Many people have a habit, when moving into a new house, of focusing on the aesthetic tasks such as arranging furniture in the bedroom, and deciding which cupboards to use for all of the things that they own, or have bought for the new place.
All of the boring, usually paper based tasks, often get left to the last minute to sort out, which results in things getting rushed, and hence errors occurring.
The following checklist should be pinned up in clear sight until the whole process of moving in is completed. It should hopefully mean that tasks will be completed with sufficient time to make sure they are done properly:
- TV licence – Don’t fall for the standard error of assuming that your previously purchased TV license still covers your TV in your new home. Many people end up with heavy fines for not spending a few minutes to look into this, so make sure you have checked.
- Phone & Internet – setting this up is a long process from the providers side, so assuming this will take a few weeks to sort out, it can pay off to organize this as soon as you move in.
- Gas & Electricity – Once you know who your provider will be, call them up and let them know the meter reading to avoid being overcharged.
- Home and contents insurance – you will only be covered if you make sure that the insurance providers are made aware of you new address. If the documents aren’t updated then you won’t be covered. This is important for them, as different addresses have different levels of risk associated with them.
- Car insurance – it’s the same story for your car. If something happens to it while it’s parked outside your new house, you may find that you’re not covered, so make sure the insurance company has your new address as soon as possible.
- Inform all other relevant companies, like banks, building societies, the DVLA, your employer, pension providers, life insurance companies.
- Look up your local GP & dentist, and register with all the relevant documents, so that you won’t have to go through the process again when the time comes that you need to see them for any treatment.
- Have a look round the property to ensure that a smoke detector has been installed. If necessary, then check whether a carbon monoxide detector has been set up. Make sure they’re in working order and have battery life remaining.
After completing all of these tasks you will be able to relax, and enjoy your new place without any worries, and you’ll be able to get on with the more interesting tasks like decorating.
