New Home Ease
Smooth New Home Start
Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone. We’re here to help you get settled, guide you through the first steps, and ensure everything runs smoothly from day one.
When you move into your new home, there are a few key tasks to complete to help you settle in comfortably.
Your housing officer and support team are here to assist, and we’ve put together a simple checklist to make sure you have everything covered.
Getting Set Up
When you move into your new home, there are a few important steps to get everything in order: Set up your energy accounts: Contact your gas, water, and electricity suppliers. Take meter readings as soon as you move in. Council services: Notify your local council to set up or update your Council Tax and register on the electoral roll. Financial support: Apply for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support through your local council if needed. Know your home: Locate your stop tap, fuse box, and trip switch—your Housing Officer can help if necessary. Insurance: Arrange contents insurance for your belongings. (We already cover the building itself.) Mail and communications: Redirect your mail from your previous address via the Post Office. Set up or update your TV licence and, if you install a landline, let us know your new number. Update your contacts: Inform your doctor, dentist, bank, employer, school, and the DVLA of your new address.
Help with Furniture
You can find low-cost or free furniture through: Charity shops, such as the British Heart Foundation Grants listed on the Turn2us website Your local council (ask about support or assistance loans)
Utilities and Home Services
Some utilities in your new home may already be connected to make your move easier. Here’s what you need to know about electricity, gas, water, internet, phone, and TV:
Electricity
Your electricity will already be switched on when you move in. You can change your supplier at any time. To set up your account, your supplier will need your name, address, meter reading, and move-in date. Choose your payment method (direct debit or prepayment). If you want a payment meter, please let us know first so we can record it.
Gas
If your home has gas, we’ll confirm this at tenancy sign-up. You may switch suppliers if you wish. You can request a gas payment meter if one isn’t installed. If your home has communal gas, the cost is included in your service charge.
Gas Safety
You will receive a Gas Safety Check Record showing the last inspection of your appliances. You must allow access for annual gas safety checks to keep yourself and your home safe. Only Gas Safe engineers can work on gas appliances—never allow anyone else to do so.
Water Supply
Your water will already be connected. Contact your water company with your name, address, and move-in date. If your service charge doesn’t include water, your water company will set up your account directly. To save on bills, ask your water provider about installing a water meter.
Smooth Transition
