What is goods in transit insurance for removals?

Goods in transit cover pays out if your belongings are lost or damaged while the removals firm is moving or storing them. It is the cover that actually protects your furniture and boxes, and every reputable mover should hold it. Check the total limit and the single-item limit, because a policy can cap what it pays for any one valuable piece.

What is the difference between goods in transit and public liability cover?

Goods in transit cover protects your possessions. Public liability cover protects other people: it pays out if the movers injure someone or damage a third party's property, for example scraping a neighbour's car or marking a communal stairwell. A proper removals firm carries both, and they do different jobs, so do not treat one as a substitute for the other.

Does removals insurance cover boxes I packed myself?

Often not, or only for damage caused by an accident to the vehicle. Many policies exclude breakages inside owner-packed boxes, because the mover cannot verify how the contents were wrapped. If you want full protection for fragile items, ask the firm to pack them, or check the wording carefully before you box them yourself.

What is limited liability cover on a removals contract?

Limited liability caps what the firm will pay per item, often at a set figure per kilogram, rather than the item's real value. It keeps the quote cheaper but can leave you badly out of pocket if something valuable is damaged. Full-value or new-for-old cover costs more but pays the replacement value, which matters if you are moving anything expensive.

Do I need my own moving insurance if the removals firm is insured?

Sometimes yes. The firm's cover may carry excesses, single-item limits and exclusions that leave gaps, especially for high-value or owner-packed items. Read the mover's policy first, then decide whether a separate moving-insurance policy is worth it to close those gaps for a valuable move.

Setting Up Utilities When You Move Home in Sussex

Setting up utilities when moving is one of those jobs that is easy to forget in the chaos of a Sussex house move, yet getting it right on day one saves you money and stops you paying for someone else's energy. This guide walks through gas and electricity, water, council tax, broadband and the address changes that matter, in the order to tackle them.

Work through utilities in two passes: tell your current providers you are leaving, then set up supply at the new place. Do the first pass in the fortnight before completion and the second on the day you get the keys. If you are moving locally, our moving house in Sussex guide and who to notify when you move cover the wider checklist.

Gas and electricity

On moving day, take a photo of the gas and electricity meter readings at both the old and new property, with the date. Give the closing readings to your old supplier so your final bill is accurate, and give the opening readings to whoever supplies the new home. You do not have to stay with the supplier you inherit. When you move in you are on a deemed contract, usually the most expensive rate, so once you are settled it is worth comparing tariffs and switching. Find out who currently supplies the new property by asking the seller or estate agent, or by contacting your regional network operator for electricity and the Meter Number Helpline for gas.

Water

You cannot choose your water company as a household, it is set by area. Across most of Sussex your wastewater comes from Southern Water, while your fresh water may be Southern Water or South East Water depending on where you live. Set up your account with the correct supplier using your move-in date and a meter reading if the property is metered. There is nothing to switch, but you do need to open an account so billing starts from the right day.

Council tax

Tell both the council you are leaving and the council you are moving to. In Sussex that could be a district or borough council such as Brighton and Hove, Wealden, Lewes, Horsham, Mid Sussex, Arun or Eastbourne. Notify them as soon as you have a completion date so your final bill is closed and your new account opens correctly. Most councils have a short online form for moving home.

Broadband, TV and phone

Broadband is the one to sort early because installation can take up to two weeks or longer if a new line or engineer visit is needed. Check whether your current provider can move your service to the new address, and compare the deal against new-customer offers. Do not cancel your old contract before you know the moving date is firm, as early exit fees can apply. Remember the TV Licence, which needs updating with your new address.

The order that saves stress

Two weeks before: book your broadband move or install, and note meter types. Completion day: read every meter, open water and council tax accounts, and confirm energy supply. First week in: compare energy tariffs and switch off the deemed rate, and set up a Royal Mail redirection so nothing important goes to your old address.

Frequently Asked Questions

What utilities do I need to set up when moving house?

Gas, electricity, water, council tax and broadband are the essentials, plus the TV Licence and a Royal Mail redirection. Take meter readings on the day and open accounts at the new address from your move-in date.

Do I have to tell my energy supplier I am moving?

Yes. Give your old supplier a closing meter reading and forwarding address so they can send a final bill, and give the new property's supplier an opening reading so you are only billed from the day you move in.

Can I choose my water supplier in Sussex?

No. Household water supply is set by region. In Sussex that is Southern Water for wastewater and either Southern Water or South East Water for fresh water. You open an account but cannot switch provider.

When should I set up broadband for a move?

Start two weeks ahead. A transfer or new installation can take around 10 to 14 working days, and longer if an engineer or new line is required, so booking early avoids being offline in your first week.

How do I find out who supplies energy to my new home?

Ask the seller or estate agent, or contact your local electricity network operator to find the current electricity supplier and the Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524 for gas.