Change of Address Checklist - Who to Inform When Moving House

Written by Martha Lott Reviewed by Dave Sayce

29th Nov 2019 (Last updated on 12th Feb 2024) 8 minute read

1. Royal Mail

Before moving house, it’s useful to redirect your mail. This will send any future mail addressed to your old home, to your new property. You will be surprised at how many correspondences you get from various places. There may be certain services you forget to change, so this will prevent you from missing any important mail.

Redirecting mail is temporary. However, it gives you the additional time you need to get organised and change any details. It also keeps your information protected. If your mail continues to be delivered to your previous address, this will leave you vulnerable to identity theft. This can be prevented by having your mail redirected through Royal Mail Redirect.

The process takes around a week to complete, so it’s important to do this in advance of your move. You can apply to redirect your mail 6 months before or after your moving date. Fees start from around £36.00 for 3 months if the property is within the UK. For overseas properties, prices begin at around £133 for 3 months. You can redirect your post for up to 12 months to your new address.

2. Insurance Companies

There will be several insurance companies you will need to contact after moving house. Some of these may include:

• Life insurance
• National insurance
• Health insurance
• House insurance
• Contents insurance
• Car insurance
• Travel insurance
• Pet insurance

It is important to remember to update your address as your insurance premium can change alongside your address. Your insurance provider could deem certain areas a higher or lower risk. Your insurance costs will then reflect this.

A change of address can be the perfect time to consider switching your contents and home insurance provider. Even if you see no change in insurance costs, you must have an up-to-date address for bills and further contact.

3. Update Car Details

Don't forget to update your address information with the DVLA for the following vehicle documentation:

• Car insurance company
• Car ownership certificate and logbook
• Driving licence
• Direct Debit details
• Vehicle registration
• Vehicle tax direct debit

These details can be quickly updated online on the GOV.UK website. There is no charge to change your address. On the form, you will need to fill out your personal details, including your National Insurance number and your passport number.

Alternatively, your nearest Post Office will have the relevant forms you can complete and send off. These forms are the same as the online forms in paper form. After the forms have been completed, your new licence will arrive by post within 3 weeks.

Your car insurance company also needs to be informed of your change of address, as most policies are based on location. If your area is considered high-risk, your insurance premium may increase. If the area is considered safer, you may receive a refund.

4. Utility Providers

Before you move, remember to take your final water, gas and electricity meter readings. Notify your suppliers in advance so you aren’t then billed with someone else’s usage. It can take roughly 48 hours to successfully update your energy provider with your new information. Given this, it is best to do this well in advance of your move.

Depending on the type of account you have, you may be charged for ending your contract early. You can check if your provider allows you to move your current deal to your new property.

Changing your address is a good time to consider changing suppliers to get the best deal. Let your utility provider know your moving date around a month before. You will then need to provide them with your new address and final meter readings just before your moving day.

For more information read: Changing Gas and Electric When Moving House.

5. Your Employer

You will need to inform your employer when you change your address. This will help to prevent any potential issues with your monthly wage and pension.

In addition to this, it helps to ensure any letters or work correspondence is sent to your new address.

6. The Electoral Roll

By updating your details on the electoral roll, you will still be eligible to vote in local and national elections at your new address.

Being registered at your new house will also help to improve your credit score as it helps lenders check your information. This can be completed via the Gov.UK’s online form.

7. Schools and Education

If you're moving house with children you will need to update their new address with their school. It's important to highlight the move with their teachers and update their information.

Private schools and universities will also need to be updated on the change of address as you will need to pay the tuition fees.

8. The Local Authority

You must inform the local authority that you’ve moved as you will need to register to pay council tax.

In addition to this, the Department of Work and Pensions need to be informed. This is particularly important if you receive any benefits or child tax credits.

Inland Revenue (HMRC) also needs to be informed of address changes. They are responsible for handling taxes and benefits.

9. GP and Other Healthcare

You'll need to tell your GP, dentist, optician and any other medical professionals about your change of address. They can then update your records. If you’re moving to a different catchment area, you may need to sign up for a new GP surgery.

Don't forget about your pets' health care. You should update your information with the local vet, or change vet surgeries if you are moving to a completely new area.

10. The Bank and Other Financial Institutions

You must inform your banks, building society, or other businesses that handle your finances. They can update their records and your billing address. It will allow them to send any letters or bank statements to the correct place.

If your mortgage is with your current bank they should update all your records automatically. If you have any credit cards, you will want to update your address and details with your credit card company too.

You may be able to update your details through your online bank account or banking app depending on the bank you use.

While you are editing your details with the bank, it can be a useful time to reconsider your finances and outgoings. You can cancel any direct debits that are no longer required

11. Phone and Broadband Providers

The majority of people will have internet access in their current homes. Before moving, it is important to contact your current broadband provider about your address change.

If you are currently in a contract, many companies will allow you to move your contract to your new address. However, this will depend on the area you are moving to and whether the company operates there.

If you choose to leave your contract early, you may be subject to early cancellation fees. In addition to this, you may have to pay for your broadband to be set up in the new address. This is why it’s important to provide your broadband provider with enough notice of your address change.

If you have a landline phone, you will need to contact your phone company. They will then provide you with a new phone number to be linked to your new address

For more information read: Changing Broadband when Moving House

12. Household Services

Anyone providing you with household services will need to be informed of your move. This can include gardeners, babysitters and window cleaners.

You will need to update your details with your accountant, solicitor or even tenants if you rent properties. In addition to this, if you run your own business, you will need to update details and clients accordingly.

Any information you deem as private or essential will need to be sent to your new home so make a detailed list of these before you move house.

13. TV Licence

You will need to notify TV licensing about your change of address and the date that you’re moving to your new house.

This will ensure that you are covered from the day you move in. You can change your details up to 3 months in advance of your moving date.

14. Subscription Services

Remember to change the address for any recreational subscription services. This can include but is not limited to:

• Gym facilities
• Netflix
• Amazon Prime
• Disney Plus
• Clubs, groups or societies you may be part of
• Magazine subscriptions
• Newsletter subscriptions
• Any postal subscriptions
• Any store cards you may have

It can be easy to forget to update the address related to these services, especially if you're on a rolling contract. This is why it's useful to keep a moving house checklist of everything you need to change and do.

15. Friends and Family

Don't forget to update friends and family with your new address. Whoever you contact regularly should be notified about your move. It can be useful to send a mass email to everyone who needs to be aware of this change.

To learn more, read: moving into a new home checklist

Save on Your Removal Costs

As much as changing address can be a proverbial pain in the backside, it is an unavoidable and essential part of moving house and moving house is an exciting time. We hope that this Change of Address Checklist will help you save time and stay organised. Also, take a look at our house removal costs guide so you know what to expect.

Remember to use Compare My Move to save time and money on your house move. Fill in a quick and easy form and get connected with up to 6 professional removal companies. We hope this checklist will help you inform the right people and establishments of your change of address, keeping everyone up-to-date and fully informed.