This guide covers all the utilities to change when moving house in the UK, when to do it, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Tip: Use this guide alongside our moving house checklist UK to make sure nothing gets missed across your whole move.
What Utilities Do You Need To Change When Moving House?
Here is a complete list of utilities and services you should update or set up when moving home.
Essential utilities
- Gas
- Electricity
- Water
- Broadband / internet
- TV licence
Important services
- Council tax
- Home insurance
- Mobile phone (address update)
- Landline (if applicable)
Optional or situational
- Oil or LPG (for rural properties)
- Solar energy accounts (if applicable)
- Smart home subscriptions (e.g. Hive, Ring)
Gas & Electricity
What to do
- Take meter readings at your old property on moving day
- Take meter readings at your new property as soon as you arrive
- Contact your current supplier to close your account
- Contact the existing supplier at your new home — you will be automatically placed on a "deemed contract"
Pro tip: You don't have to stay with the current supplier at your new home. Switch after you've moved in for a better deal.
When to do it
- 1–2 weeks before moving: notify your current supplier
- On moving day: take readings at both properties
Water
Unlike energy, you usually can't choose your water supplier in the UK. Your provider is determined by your postcode.
What to do
- Find out your local water provider using your new postcode
- Inform them of your move-in date
- Provide meter readings if your property has a water meter
When to do it
- A few days before moving
- Confirm on moving day
Broadband & Internet
This is the one most people regret leaving too late. Broadband installation slots can take two to three weeks, so booking early is essential.
What to do
- Check availability at your new address (fibre vs standard broadband)
- Decide whether to transfer your existing contract or switch providers
- Book installation early — slots can take 2–3 weeks
Pro tip: If you are mid-contract, moving home may allow you to transfer your contract or exit early if the provider cannot supply your new address. Check your terms before assuming you'll face an exit fee.
When to do it
- At least 2–3 weeks before moving
TV Licence
Your TV licence does not automatically move with you when you change address.
What to do
- Update your address via the TV Licensing website
- Cancel your licence if you no longer need one
When to do it
- Before or on moving day
Council Tax
Council tax is one of the most important — and most commonly forgotten — changes when moving house. Failing to update it can lead to penalties or backdated charges.
What to do
- Inform your current council that you are moving out
- Register with your new local council
- Set up direct debit payments for your new property
When to do it
- 1–2 weeks before moving
- Confirm after moving in
Home Insurance
If you are buying a property, buildings insurance is required from exchange of contracts — not completion. Don't leave this one until moving day.
What to do
- Cancel or transfer your existing policy
- Set up a new policy for your new home
When to do it
- Before exchange of contracts (buyers)
- Before moving in (renters)
Mobile & Other Accounts
While not strictly utilities, these accounts are often tied to billing and identity verification, so it is worth updating them promptly.
Don't forget to update your address with:
- Mobile providers
- Banks and credit card providers
- Subscriptions such as Amazon, Netflix and similar services
For a complete list of everyone you need to tell, see our change of address checklist UK.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Forgetting meter readings
Without meter readings at both properties on moving day, you could be charged for someone else's energy usage. Always photograph the meters as proof.
Leaving broadband too late
Broadband is the utility most likely to catch people out. If you wait until moving week, you may be without internet for several weeks.
Staying on expensive energy tariffs
The deemed contract you are placed on at your new home is rarely the best deal. Always compare energy suppliers after you move in.
Missing council tax registration
This is one of the most commonly overlooked steps. Failing to register with your new local council can lead to penalties or backdated charges.
Moving House Utilities Timeline
2–3 weeks before moving
- Book broadband installation
- Notify your current energy supplier
1 week before moving
- Set up council tax with your new local authority
- Arrange home insurance
- Notify your water provider
Moving day
- Take meter readings at your old property
- Take meter readings at your new property
- Inform energy suppliers
After moving in
- Switch energy provider if needed for a better deal
- Update TV licence address
- Confirm all accounts are active
- Update mobile, bank and subscription addresses
Tip: See our full moving house timeline UK for a week-by-week guide covering everything — not just utilities.
Quick Checklist: Utilities To Change When Moving House
- Gas & electricity supplier notified
- Meter readings taken (old and new property)
- Water supplier informed
- Broadband installed or scheduled
- TV licence updated
- Council tax registered
- Home insurance set up
- Address updated across accounts
Make Moving Easier With Smoovly
Setting up your utilities properly can save you money, stress and unexpected downtime. The key is planning ahead and acting early, especially for broadband and energy.
Smoovly helps you keep your whole move organised — utilities, admin, address changes and more — all in one place, so nothing slips through the net.
Ready to organise your move properly? Get started with Smoovly.
Next Steps
If you are planning a move, don't miss these guides:
- Moving House Checklist UK (Free Printable PDF)
- Change Of Address Checklist UK: Everyone You Need To Tell
- Moving House Timeline UK (8 Weeks Before → Moving Day)
These guides will help you stay organised from start to finish.