When you’re relocating a business, there’s a lot more to think about than just packing desks and updating your sat nav. One of the most overlooked (but legally critical) tasks is making sure your change of business address is properly handled.
I’ve helped hundreds of companies—large and small—move offices across London. And you’d be surprised how many forget to update their registered office address or inform the right people at Companies House. It might seem like admin, but it can cause real problems if you don’t get it right—missed mail, fines, or delays in HMRC communication.
Whether you’re moving a limited company, a partnership, or you’re a sole trader, this checklist will walk you through exactly what to do to stay compliant, keep your operations running smoothly, and avoid the most common pitfalls I see during commercial moves.
Let’s make your move stress-free—from the boxes to the official paperwork.
Who You Need to Notify When You Change Business Address
Changing your business address involves more than updating your email footer. You need to notify several key parties—some for legal compliance, others to avoid disruption to your operations. From my experience, businesses that take the time to get this right save themselves a lot of follow-up headaches.
Here’s who you need to tell when changing your business address:
1. Companies House (for limited companies)
If you’re a limited company, you’re legally required to update your registered office address with Companies House using form AD01. This must be done within 14 days of the move.
You can do this online through the WebFiling service
You’ll need your company registration number and authentication code
The new address must be a real, physical location where statutory mail can be received (not a PO box)
Tip: If your company directors are also moving, you may need to submit a CH01 or CH03 form to update their service addresses.
2. HMRC
You’ll need to update your address across all relevant HMRC services. This includes:
Corporation Tax
VAT
PAYE
Self Assessment (if you’re a sole trader)
Use your business’s HMRC online account to update your details, or contact HMRC directly if you don’t have access.
3. Banks, insurers, and legal contacts
Notify your business bank, credit card provider, and any insurers. Delays here can affect claims, payments, and fraud checks.
Also update solicitors, accountants, and anyone who handles your legal documents, company records, or official filings.
For guidance on safeguarding your business’ data, read this guide on how to protect your sensitive data when moving offices.
4. Clients, suppliers, and partners
I always advise giving your regular contacts at least a month’s notice. Let them know via email, phone, or your company newsletter—and make sure they update your address in their systems.
Some of our clients even send out a “We’ve moved!” postcard with a map and new contact details—it’s a nice touch that keeps relationships warm.
If you’re curious about what to expect cost-wise, our Office Relocation Costs Guide offers detailed insights.
Update All Communication Channels
Once you’ve updated the official records, it’s time to make sure no one gets left behind when trying to reach you. This part is all about visibility—making sure your customers, suppliers, and partners know exactly where to find you (both online and offline).
Here’s where I recommend updating your business address as part of every office move:
Phone and email systems
Update your voicemail messages and phone system greetings
Make sure call forwarding is set up if your number’s changing
Update your email signatures, templates, and automated responses
Printed materials
Order new business cards, letterheads, and invoices
Replace any on-site signage, window decals, or reception plaques
Learn how to reuse or recycle your moving boxes effectively to minimise waste and keep your new office clutter-free.
Website and digital platforms
Update your website footer and Contact Us page
Check embedded maps and business location pins
Replace your address on any downloadable PDFs or brochures
Social media and business directories
Update your address on Google Business Profile, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.
Don’t forget listings on industry-specific directories, trade bodies, or review platforms
If you’re on any public register, like a professional licensing body, update that too
Pro tip: If you’ve moved to a more impressive or central location, shout about it! Post photos or behind-the-scenes clips of the new space—it helps your audience feel involved in the move and strengthens your brand presence.
Utility Providers and Local Government Notifications
One of the biggest causes of post-move disruption I’ve seen? Delayed internet connections or missed bills because someone forgot to update the utility accounts. These things are easy to overlook—but they can cause a lot of unnecessary stress if not handled early.
Here’s who to contact when you change your business address:
Utility and service providers
Phone and broadband: Book your installation or transfer well in advance to avoid downtime
Electricity and gas: Let them know your move date and final meter readings
Water services: Update your account and request final bills
Pro tip: If you’re moving to a serviced office or shared building, check what utilities are included—some providers may change entirely.
