Moving Home in the UK? The Complete Utility Checklist for 2026
A practical timetable for sorting energy, broadband and mobile before, during and after your move—without leaving the important checks until moving day.
- Check broadband availability, installation timing and mobile coverage early.
- Tell your current energy supplier you are moving and record final meter readings.
- On arrival, identify and contact the existing energy supplier before comparing your next option.
- Keep dated photos, final bills and contract information.
Moving home is a natural point to review household services, but the sequence matters. Energy is normally available when you arrive; broadband may need activation, equipment or an engineer appointment; and mobile coverage can change significantly by postcode.
Scope note: The energy guidance below primarily applies to England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has a separate regulated energy market; see the Utility Regulator’s moving-home guidance.
4–6 weeks before moving
1. Check broadband availability at the new address
Use the Ofcom broadband and mobile checker, then ask the provider to confirm the earliest activation date, whether an engineer visit is needed, and what equipment will be supplied. Installation timing varies by address and network, so do not rely on a generic estimate.
2. Review your current broadband contract
Check the contract end date, early-termination charges, notice requirements and whether your existing provider serves the new address. If switching, Ofcom’s One Touch Switch process generally allows the new broadband provider to manage the transfer, although a house move can require separate timing arrangements.
3. Check mobile coverage where you will actually use it
Check indoor and outdoor signal at the new postcode—not just the network’s national coverage claim. Ofcom’s checker compares available mobile networks and expected local performance.
Before leaving your current home
4. Notify your energy supplier
Citizens Advice recommends giving your electricity and gas supplier at least 48 hours’ notice, providing a forwarding address and checking whether your current tariff has an exit fee or can move with you.
5. Record your final meter readings
Take clear, dated photographs of gas and electricity meters on the day you leave, submit the readings to your supplier and keep them until the final bill is settled. Do this even if the property has smart meters.
6. Keep the documents that affect switching
Save your latest bills, account numbers, contract end dates and any written confirmation of cancellation, transfer or installation dates.
On moving day at the new home
7. Photograph the opening meter readings
Record the gas and electricity readings as soon as you take responsibility for the property. This separates your usage from the previous occupier’s and helps prevent billing disputes.
8. Identify and contact the existing energy supplier
You will normally enter a deemed contract with the supplier already serving the property. Contact that supplier, give your details and opening readings, then compare tariffs or suppliers. Ofgem says a domestic energy switch can take up to five working days.
9. Confirm broadband activation
Check the live date, engineer window and router delivery. Do not cancel a working connection prematurely if you have deliberately arranged an overlap.
What to compare before choosing a service
| Service | Checks that matter |
|---|---|
| Energy | Total unit rates and standing charges, fixed or variable terms, contract length, exit fees, payment method and support needs. |
| Broadband | Availability at the exact address, expected speed, minimum guaranteed speed, setup cost, price changes, contract term and installation date. |
| Mobile | Indoor coverage, data allowance, contract term, handset or SIM-only cost, roaming needs and exit fees. |
| Multiple services | Total household cost, billing simplicity, contract alignment and whether each individual service still meets your needs. |
Common moving-home mistakes
- Waiting until moving week to check broadband availability.
- Assuming the previous occupier’s energy account or tariff transfers to you.
- Failing to photograph opening and closing meter readings.
- Comparing only headline prices while ignoring contract length, setup fees or exit charges.
- Assuming a mobile network will perform the same at the new postcode.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch energy supplier after moving in?
Yes. First contact the supplier currently serving the property and register your opening reading. You can then compare and start a switch.
Does my broadband move automatically?
No. Ask your provider whether it can supply the new address and confirm the move or switch dates. New equipment or an engineer visit may be required.
Should I combine energy, broadband and mobile?
Only if the total cost, contract terms and service quality make sense for your household. Simpler billing is useful, but it should not replace a service-by-service comparison.
Want to review the services together?
Book a free 15-minute household-services review covering the energy, broadband and mobile needs relevant to your new home. There is no obligation to switch.
Official sources
- Ofgem: Get energy if you are moving home
- Ofgem: Switch energy supplier
- Citizens Advice: Moving home and your energy supply
- Ofcom: Switching broadband provider
- Ofcom: Mobile and broadband checker
This guide provides general information, not regulated financial or emergency support. Service availability, eligibility, prices and contract terms vary. Quantome Commerce Limited operates as an independent Authorised Utility Warehouse Partner and may receive commission if you choose eligible services following an introduction. Quantome Commerce Limited is not Utility Warehouse.