Moving into a new home? Explore our energy & broadband checklist

Moving into your first home is exciting, but there is plenty to organise between collecting the keys, unpacking boxes and buying furniture. Setting up your energy and broadband might not be at the top of your list, but getting them sorted early can help you avoid unexpected bills and being left without an internet connection.

However, getting your energy and broadband set up properly from day one can save you money and prevent unnecessary headaches later. This guide covers what to do before moving day, how to set up energy at your new address, what to compare when choosing a tariff, and how to arrange broadband so you can get connected as soon as possible.

Before you move out

1. Tell your current supplier you are moving

You should contact your current supplier before your moving day and give them your moving-out date and new address. We recommend aiming to provide at least 48 hours' notice where possible. Check your supplier’s requirements before moving, including how much notice you need to give and whether any exit fees apply to your tariff.

This allows your supplier to close your account, prepare your final bill and arrange any refund if your account is in credit.

If you are on a fixed-rate tariff, check your contract before assuming you can leave without an exit fee. Moving home does not automatically remove every early-exit charge, so ask your supplier what applies to your agreement. 

2. Take meter readings before you move out

On the day you leave, take readings from your gas and electricity meters, where applicable. Photograph the readings and make a note of the date.

This gives you a record if your final bill is estimated incorrectly or you are charged for energy used after you moved out.

If you have a smart meter, readings may be sent automatically, but keeping a record can still be useful.

3. Tell your broadband provider

Before leaving your current property, check whether you can transfer your existing broadband package to your new address. If you decide to switch providers or no longer need the service, check your contract’s end date, cancellation notice period and any early termination charges before making arrangements.

If you are switching to another provider, you usually do not need to cancel your existing service yourself. Under the One Touch Switch process, your new provider will generally arrange the switch and cancellation for you. However, some situations, including certain bundled services or switches outside this process, may require you to contact your current provider directly. Avoid cancelling too early, as this could leave you without an internet connection before your new service is ready.

For more information, read our guide to switching broadband providers or our broadband and moving home guide. 

If you wish to cancel your broadband, check the cancellation guide for your provider first, as notice periods, early termination charges and equipment returns differ between them. 

We have step-by-step guides to cancel BT broadband, cancel EE broadband, cancel NOW broadband, cancel Plusnet broadband, cancel Sky broadband, cancel TalkTalk broadband, cancel Virgin Media broadband and cancel Vodafone broadband. 

If you are not sure when your contract ends, read our guide on how to find out when your broadband contract ends.

When you move into the new house

1. Take meter readings when you move in

Before you start unpacking, locate the gas and electricity meters and record the readings. Take photographs showing the readings clearly, ideally with the meter itself visible.

Give these opening readings to the existing supplier when you register your account. They help establish how much energy you used from the date you moved in, rather than leaving you at risk of being billed for the previous occupant's usage.

If you cannot access a meter or it appears faulty, contact the supplier or landlord for help.

 2. Find out who supplies your energy

The property will normally already have an electricity supplier and, if it has mains gas, a gas supplier. The previous owner, landlord or letting agent may be able to tell you who they are.

If you cannot find out, you can use the relevant supplier-finding service:

• Gas: use the Find My Supplier service.
• Electricity: contact your local electricity network operator through Energy Networks Association.

Once you know the supplier, contact it to register yourself as the new account holder. Provide your move-in date, opening meter readings and contact details.

If you are renting, first establish who is responsible for the energy account. If your landlord pays the supplier directly and energy is included in your rent, you may not be able to choose the supplier yourself.

3. Understand your deemed tariff

When you move into a property and take responsibility for the energy supply, you will usually be placed on a deemed contract with the existing supplier. This normally means you are on its default or standard variable tariff until you choose another arrangement.

You do not have to remain on this tariff indefinitely. Once you have registered with the supplier, you can compare alternatives and decide whether to switch.

A deemed tariff does not normally have an exit fee, which makes it relatively straightforward to move to another tariff. However, do not confuse this with an existing fixed contract at your previous address, where early-exit charges may still apply.

It is worth reviewing the tariff rather than assuming the existing arrangement is the best option for you.

Should you switch energy supplier straight away?

There is no need to rush into a new contract before you have registered with the existing supplier and established your opening meter readings.

Once your account is set up, compare available tariffs using your postcode and estimated annual usage. Check the full cost of each deal rather than choosing based on a headline saving or introductory reward.

If you are considering a fixed tariff, think about how long you expect to stay in the property and whether you might need to leave the contract early. If you are renting for a short period, flexibility may matter as much as the price.

You can compare energy tariffs to see which options are available at your address.

Choosing a new energy tariff 

Your first energy bill may feel unfamiliar, especially if you have not previously paid for gas and electricity yourself. Understanding a few key charges will make comparing deals much easier.

1. What should you compare?

• Unit rates: the price you pay for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of gas or electricity you use.
• Standing charges: the daily amount you pay for being connected to the energy network, regardless of how much energy you use.
• Estimated annual cost: the supplier's estimate of what your energy might cost over a year, based on your expected usage.
• Fixed or variable rates: a fixed tariff keeps its unit rates and standing charges unchanged for the agreed period, subject to the contract terms. A variable tariff can change according to its conditions.
• Contract length and exit fees: check how long you are committing for and whether you could face a charge if you leave early.
• Payment method: tariffs can have different rates depending on how you pay. Compare deals using the payment method you intend to use.
• Additional benefits: rewards, discounts and renewable electricity options may be appealing, but check their terms and whether they offer genuine value.

The cheapest unit rate does not necessarily mean the lowest overall bill. Standing charges and your household's energy usage also affect what you pay.