Local council
Update your details for business rates
If you’re moving into a new borough, your rateable value might change—make sure you’re not overpaying
Some councils require you to register your new physical location for local business directories
Royal Mail
Set up mail redirection so you don’t miss any important post (especially if you’re still receiving statutory mail at the old address)
Pro tip: If your registered office is changing and you use a virtual address service, double-check that your new location still meets the legal requirements for receiving official documents and Companies House correspondence.
Internal Systems and Team Updates
Changing your business address doesn’t just affect what’s on your website or company paperwork—it impacts your internal operations, too. I’ve seen businesses run into problems because old addresses linger in systems, HR files, or even shipping labels.
Here’s how to make sure your internal setup reflects your new location:
Internal records and systems
Update your CRM, accounting software, payroll system, and any HR databases
Check your document templates (like contracts, invoices, and NDAs) for outdated address info
Back up company records before the move—especially anything tied to your registered office address
Check out this office move checklist to ensure you don’t miss any critical steps during your relocation.
Team-wide communications
Let all employees know your new business address and when the change takes effect
Update shared calendars and internal platforms (Slack, Teams, etc.)
Confirm everyone’s emergency contact cards, ID badges, and system logins are correct
Legal documents and company directors
If you’re changing the service address for a company director, you’ll need to file a CH01 or CH03 form with Companies House
Ensure all official documents reflect the new registered address, especially anything held for compliance, audits, or client contracts
Pro tip: Assign one person on your team to act as the “address change champion.” Their job? Double-check every internal system and document to avoid anything slipping through the cracks.
Final Steps: External Communication & the Move Itself
As moving day approaches, it’s easy to focus on the logistics—boxes, lorries, keys. But a few final touches can go a long way in keeping your business running smoothly during the transition.
Here’s what I always recommend in the final stage of a business move:
External platforms and public listings
Double-check your business is listed correctly on public registers, industry associations, and any licensing bodies
If your registered office address appears on platforms like Companies House or Google, ensure the changes have gone through
Update any email marketing platforms to ensure regulatory compliance (especially if your address appears in footers)
Outgoing communication
Add a “we’ve moved!” message to your outgoing post and email footers for at least a month
Include a short message on invoices or proposals to remind clients of the change
Let couriers and delivery services know where to drop off future shipments
Day-of-move coordination
Make sure one team member is on-site to direct the movers and check that fragile or confidential items are packed securely
For expert advice on ensuring the safety of your items during a move, explore our complete guide to removals & storage for fragile items.
If you’re using a business storage solution for interim items, label everything clearly by department or urgency
Consider a short team meeting or walk-through at the new premises once settled—it helps everyone feel grounded in the new space
Pro tip: I always advise businesses to keep one “master copy” of their change of address checklist and tick things off as they go. It saves a lot of “Did we tell X?” later.
Key Takeaways
Relocating your business is no small task—but getting your change of business address right is one of the most important parts of the process. From legal obligations with Companies House to practical steps like updating your CRM and phone system, every detail matters.
Here’s a quick recap of what to remember:
📍 File the correct forms (like AD01, CH01, CH03) with Companies House
🏢 Update your registered office address and legal documents
💼 Inform HMRC, insurers, banks, and professional contacts
🖥️ Refresh all internal systems and external listings
📦 Notify your customers and suppliers well in advance
🔒 Consider using secure business storage during the move for equipment, files, or furniture
Need Help Moving or Storing? We’ve Got You Covered
If you’re planning an office move and want things handled properly—from business storage to office relocation services—our team is here to help.
At Removals & Storage Experts, we’ve been moving businesses across London for over a decade. We understand the logistics, the paperwork, and the pressure—and we know how to make it easier for you.
Get in touch today for a free quote or chat with our team about your business relocation.
We’ll help you move smarter—and get your address change done right.
About the author
Marcin Markiewicz is the founder of Removals & Storage Experts, a London-based company specialising in office moves and secure business storage. With over a decade of experience helping companies relocate smoothly, Marcin combines hands-on knowledge with a deep understanding of the legal and logistical steps involved in business moves—including updating your registered office address and staying compliant with Companies House. When he’s not managing moves, you’ll find him advising businesses on how to store smart and move stress-free.
