Moving home involves more than packing boxes and booking a van. If you are selling or letting a property, you may also need to check your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before marketing it. Getting the paperwork and practical arrangements organised early can make the process easier for everyone involved.
This moving house checklist covers the EPC points to consider, the documents to gather and how to plan your removals.
🏠Do you need an EPC when moving house?
Simply moving into or out of a home does not, by itself, mean you need a new EPC. In England and Wales, an EPC is generally required when a property is sold, rented out or newly built. If you are selling or letting, check whether the property already has a valid certificate.
An EPC is normally valid for 10 years, but a newer certificate can replace an earlier one. If there is no valid EPC, the seller or landlord must arrange for one to be commissioned before the property is marketed. You can check the current certificate using the government’s Find an energy certificate service. GOV.UK
An EPC gives the property an energy efficiency rating and includes recommendations for improving its energy performance. If you need an assessment, Assessment Hive provides residential EPC services.
đź“‹ Your moving house checklist
1. Confirm your moving date
Agree a moving date as early as possible, particularly if you are buying and selling at the same time. Your completion date, key handover and access arrangements can affect when you can move belongings in or out.
2. Check your property paperwork
If you are selling or letting, gather the documents your estate agent, solicitor or letting agent may ask for. This can include your EPC, guarantees, planning documents and information about work carried out at the property. Check whether your EPC is still valid and whether it reflects the property as it stands now.
3. Book a removals company
Contact a removals company early, especially if you are moving at a busy time of year or need packing, storage or help with a larger home. Share details about access, parking, stairs, fragile items and any timing restrictions so the company can plan the move.
For house and office removals, packing and storage across London, visit Light Rock Removals, led by Trevor Clarke.
4. Declutter and organise your belongings
Moving is a good opportunity to sort through items you no longer need. Donate, recycle or dispose of unwanted belongings before packing. Label boxes by room and make a separate box for essentials you will need on your first night.
5. Tell the relevant organisations
Arrange for your post, council tax, utilities, broadband and insurance details to be updated. Take meter readings on moving day and keep a note of them. If you are a landlord, also update your property management and tenancy records as needed.
6. Prepare for moving day
Keep important documents, keys, medication, chargers and valuables with you. Confirm arrival times with your removals team and make sure there is a clear route for carrying furniture and boxes. Take final meter readings and photographs where useful.
🔑 Selling, letting and moving: keep the timelines clear
An EPC and a removals booking serve different purposes, so plan each one on its own timeline. The EPC relates to the sale or letting process; the removals booking relates to when you will vacate or occupy the property.
If you are selling, check the EPC before your property goes on the market. If you are a landlord preparing to let, make sure the correct certificate is available for the property being marketed. If you are unsure whether an existing certificate is valid, check the government register or ask an accredited assessor.
âś… Make your move easier with early planning
A little preparation can reduce last-minute stress. Check your EPC if you are selling or letting, collect the documents you may need, and book your removals company once your likely moving date is clear.
If you need an EPC for a residential property, contact Assessment Hive to discuss your assessment. For help with your move, find out more about Light Rock Removals.
