Help with moving

Before committing to moving, think about why you want to move and whether it’s the right choice for you – see our Considering a move webpage for more information.

Also, make sure to tell your local council about your move, as it may impact your benefits. If you claim Universal Credit, there may be other benefits you qualify for. This could help you going forward in your new home. See our benefits calculator to check what you could be entitled to.

You may find yourself in a situation where you need to move quickly – for example, if your care needs change, or if you are being evicted from your home.

If you have to move out because your care needs suddenly increase, ask for an urgent assessment. The council may provide you with an emergency care package until a full assessment can be carried out.

If you’re struggling to find a new place to live before you have to move out, you may qualify for emergency housing. This is a short-term solution – you might be placed in a bed and breakfast or hostel while the council decides if you qualify for longer-term housing.

There are lots of expenses to consider when moving home, such as estate agent fees or removal costs.

If you are on a low income and receive Housing Benefit, you may be able to get financial support from your local council to help with moving costs. This is known as a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP).

There is no set amount for a DHP – the council decides whether to award it, for how long and how much you’ll get. DHPs can be awarded as a lump sum, or for an open-ended or a fixed period.

If you live in England or Wales and you receive Housing Benefit, you could apply for a DHP to help with moving costs. You don't have to pay back a DHP. See our factsheet Housing Benefit for more information.

If you live in Scotland, you may qualify for a DHP if you rent your home and you get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit. Visit mygov.scot for more information.

If you’re waiting for your first payment of a benefit and you’re in urgent financial need, you can apply for a short-term benefit advance. You do not have to pay interest on this, but you will have to pay it back. If you qualify, you’ll usually get the advance the same day or the next working day.

You can ask for an advance if you have recently applied for:

• Pension Credit
• State Pension
• Carer’s Allowance
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Universal Credit.

Keep in mind that you’ll have to repay the advance – some money will be taken from your benefit each week until it's paid back. Think carefully about how repayments will affect your future income.

For more information about short-term benefit advances, see our Extra help with essential costs if you’re on a low income factsheet.

You may be able to get financial help towards your move from the government or your local council. The help you can get depends on your circumstances and where you live. Keep in mind that these schemes are not just for people who need help with moving – anyone on a low income with unexpected or emergency expenses can also apply.

• In England, there’s the Local Welfare Assistance Scheme – for more information, contact your local council.
• In Scotland, apply for the Scottish Welfare Fund.
• In Wales, apply for the Discretionary Assistance Fund.

See our Extra help with essential costs if you’re on a low income factsheet for more information.

There are many charities, benevolent funds and trusts that provide different types of help if you can’t get support elsewhere. However, keep in mind that some of these organisations have specific criteria for who they will help – for example, certain areas of the country, or people of particular age groups or backgrounds.

Turn2us can help you find a charity to apply to (0808 802 2000) or contact Citizens Advice:

• 0800 144 8848 in England
• 0800 028 1456 in Scotland
• 0800 702 2020 in Wales.

You may be unable to pay for a move because your rent is too expensive, or because of mortgage arrears. Visit our debt webpages for more information on managing your rent or mortgage costs.

Moving home is a big upheaval and might seem daunting – but you can get help.

If you are going to use a removal company, you should get two or three quotes before making a decision. Check that they offer insurance if your home insurance doesn’t cover you during a move. You should also make sure the company belongs to a professional body, such as:

• National Guild of Removers and Storers if you live in England or Wales (their members belong to the Removals Industry Ombudsman Scheme)
• the Scottish Guild of Removers, if you live in Scotland.

As well as helping you move, removal companies may offer other services, such as packing, storing unused furniture, disposing of unwanted goods and cleaning your home. Our Moving home checklist has more information.

If you need to get rid of some things, remember:

• some charities will collect unwanted goods
• your council will collect large items but may charge
• auction companies may be interested in your antiques
• house clearance or rubbish removal companies can take away anything you can’t find a home for.

You may find it difficult letting go of some things, and for some people this can cause unmanageable clutter. See our Hoarding page for more information.