Did you know that moving house has been found to be more stressful than a divorce? Whether it’s your first time moving out or you frequently relocate, organising all your bills can be difficult. What moving house bills will you forget? It’s easy to forget even the most obvious things in the excitement, and you’ll want to make the move as smooth as possible. In this ten-minute read, we’re discussing the moving house bills that you are likely to forget to change and need to bear in mind.
Utilities (Gas, Electric & Water)
Organising your gas*, electric, and water providers are a great place to start when moving. Whether you plan to carry over your current policy or change providers altogether – you’ll want fully-functional utilities, so you know everything up and running.
Worst Case Scenario?
Enjoy your brand new home in the dark, with no heat or an unpleasant back payment when you finally get things set up.
Who can help?
Get the best price by using comparison sites. We’ve teamed up with uSwitch to compare energy deals – you can find the link on our MovingSoon Hub!
*Due to the current economic climate, gas tariffs are limited.
Internet & Phone
Getting your phone line and internet set up is fairly straightforward once you select a provider. You may think you have to get a router, and you’re good to go, but don’t be fooled! Most providers require you to select an activation date for your connection to go live, and you may be waiting up to 2 weeks, depending on demand.
Worst Case Scenario?
There is no internet connection until their next available activation date or an extra payment on your phone bill for all that hot-spotting. Imagine moving into your new home without Netflix!
Who can help?
If you’re looking for a new provider, we recommend looking at your household needs before comparing providers. Ensure you research the companies to understand how helpful they are if something goes wrong, and browse current offers on uSwitch via the MovingSoon Hub!
Council Tax
Council tax is a payment to cover local services in your area, such as waste removal and amenities like libraries. It’s typically split into bands depending on what area you live in and can be found on our local council’s website.
Worst Case Scenario?
Your council will send you reminders, and if ignored for a prolonged period, it can result in a court case and bailiffs.
Who can help?
Contact your local council for more information and help with setting up payments – they will typically offer a few payment options and can assist with arrears and discounts.
Buildings & Home Insurance
Home insurance isn’t a legal requirement but typically covers your belongings if something unexpected happens. If purchasing a property, you will also need building insurance to protect the infrastructure (if renting, check your tenancy agreement for this information).
Worst Case Scenario?
Stolen, damaged, or lost belongings that you cannot afford to replace.
Who can help?
Look into providers via comparison sites, such as QuoteZone, to find the best price for what you need. Ensure to read into the policies, and we recommend reading reviews to ensure the company are responsive if something goes wrong.
TV License
Live TV requires you to purchase a TV licence from Good Morning Britain to the Great British Bake-Off. This includes on-demand programmes, and the payment typically goes to funding the services.
Worst Case Scenario?
After receiving several warnings, you can face a fine of up to £1,000 if you fail to pay.
Who can help?
Getting a TV License is fairly straightforward and can be done on the TV Licence website. You can declare you don’t require a TV Licence too, so you don’t face any issues in the future.
Did you know that the MovingSoon Hub can help you with all aspects discussed above and more? We have created the go-to platform for relieving at least some of the stress of moving house. Click here for more information.