You can read more about standing charges, fixed energy tariffs and the energy price cap before making a decision.

2. Set up your energy payments

Once you have registered with your supplier, check how it expects you to pay. You may be able to pay by monthly Direct Debit, on receipt of bills or through a prepayment meter, depending on the property and tariff.

Monthly Direct Debit can help spread the cost of energy across the year, although the amount collected is usually based on estimated usage rather than the exact energy used that month. Check your statements and meter readings regularly so you can spot if your payments are falling behind your actual consumption or building up too much credit.

If you are using a prepayment meter, make sure you understand how to top it up and whether any existing credit or debt needs to be dealt with. If the meter appears to be carrying debt from a previous occupant, contact the supplier before paying it.

3. Keep your energy bills under control

Moving into your own home is a good opportunity to understand where your energy goes and build habits that help keep costs manageable.

Heating and hot water can account for a significant share of household energy use. Other appliances, including tumble dryers, electric ovens and older equipment, can also contribute to your bill.

A few simple steps can help:

• Learn how your heating and hot-water controls work before changing their settings.
• Switch off lights and appliances when they are not needed.
• Use your washing machine and tumble dryer efficiently.
• Check your meter readings and bills so you can identify unexpectedly high usage.
• Compare tariffs again when your circumstances or contract change.

You do not need to make every change at once. Understanding your home's heating system and how much energy you use is a sensible place to start.

Setting up broadband

Energy is not the only service to organise. Broadband can take time to arrange, particularly if the property needs new equipment or an engineer visit.

1. Check broadband availability before choosing a provider

Broadband availability depends on the exact address, not just the town or postcode. A property may have access to full fibre, standard fibre, cable or other connection types, and the available providers can differ between nearby homes.

Use Ofcom's broadband checker to see which services are available at your new address.

Check the estimated speeds as well as availability. If you work from home, make video calls or have several people streaming at once, you may need a faster connection than a household that mainly browses the web.

2. Arrange your connection early

If you already have broadband, contact your current provider to ask whether you can transfer the service to your new address. Check whether your existing package is available there and whether moving will affect your contract or charges.

If you need a new provider, compare packages and arrange the installation as early as possible. Some connections can be activated quickly, while others require an engineer appointment or additional work.

Do not assume that a broadband connection will be ready on moving day simply because the property has a phone socket or fibre equipment.

3. Compare broadband contracts carefully

When comparing packages, look beyond the introductory monthly price. Check:

• Monthly cost: whether the price changes during the contract and what happens after any introductory offer.
• Contract length: many deals run for 18 or 24 months, although shorter or rolling options may be available.
• Broadband speed: whether the estimated download and upload speeds suit your household.
• Setup and installation fees: check whether you need to pay for activation, equipment or an engineer visit.
• Router and equipment: confirm what is included and whether you must return equipment if you leave.
• Availability at your next address: particularly relevant if you are renting or may move again before the contract ends.

If you are not sure how long you will stay, a monthly rolling contract may offer more flexibility, although it can cost more than a longer deal. Compare broadband deals available at your address easily. 

You can read our guide to switching broadband providers before deciding whether to transfer your existing service or choose a new one.

4. What to expect when installing broadband

If the property already has compatible equipment or an active connection, you may be able to set up the router yourself. Otherwise, you might need an engineer to install a line or connection, particularly in a new-build property or where you are moving to a different network.

Installation times and costs vary by provider and property, so check the expected activation date and any setup fees before placing your order. If an engineer visit is required, book it as early as possible and consider arranging it for around your moving date. If you rent, check with your landlord before agreeing to any installation work that could involve drilling or alterations to the property.

Some providers also offer self-installation kits. For example, you can read our guide to installing Virgin Media broadbandto understand how this option works.

The moving house checklist 

Use this checklist to keep track of the essentials.

Before moving day

• Tell your current energy supplier you are moving out.
• Check whether your current energy contract has exit fees.
• Arrange the final bill and provide a forwarding address.
• Take photographs of your old property's gas and electricity meter readings.
• Check broadband availability at your new address.
• Contact your current broadband provider or arrange a new connection.

On moving day

• Take photographs of the new property's energy meter readings for both gas and electricity.
• Find out who supplies the gas and electricity.
• Check whether you or your landlord is responsible for the energy account.
• Record your move-in date and keep a copy of the meter readings.
• Check whether broadband is already installed and working.

During your first week

• Register with the existing energy supplier.
• Submit your opening meter readings.
• Check your initial tariff and payment arrangements.
• Compare energy tariffs and switch if you find a suitable alternative.
• Confirm your broadband installation or activation date.
• Check that your broadband speed and service meet your needs.

Five costly moving house mistakes

1. Forgetting to take meter readings. Without a record of the readings when you leave and arrive, it can be harder to resolve a billing dispute.

2. Failing to register with the existing energy supplier. You need to tell the supplier that you have moved in, even if you plan to switch later.

3. Staying on a deemed tariff without checking the alternatives. You may find a more suitable tariff by comparing available options once your account is registered.

4. Choosing a tariff based on rewards alone. A gift or introductory benefit may not make up for higher unit rates or standing charges.

5. Leaving broadband until after moving day. Installation or activation can take time, so arrange it early if you need a connection straight away.

Make moving home one thing easier

Moving into your first home comes with plenty of new responsibilities, but sorting out energy and broadband does not have to be complicated. Taking meter readings, registering with the right supplier and comparing tariffs can help you avoid billing problems and understand your costs from the start.

Once you have established your energy account, compare available tariffs to see whether another deal better suits your household. For broadband, check availability at your exact address and arrange the connection early enough to avoid unnecessary downtime.

A little preparation before moving day can make settling into your new home much smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions