Moving House Utilities Checklist: Gas, Electricity, Water and Broadband

Two to four weeks before moving

Make a list of your current gas, electricity, water and broadband accounts, including account numbers and any fixed-term contracts. Contact broadband providers early: availability at the new address, installation slots, equipment and potential early exit charges need checking before deciding whether to transfer or switch.

For energy, do not assume your old tariff automatically transfers to a new property. Ask your existing supplier how to close the account and what evidence it needs. Check who currently supplies the new address, especially if the property is empty or has a prepayment meter.

On moving day: record the actual readings

Photograph each relevant electricity and gas meter clearly, including the numerical reading and its meter identifier if visible. Record the date and time. If you can safely access the meters at both properties, take final readings at the old address and opening readings at the new one. Send them to the appropriate suppliers and keep a copy.

Smart meters do not remove the value of dated photographs, particularly when switching occupancy or disputing a closing bill. If a meter is inaccessible, report this to the supplier rather than inventing a reading.

After arrival: confirm who is billing you

You may initially be supplied by the energy company already serving the property, even if you intend to change providers. Inform that supplier that you have moved in, provide the date and opening readings, and confirm the tariff and next payment steps. For water, update the regional provider with your occupation date and any readings where a meter exists.

Register the address with the appropriate council for council tax or local rates, then verify the old liability has ended correctly. Save closure statements, opening accounts and any requested proof of tenancy or completion.

Broadband and phone: avoid an unnecessary gap

Ofcom's One Touch Switch process covers qualifying switches between residential broadband providers, but moving physical address may require different arrangements and a new installation. Check with both providers rather than presuming the usual switching process will move your existing service. If you need overlap for home working, ask about the cost of running both connections temporarily.

Test the new connection before relying on it for remote work, medical services or home security. If setup is delayed, plan an interim connection and check any cancellation or compensation terms.

One final check after the first bill

Compare the first bill at the new address with your recorded move-in date and readings. Check that the old supplier has issued its final bill and returned any balance due. Keep evidence until both accounts are settled, especially after an estimated reading or an overlapping tenancy.