It could be that you’re coming to the UK for the first time, or that you’re moving your house from one area to another for a new job/training post, but you need to keep some things in mind during the shift so as to make the transition easier for you.

Understand your surroundings

What I mean by that is you should have a good idea of where exactly you’ll be moving into. It’s not always possible to see the place beforehand (though it is highly recommended), but with the help of modern technology like Google maps, you can still get a fair depiction of what you’ll find in the neighborhood. While it would be fantastic to find a place as close to the hospital as possible, it may not always be ideal, as often times hospitals may not be located in a good place to find a house or apartment, or you may be far from other important landmarks such as grocery stores or schools.

Change of address

Your address will need to be updated for a lot of things. It’s a good idea you list everything out so that you don’t accidentally forget.

The checklist of places you may need to update your address when you move.

GMC

You can edit your information by going to your GMC online account, and amend your details under ‘My Details’ and then ‘Contact Details’.

HMRC

Sign into your government gateway account to update your information.

UKVI

If you’re changing your visa any way and with it there is a change of address, you don’t have to do this, but otherwise, you can Gov.uk’s online form.

Council Tax

Go onto the website for you local council and submit the form for a change of address.

Any subscriptions

BMA, medical indemnity, magazines, subscription boxes, etc can all be modified via your account details online.

Electoral Roll

If you’ve changed address and need to update your details on the electoral roll, you will need to re-register at your new address. 

Utilities

If you’re paying for gas, water, electricity, internet, TV license etc, you can call or check if it can updated online. More often than not, you may need to cancel your service and then find a new service at your new address.

DVLA

You will need to update your address with DVLA, and you may also need to update your vehicle logbook and direct debit (if applicable).

GP

You may need to go in and update you address with your GP, or if your address no longer falls under their jurisdiction, you will need to let them know accordingly.

Bank

Let your bank know that you’ll be moving- this can be done in person or via their website.

Credit card company

If you have a credit card that is not associated with your bank, please remember to inform them as well!

Moving your house in the UK

  • Start to pack things at least a week early.
  • Moving boxes are of big help when you are packing your house.
  • Remember to label the boxes and start packing room by room so that it becomes easier to unpack.
  • Look for van services to move your houses and ask for quotes in a few services. You can also find “Man with a van” on Facebook marketplace, gumtree or eBay.

Settling In

Now comes the most stressful part (at least in my opinion!) while moving house in the UK. Unpacking, ensuring you have all that you need for the time being, and essentially just arranging things in your new home. This is something you should dedicate sufficient time for so that you know exactly where everything is kept away, and so you don’t basically live in a sea of boxes until your next free weekend.

Check out our post Your First Home Abroad to get an idea of what all you may need to be ready to live and work in the UK.

It may feel scary to move to a new place where you perhaps don’t know anyone or things are not as you are used to, but this should be seen as a great opportunity to grow and explore different things. Regardless of where you go in the UK, there will always be a community of doctors and peers you can reach out to and seek help from as and when needed. Remember that you are never alone, and that you will be the very best version of yourself in your new post. Good luck!