Housing Guide for Care Leavers

Moving to your final stage accommodation

This page will help you understand all the forms and notifications you need to complete to move into your final stage accommodation.

Follow a checklist

Please discuss with your Personal Advisor/Social Worker. There is also a more in-depth checklist, ask your allocated PA/SW/Support Workers to discuss with you when planning for your final stage accommodation.  

  1. Complete and submit HR application with Social Worker, Personal Advisor, or Support Worker
  2. Viewing, bidding and accepting property
  3. Preparation for moving - Complete Setting-Up Home Grant form (SUHG)
  4. Finance: Setting up accounts/bill Payments including internet connection
  5. Changing your address
  6. Preparing to move and saying goodbye
  7. Introduce yourself to your neighbours
  8. Keep copies of Paperwork and receipts
  9. Settling into your new home (speak to your SW/PA about extended support)

What you need to know and do in preparation for moving

Moving house can be overwhelming, but it can also be one of the most exciting life transitions anyone could experience, as this signifies a fresh start, a new beginning to your new home. New experiences, new neighbours, and a new environment.

That is why we have created the below guides to help you stay organised, know what needs to be taken care of and to keep everything on track, so that your move is as stress-free as possible.
Consider doing the following:

  •  If you are in a large property, speak to your worker to see if there is any extra financial support available to help with flooring, window coverings and decorating.
  • If necessary, speak to your worker about applying to charities to try and get extra money for other items not covered by your SUHG. (Setting Up Home Grant)
  • Alongside your Personal Advisor (PA) and or Social Worker (SW), you will need to ensure you Complete your Setting Up Home Grant form (SUHG) to pay towards your essential household items (please see revised SUHG guidelines and allocations amounts for details)  
  • Speak to your worker about moving and removal costs.

Important Note

  • As appropriate, you should write down any measurements on SUHG form, such as flooring, doorways, windows, fridge, cooker etc.
  • Order your essential items as soon as possible, but make sure decorating and flooring are done. You may not have enough money to do everything at the same time, so, if necessary, prioritise rooms.
  • Check what type of cooker you can have, such as gas or electric.
  • You must use a registered gas engineer to connect your cooker and a qualified plumber to connect your washing machine if they’re not already supplied and fitted. 
  • You could decide to use the company you purchased the items from to install and fit any appliances.
  • If you choose an independent engineer to install your appliances you will need to agree a suitable time for installation. If you cannot make the agreed date/time, call in advance to rearrange. (Remember if you miss an appointment, you may be charged).
  • You will need to be at your new home or arrange for someone to be there to receive any deliveries. it is your responsibility to ensure this is done. 

Delivery Of Appliances/household items

  • Try to arrange the same delivery date for as many items as possible.
  • Make sure someone is home for deliveries.
  • On delivery, check that there is no damage, scratches, dents etc. If there, are you can refuse to accept delivery, and write the problem on the delivery note.
  • To reduce time, you will need to think about other jobs, you might need help with so please check who can help you, or if you need to pay someone to do this, (for example, using the Independent Contractor to put up shelves, curtain rails / blinds, etc.)

Last updated: 23 February 2023