The Ultimate Moving Day Checklist: Utilities Transfer, Address Updates & Logistics for Ireland 2025
Introduction
Moving home is one of the biggest logistical challenges most Irish households face each year. While the excitement of a new property is high, the practicalities—switching utilities, notifying organisations, and coordinating the moving day—can quickly become overwhelming. This guide provides a detailed, up‑to‑date checklist for anyone buying or selling in Ireland, with a focus on:
- Utilities transfer (electricity, gas, water, waste, broadband, TV & phone)
- Change‑of‑address notifications (An Post, banks, government bodies, insurers, etc.)
- Moving day logistics (meter readings, packing essentials, van hire, key hand‑over)
All information reflects the latest 2025 market conditions, including recent CSO housing‑completion statistics and current provider notice periods.
1. Utilities Transfer – What to Do and When
| Utility | When to Contact | Key Actions | Typical Notice Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity & Gas | 30‑45 days before move | Call current supplier, give new address, request final reading & opening reading for the new property. Decide whether to stay with the same supplier or switch to a cheaper plan. | Minimum 30 days (most suppliers) |
| Water | 30 days before move | Notify Irish Water (or local authority) of the change. Arrange final bill and set up a new account if the property is unregistered. | 30 days |
| Waste & Recycling | 2 weeks before move | Inform your county council’s waste service (e.g., Dublin City Council) of the new address for collection and request a final bin collection at the old house. | Usually 14 days |
| Broadband & Digital TV | 3 weeks before move | Check Eircode availability for the new home. Use a comparison tool (e.g., Switcher.ie) to decide whether to transfer the existing line or switch providers. Order installation at least 2 weeks ahead of the move. | 14‑30 days depending on provider |
| Mobile Phone | No formal notice needed, but update address for billing & roaming | Log into your provider’s portal or call customer service. | N/A |
| Smart Meter | At move‑out | Leave the smart meter and in‑home monitor (IHM) for the next occupant. The final reading is automatically transmitted, but note it for peace of mind. | N/A |
Practical Tips
- Gather Meter Numbers – Locate your electricity (MPRN), gas (GPRN), and water account numbers before you call.
- Take Photos of meter readings on the day you vacate; they serve as proof if any dispute arises.
- Avoid Early Termination Fees – Review contract end dates. Switching providers before the contract expires can incur fees of up to €150 for broadband and €200 for energy.
- Bundle Savings – Many Irish providers (e.g., Eir, Virgin Media) offer discounts when you combine broadband, TV and phone. Check for “move‑in” offers that can save up to €30 per month for the first year.
2. Change‑of‑Address Notifications – The Full List
A comprehensive “who to tell” list prevents missed bills, lost mail and legal complications. Below is the order in which you should notify each party.
| Category | Before Move | After Move (within 7 days) |
|---|---|---|
| An Post | Set up Mail Redirection (online at anpost.com) – minimum 5 days before leaving. | Confirm redirection is active; update any subscription services that use your old address. |
| Banks & Credit Cards | Inform branch or use online banking to update address. | Verify new statements reflect the correct address. |
| Mortgage Lender | Provide new property details for LTV recalculation. | Send final meter reading for the old property. |
| Insurance (Home, Life, Car, Health) | Request policy amendment; check if a new home insurance quote is needed. | Confirm coverage start date aligns with move‑in date. |
| Revenue & Tax (PAYE, LPT, PPS) | Update address via myAccount (Revenue). | Submit final Local Property Tax (LPT) return for the old property. |
| Social Welfare & Child Benefit | Update address on MyWelfare portal. | Verify benefits are being paid to the new address. |
| TV Licence | Notify through tvlicence.ie – can be done online. | Confirm licence is active at new address. |
| Doctor, Dentist, Optician | Call each practice to give new address. | Book a first‑appointment if you’re moving to a new health‑care area. |
| Employer & Professional Bodies | Send HR an address change form. | Update any professional registration (e.g., Engineers Ireland). |
| Utilities (see above) | – | – |
| Subscription Services (Magazines, Streaming, Gym) | Update online account settings. | Check that delivery addresses are correct. |
| Friends & Family | Send a “moving announcement” email or card. | – |
An Post Mail Redirection – Quick Guide
- Visit Arrange Mail Redirection – An Post.
- Choose Standard Redirection (up to 12 months) – €30 for the first 3 months, then €20 per quarter.
- Provide your old and new Eircode, the start date (minimum 5 days before moving), and payment details.
- Print the confirmation and keep it with your moving paperwork.
3. Moving Day Logistics – From Arrival to Unpacking
3.1 Pre‑Move Preparations (Week of the Move)
| Task | Details |
|---|---|
| Create a “Moving Day Box” | Pack essentials: kettle, tea, coffee, mugs, basic cookware, toiletries, phone chargers, a few changes of clothes, important documents, and a small first‑aid kit. |
| Label Boxes Clearly | Use colour‑coded stickers for each room (e.g., blue = kitchen, red = bedroom). Mark “Fragile” items. |
| Arrange Keys & Access Codes | Ensure you have keys for the new property, gate codes, garage remote, and any communal area access. |
| Confirm Removal Van/Company | Re‑confirm arrival time (usually 08:00‑10:00). Provide parking instructions and any lift reservations. |
| Protect Floors & Doorways | Lay down protective sheets or cardboard to avoid damage, especially in older homes. |
| Pet & Child Plan | Arrange care for pets/children on moving day to keep them safe and reduce stress. |
3.2 On the Day
Morning – Final Walk‑Through
- Take final meter readings (electricity, gas, water).
