TV – need replacing. Take a look at our useful TV buying guide.
    

Download and print your own moving house and change of address checklist

Are you preparing for a big move? Download and print your handy checklist for moving house and changing address. Make sure you've ticked everything off before settling into your new home.