Moving home: your energy plan

Moving home can be a stressful experience, but careful planning can significantly ease the process. This guide provides clear, actionable advice for managing your relocation in the UK, particularly regarding utilities, to help you avoid unexpected costs and unnecessary worry. Fuse Energy aims to simplify energy management during a move, making it a straightforward process.

When you're moving home, managing your energy should be simple. Fuse Energy offers clear pricing and an intuitive app to help you stay on top of your usage. Click here to get started with Fuse Energy in your new home.

Planning your move: weeks before

A successful move starts long before packing boxes. Giving yourself ample time to plan and organise is the best way to ensure a smooth transition.

Creating a comprehensive timeline

Start by creating a detailed timeline, working backwards from your moving date. This helps you break down the entire process into manageable steps. Allocate specific tasks to different weeks or days, covering everything from notifying service providers to arranging removals. A well-structured timeline acts as your roadmap, preventing last-minute rushes and forgotten tasks.

Decluttering and packing strategies

Before you pack, declutter. Go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. This not only lightens your load but also makes unpacking easier. When packing, label boxes clearly with their contents and the room they belong to in your new home. Consider packing an "essentials" box with items you'll need immediately upon arrival, such as toiletries, basic tools, and important documents.

Arranging removal services

Research and book removal companies well in advance, especially if you're moving during peak season. Get multiple quotes and check reviews. If you plan to do it yourself, arrange for van hire and enlist help from friends or family. Confirm parking arrangements at both properties for the moving day.

Notifying key services and contacts

Updating your address and informing relevant parties is a critical administrative step that often gets underestimated.

Updating your address with essential services

Start compiling a list of everyone who needs your new address. This includes your employer, doctors, dentists, schools, and any subscription services. Don't forget online retailers and loyalty programmes. Updating these early prevents disruptions to important communications and services.

Forwarding your post

Royal Mail offers a Redirection service for a fee, which ensures that any mail sent to your old address reaches you, giving you time to update all your contacts. Check the Royal Mail website for current pricing and duration options. This service is a useful buffer, but should not replace direct address changes where possible.

Informing financial institutions and government bodies

Notify your bank, credit card companies, and insurance providers (home, car, health, life) of your new address. You'll also need to update your details with government services such as HMRC, the DVLA (for your driving licence and vehicle registration), and your local council for council tax and electoral roll purposes.

Managing your energy and utilities

Transferring utilities is a crucial part of moving home. Getting this right prevents unexpected bills and ensures you have power from day one.

Notifying your current energy supplier

Energy suppliers typically require at least 48 hours' notice to close an account or transfer service when moving home. If you are switching to Fuse Energy, we will handle the coordination with your previous supplier through industry switching systems. You won't need to contact your old supplier separately to inform them of your move.

Taking final meter readings

On your moving day, take final meter readings for both gas and electricity at your old property. Taking a photo of the meter with a timestamp can serve as proof. This ensures you're only billed for the energy you've used up to that point. If you're switching to Fuse, you can submit these readings via the Fuse app within 5 days of your switch-in date, and Fuse will forward them to your previous supplier.

Setting up energy at your new home

As soon as you have access to your new property, locate the gas and electricity meters and take initial readings. Contact the existing supplier for the property (if known) or use the national databases to find out who supplies the energy. You'll need to provide them with your move-in date and initial readings to set up your account.

Considering a new energy provider

Moving home is an ideal time to review your energy options. The average UK home uses around 2,500 kWh of electricity and 9,500 kWh of gas per year1, so choosing the right tariff can make a significant difference to your bills. Ofgem regulates energy suppliers in Great Britain, overseeing consumer protections and switching processes. Customers have the right to switch energy suppliers, and the process is designed to be completed within 5 working days.

Fuse Energy offers a straightforward, digital-first experience for new homes. With clear pricing and 24/7 human customer support, Fuse aims to simplify energy management during a move, giving you more control and peace of mind. You can manage your account and usage through their app, making it easier to track your energy during this busy period.

The big day: moving logistics

Moving day itself can be chaotic, but with careful preparation, you can navigate it efficiently.

Essential moving day preparations

Ensure all your packed boxes are clearly labelled and accessible for the removal team. Keep your "essentials" box separate and easily identifiable. Confirm arrival times with your removal company and have contact numbers handy. Make sure you have snacks, drinks, and any necessary medications for the day.

Handling unexpected issues

Moving day rarely goes exactly to plan. Be prepared for minor delays or unexpected challenges. Keep important documents and valuables with you. If you encounter issues with your energy supply, remember that Fuse Energy offers 24/7 human customer support to help resolve queries quickly.

Final checks before leaving your old home

Before you hand over the keys, do a final walkthrough of your old property. Check all rooms, cupboards, and outdoor spaces. Ensure all windows and doors are locked, and turn off all lights and non-essential appliances. Take those final meter readings and ensure all utility accounts are closed or transferred.

Settling into your new home

Once the boxes are in, it's time to make your new house a home.

Connecting essential services

Prioritise connecting your broadband and other essential services like water. Check that your energy supply is active and that you can access your account with your chosen supplier. If you're with Fuse Energy, you can manage your energy through their app, giving you immediate visibility and control.

Registering with local services

Register with a new GP, dentist, and any other local services you need. If you have children, ensure their school enrolment is complete. Familiarise yourself with local amenities, public transport, and recycling schedules.

Unpacking and organising your new space

Start by unpacking essentials, then tackle one room at a time. Resist the urge to unpack everything at once; focus on getting key areas functional first. Organise your new space in a way that works for you, making it feel like home.

Moving home requires careful planning, but by following these steps, you can significantly reduce stress and manage the process effectively. From notifying services to setting up your energy, a systematic approach ensures a smoother transition to your new life.

Ready to take control of your energy in your new home? Fuse Energy offers clear pricing, real-time usage data through an intuitive app, and 24/7 human customer support to make managing your energy simple. Switching to Fuse is quick and easy, helping you settle in faster. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. You can also learn more about our mission to transform energy by clicking here.

References

1. Ofgem. Review of typical domestic consumption values