Moving House Within Phuket: Movers, Utilities, Deposits and Address Changes

Before you move

• Read your lease for the notice period and the deposit rules, and give notice in writing. See the renting guide.
• Book an exit inspection with the landlord, photograph the property and agree a deposit return date in writing.
• Start looking early, especially in the high season, and compare areas using the area guides and the long-term rentals pages.
• Check your new landlord's TM30 plan before you sign, and see the TM30 guide.

Movers and costs

Residents find movers through local Facebook groups, neighbours and landlords, and guides suggest collecting at least three quotes. One expat guide quotes truck hire for a house move of about 8,000 to 12,000 baht for a large truck for a smaller home and 14,000 to 20,000 baht for a full house or villa, with extra helpers at several hundred baht each. These are indicative.

Ask whether the quote includes packing, stairs, dismantling furniture, insurance for damage and waiting time. Move fragile electronics yourself, and keep valuables and documents with you. For long-distance or international moves, read the shipping guide.

Utilities and internet

• Electricity and water are usually tied to the property. Ask the landlord whether the accounts transfer or whether you must open them in your name, and take photos of meter readings on the day you move in and out.
• Book internet installation as early as you can, because a new line can take days or weeks. The SIM and internet guide compares providers.
• Check whether your condo includes water or common-area charges in the rent.
• Cancel or transfer services, and keep final bills. The electricity and mould guide explains charges and common faults.

Admin and address changes

• Ask your new landlord to file the TM30, and keep the receipt.
• Tell your bank, insurers, health insurer, employer and visa agent about your new address. The banking guide and the health and insurance guide cover this.
• Update delivery apps and your pin, and tell neighbours, estate management and the post office.
• Update your home insurance, and check cover for the move. See the home insurance and security guide.
• If you are on a long-stay visa, check whether your next extension or 90-day report needs an address update at immigration.

Settling in

Check smoke, water and electrics on day one, test locks, and photograph any damage you find, so that you are not charged for it later. Learn the neighbours, the nearest clinic and the bus or taxi options, and use the household help guide if you want help cleaning.

If something goes wrong with the landlord, see the legal help guide. The first-week checklist is a useful reminder for each new home.