Find out what’s involved in moving home, including some ideas about how to save money and make the experience less stressful.
How to find a removals company
You can save some money on removal costs by shopping around for the best deal.
It's a good idea to get a few quotes before you decide which company to use and pay a deposit.
If the council offers you a tenancy you will usually be expected to move within 1 week.
You can find out what other customers thought of the service on check-a-trade.
If you can’t afford the costs of a removals company, you may be able to get one-off help from the council's Local Discretionary Fund. If they fund your removals, they will choose which company to use.
Changes to your home
You’re responsible for decorating your home and fitting carpets.
If you want to change anything else ask the council’s permission. We'll tell you how to do this when you move in.
Introductory tenants are not allowed to make any changes in the first year of their council tenancy.
The council won’t normally help with painting walls and carpeting, but in some cases, you’ll be given a starter pack with items that can help.
Older person moving into Seniors Housing
If you’re an older person moving into Seniors Housing, your home will already be painted and carpeted. It will also have a cooker and fridge. Most schemes include a communal laundry.
The council won’t normally help with painting walls and carpeting, but in some cases, you may receive a painting starter pack with items that can help.
All seniors schemes are now pet friendly.
How to buy furniture and fittings
Our properties come without carpets, cookers or any white goods such as fridges or washing machines. However, Seniors Housing has carpet and you can get a fridge and electric cooker if you need them.
If you live in a flat, we will ask you to make sure that any living areas are carpeted, to reduce any noise reaching your neighbours.
Low cost furniture can be found on Gumtree. If you are on a low income you may be able to be referred by the St Vincent de Paul furniture scheme to Emmaus who have a furniture warehouse.
Find out if the Local Discretionary Fund can help you. They can help with carpets and white goods. Call 01273 293117.
Having pets in a council home
Most council homes allow pets, but you need permission from us before you move in.
Council housing for older people doesn't usually allow pets, but there are exceptions.
Other social landlords, like housing associations, sometimes don't allow pets.
We'll include pet details in adverts for homes on the Homemove website.
Things to remember when you move
Don’t forget to:
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read your meters - give meter readings to the correct suppliers for both your old and new homes. Doing this can save you money
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tell the Council Tax Team you’re moving as soon as possible
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if you're on benefits or you have a low income apply for Council Tax Reduction
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if you live on your own apply for apply for a Single Person Discount
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if you get benefits, tell the benefit departments you’re moving
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tell your doctor, dentist and any medical professionals who work with you your new address
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check the hospital has your new address
Get help and advice
Housing Customer Services offer a wide range of general advice about moving home. Call 01273 293 030 or email customerservices@brighton-hove.gov.uk