Moving house checklist for retirement home moves

• Check with your McCarthy & Stone consultant to find out when you’ll be able to access your new home on moving day.
  • This is typically in the afternoon to allow funds to clear, but we are always as flexible as possible. 
  • Confirm dates and times with the removals firm – and friends and family helping you move on the day. 
  • Declutter and pack up your belongings – including any fixtures and fittings not included in the sale.
    • Our Smooth Move and Easy Move packages could help here! 
  • Prepare for potential parking issues at your current property.
    • You may need to contact your local authority to help with parking bay suspensions for the removal van.
    • It’s also good to let your neighbours know if the plans affect them.
  • Arrange for a plumber/electrician to disconnect relevant appliances.
    • Your McCarthy & Stone consultant may be able to recommend a reliable local business if you don’t know who to ask. 
  • If you’re moving to a new area, register with a new GP and dentist beforehand so there’s no break in health support.
  • Get help with your pet.
    • Your pet can move with you to your new retirement property, but it may be safer for them to spend moving day elsewhere.

As part of your final preparations you’ll need to:

• Keep important items like bank cards and passports with you.
• Set aside a few essentials for the day, e.g. cleaning products, tea and coffee, snacks and toilet roll.
• Make sure moving boxes are labelled so they are easier to unpack.
• Call your solicitor to ensure contracts are signed and legal completion has taken place.
• Do a final sweep of the property, making sure it is clean and nothing has been left behind.
• Upon leaving your property, turn off the central heating, water and electricity. Make a note of gas, electricity and water meter readings. Lock all windows and doors.
• Arrange for the keys to be left with the estate agent company for the new owners.
• Take a moment to say goodbye to your old home – maybe by taking one more photograph. Remember that the new owner is going to love it just as much as you did.
• Move in! The McCarthy & Stone team will be on hand to warmly welcome you into your new retirement property and help you settle in.

If possible give a few weeks notice, so providers have time to get everything updated for you.

Health
Inform your GP and healthcare providers (e.g. your local hospital); dentist and optician.

Utilities
Tell water, gas and electric suppliers of your moving date so they can calculate your final bill.

Communications and entertainment
Inform TV Licensing as well as your broadband, TV subscriptions and phone company. 

Finances
Contact your bank(s), insurance providers, private pension and investment holders.

Employer
If you’re still employed or volunteer regularly, let your employer know.  

Vehicles
If you own a car, notify the DVLA, your insurer and your breakdown provider. 

Post
Ask Royal Mail to redirect your mail to ensure you don’t miss important letters. 

Deliveries
Notify subscription or delivery companies, like Amazon or your pharmacy, if they deliver to your home.  

Pension and benefits
You’ll need to contact the relevant government or local government department to tell them of your chance of address. The easiest way to do this is online or by calling their helplines. And the good news is you can do this after you have moved.

• Universal Credit/State Pension/PIP and other benefits – you can find details of how to report a change of address on the Government website.
• Housing Benefit – you’ll need to contact your local council.
• Council tax – you’ll also need to tell your local authority your moving date so they can calculate council tax – even if you’re exempt. 

And finally, let your friends and family know about your exciting move!