So you’re bought a new home and you’re about to move in. You probably have a million and one things on your mind and knowing where to start is nothing short of terrifying. You can breath a sigh of relief knowing you have already got the hardest part out of the way – the finding of the property, saving a deposit and arranging the mortgage etc – but there are other niggling little things that you need to be on top of, before you have even laid down the welcome mat. This little guide can offer some pointers.

Doctors and dentists

If you are moving out of the area completely, you will need to deregister with your current doctor and dentist and register with new ones. This is straightforward and only requires a bit of form filling, but things will be infinitely easier if you take your NHS card with you, which displays your NHS number.

Mail

Getting your mail redirected is also a straightforward task. However, it can take up to 10 days to arrange and there is a small fee, which is £8 per month and £40.85 for 12 months, per surname. You should go to your current local Post Office for details.

Utilities

Although this can be left to just 48 hours before you move in, it makes sense to have a look around the market to see if you’re still getting a good deal. Most people don’t update and switch utility providers anywhere near often enough and you may find there is a new deal available to you now. You need to remember to read the meters of the day you move in so the correct bills can be issued.

Insurance

You may have had to arrange buildings insurance already as part of your mortgage agreement. However, you might not have bought contents insurance at the same time. So that you are covered from as soon as you move in, arrange your new home insurance policy in advance. This will mean any damage caused by the removal company can also be covered. Legal and General home insurance is comprehensive and at two different price levels.

Banking

For security reasons, many online transactions require you to provide address details when making an online payment. Don’t forget to update your bank with your new address. Failure to do so may mean you won’t be able to buy all those new goodies from the internet for your new home.