August busiest month for home movers but only a quarter switch suppliers
With thousands moving home this August bank holiday, Post Office HomePhone and Broadband is urging home movers to find the best telecoms deals, following new research revealing only a quarter look for cheaper offers.
Although 45 per cent report that moving home is an opportunity to clear out unwanted items, almost a quarter (24 per cent) felt switching suppliers would be too complicated and time-consuming.
The study conducted by Post Office HomePhone and Broadband shows that despite a quarter of home movers regretting not changing providers, over a third (35 per cent) felt it was just easier to remain with the same provider when they moved home. A further third (34 per cent) decided not to switch their home phone provider simply because they didn't want to lose their telephone number, despite many providers offering a free service to retain numbers.
Movers were most reluctant to switch their cable or satellite TV supplier, with 69 per cent saying they wouldn't consider changing.
Astonishingly, 45 per cent of people have never changed suppliers in their lifetime. Those in the South East are the most reluctant to change with over half (51 per cent) saying they would not consider switching suppliers compared to 37 per cent of those living in Scotland.
Hugh Stacey, Head of Post Office HomePhone and Broadband said: "With August being the most popular month for moving home, we are encouraging those who have just moved or in the midst of packing to consider how they can save money on their telecoms suppliers, during what can be an extremely expensive time.
"The upcoming bank holiday and extra day off work is an excellent opportunity to look for a better deal. Changing suppliers is not as complicated or time consuming as many might believe. However, for those considering making a change, always make sure the deal meets your needs before signing on the dotted line. Although a number of telecoms suppliers such as the Post Office will include all costs upfront, others may include hidden charges and fees."
The Post Office has created a Home Movers Check List for anyone looking to move home.
Home Mover Check List: Top Ten Tips
Save space and time by clearing out items you no longer need including clothes, books and furniture. Donate these to a local charity shop or recycling centre
Moving home is a good opportunity to switch to new, cheaper providers so take the time to research the best offerings for landline and utility deals. With free evening calls after 6pm to UK landlines, free calls to UK mobiles and landlines at the weekend and free weekend calls to over 40 international destinations - the Post Office's Home Phone and Broadband package is one of the most competitive on the market
Apply for a Royal Mail redirection. You can do this at your local Post Office. Royal Mail will redirect service to ensure you will continue to receive your post
Change your utility, telephone and /or broadband provider, where applicable. You might not always be able to take your landline number with you if you are moving between area codes. Some home phone providers need at least two weeks to process such requests so allow plenty of time
Name and number each box you pack, remembering to keep an inventory list of each one and its contents. This will help when unpacking and also with any potential insurance claims if a box goes missing
Book a removal company well in advance as traditionally there are some busy weekends for moving. Traditionally, the most popular move dates are the first weekend in April and September and the last weekend in July and August
Ensure you inform everyone of your new address including all your utility providers, insurance providers, your local council and your bank
If you are currently renting, give your landlord plenty of notice, even if your contract is due to run its course. One calendar month is often the minimum notice period
Organise a box of supplies that you will need on the day of the move, including refreshments and other basic necessities
On the day of the move, disconnect everything and take gas and electricity meter readings to give to your utility providers