- Check all windows and doors are locked.
- Leave any required documentation (e.g., gas safety certificate) for the new occupants.
Loading
- Load heavy items first (sofas, wardrobes).
- Keep the “Moving Day Box” accessible in the van for quick unload.
Travel to New Home
- If possible, drive the van past the new address to confirm parking and any height restrictions.
Unloading & Placement
- Direct movers to place boxes in the correct rooms according to your colour‑coded system.
- Assemble essential furniture (bed frame, dining table) first.
Check Utilities
- Verify electricity, gas, and water are on. Turn on the boiler and test hot water.
- Confirm broadband line is live; if not, schedule an engineer visit immediately.
Safety Check
- Locate the main stop‑cock for water and the consumer unit for electricity. Turn off the main circuit if you notice any faults.
Evening – Clean Up
- Sweep/vacuum high‑traffic areas.
- Dispose of packing material responsibly – many local councils offer free recycling for cardboard.
3.3 Post‑Move (First 48 Hours)
- Update Address on Online Shopping Accounts – Amazon, eBay, etc.
- Register for Local Services – e.g., library card, waste collection calendar.
- Notify Neighbours – Introduce yourself and share your contact number for any parcel deliveries.
4. Timeline Checklist – Six Weeks to Moving Day
| Timeframe | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| 6 Weeks | Confirm moving date, book removal company, start gathering utility account numbers, order new broadband, set up An Post redirection, create a master moving spreadsheet. |
| 4 Weeks | Declutter – donate, sell or recycle unwanted items. Order any new appliances or furniture needed for the new home. |
| 3 Weeks | Begin packing non‑essentials, label boxes, arrange childcare/pet care for moving day, notify schools or nurseries of the address change. |
| 2 Weeks | Contact all “who to tell” organisations (banks, insurers, Revenue). Take final meter readings and photograph them. Confirm van/crew arrival time. |
| 1 Week | Pack the “Moving Day Box”, clean the old property, perform a final walkthrough, confirm key hand‑over with landlord/estate agent, double‑check broadband installation date. |
| Moving Day | Follow the logistics steps above. Keep all receipts and documentation (e.g., removal invoice) for tax or insurance purposes. |
| 1 Week After | Submit any outstanding utility final bills, confirm that mail redirection is working, update address on any remaining services (streaming, club memberships). |
5. Irish Housing Market Context – Why Timing Matters
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) reported that 30,300 new dwellings were completed in 2024, a 6.7 % decline from 2023, reflecting ongoing supply constraints. Early 2025 data shows a modest rebound of ≈4 % in Q1, but the market remains tight, especially in Dublin and the southeast.
Implication for movers:
- Higher demand for removals – peak moving periods (May‑July) see a 15‑20 % price rise for van hire and removal firms.
- Potential utility bottlenecks – broadband engineers report longer lead times (up to 28 working days) for new fibre installs in high‑growth areas.
Advice:
- Book removal services and broadband installations early (at least 6 weeks ahead) to avoid the seasonal surge.
- Consider flexible contracts for electricity/gas if you anticipate moving again within 2‑3 years; many suppliers now offer “portable” tariffs with no exit fees.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long does it take for a new broadband line to be active?
If the line already exists, providers typically need 5‑15 working days. For a full fibre install, expect 15‑28 working days, with rural 5G mobile broadband as a backup.
Q2: What if my new home has no electricity connection?
Contact the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) Network with the chosen supplier’s details. You’ll need the MPRN and Maximum Import Capacity (MIC). A connection can take 2‑4 weeks.
Q3: Do I need to return my smart meter?
No. Smart meters stay with the property. Leave the in‑home monitor for the next occupant. The final reading is automatically sent to your supplier.
Q4: Can I transfer my water account without a final bill?
Yes. Provide the new address and the Irish Water account number; the service will be transferred, and you’ll receive a final bill based on the last meter reading.
Conclusion
A smooth house move in Ireland hinges on early planning, clear communication, and a structured checklist. By tackling utilities transfer, change‑of‑address notifications, and moving day logistics in a systematic way, you minimise stress, avoid costly penalties, and settle into your new home faster.
Remember to:
- Start six weeks out – lock in removal services, broadband, and mail redirection.
- Use colour‑coded labels and a dedicated “Moving Day Box” for essential items.
- Take and record final meter readings to protect yourself from billing errors.
- Update every relevant party (banks, insurers, government bodies) before and after the move.
With this guide in hand, you’re equipped to navigate the Irish property market’s moving challenges confidently—whether you’re a first‑time buyer, seasoned investor, or estate‑agent assisting clients. Happy moving!