Getting ready to move house, or moving out of your parents house for the first time? There’s a lot of stuff to prepare when you’re moving to a new property. Not only do you have to gather cardboard boxes for packing and consider hiring a moving van, but you also need to update your address with your utility providers and more. How do you know which companies to contact to alter your personal details? Our checklist for change of address when moving reveals exactly who you need to notify when heading off to a new home. For a full breakdown of every organisation that needs to hear from you, our guide on who to notify when moving house covers the complete list.
Your Moving Change of Address Checklist
This change of address when moving checklist is easy to follow and mark off. We suggest printing it out so you can cross each company/person off when you’ve notified them of your intent to move. For a complete step-by-step walkthrough, our address change checklist for moving house covers every organisation and notification you need to make.
The Post Office
It’s best to get all your mail forwarded from your old mailing address to your new home. The Post Office can set this up for you so that all your mail is redirected. You can either go into your local branch or set this service up online. Do this at least one to two weeks before you move, otherwise there may be a brief gap in-between. If you are unsure which accounts and records to update first, our page on where to update your address when moving walks you through the priority order.
Your Utility Company
All your utility providers will need notifying. This prevents you from paying for excess utilities and ensures you get the utilities you need up to the day you move. You’ll need to contact your gas and electric providers, as well as your water company. Remember to update your address with your phone, cable and internet companies too. If you are unsure where to start, our guide on which addresses to update when moving breaks down every institution and account that needs your new details. Fragile items need careful preparation too, and our advice on protecting mirrors during a move explains exactly how to keep them safe in transit.
Financial Institutions
You may be able to change your address online with financial institutions. Get in contact with your bank and credit card company to update your personal details. It’s also a good idea to reach out to the credit reporting agency you use too. If you have life or home insurance with your bank, then you’ll be all set. However, if your insurance is with another provider, you’ll also need to contact them. For a closer look at every document and account affected, see our detailed guide on what to change address on when moving.
Loans
If you’ve taken out any loans, notify the company you’re with. This includes any student loans you have. The Student Loans Company will be able to change your details for you. For those relocating abroad, our European moving service handles the logistics of moving your home across borders.
Car Insurance
your car insurance must be updated, especially as it could affect any potential claim you need to make. Some car insurance companies charge for altering your details so you’ll need to check this before moving. Additionally, you’ll need to update your V5C vehicle log book details. You need to do this as soon as possible, otherwise you could receive a fine of up to £1000. If you are relocating a company rather than a home, our business change of address checklist covers the specific steps UK businesses need to follow. If your change of address takes you across the Channel, our dedicated page on moving to France outlines what to expect from the process.
Driving Agency
Remember to update your address on your driving license. You can do this via DVLA online. Once you’ve done so, you’ll receive a new driving license within a week or two. To keep everything on track on the day itself, our moving out packing checklist includes practical hacks to save time and protect your belongings. Those heading further into Europe can find practical guidance on our page about moving to Germany, including what to arrange before departure.
Your Local Council
You need to inform your local authority of your change of address as you may pay more or less council tax depending on the property you move to. If you move out of the area, you’ll need to contact your new local authority. You should update your details on the electoral roll too so you can vote in any upcoming elections. If your moving date has crept up on you, our last-minute removals in London can get your belongings collected at short notice.
Doctor, Dentist and Optician
Tell your doctor, dentist and optician your new address. This is important for any medication you receive and any upcoming appointments that you’ve got booked. If your move involves a business address as well, our guide to planning an office relocation outlines the key steps to keep operations running smoothly.
Subscription Services
If you have any subscription boxes or services, change your billing address online to avoid any parcels going astray. Having to chase up parcels at your old address can turn into a nightmare so do this well in advance.
HMRC
If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to contact HMRC to update your personal details. If you’re in employment, notify your employer to ensure your payslips are updated.
Education Providers
If you have children at school or you’re in further education, ensure all education providers have your new address. This will make your life easier if any emergencies arise.
Online Retailers and Services
Update your address online with any retailers you use, catalogues and online services, such as PayPal or Stripe. This prevents any orders from being sent to your old address.
Apps
Do you use Just Eat or Uber? Make sure your details are also updated on any apps you use. The last thing you want is deliveries going to your old address.
There are also apps that can help you with moving house – check out our guide!
Vets
If you have pets, your records at your local veterinarians should be updated. If your pet has a microchip, this will also need updating.
TV Licence
It’s important not to forget to update the address of your TV licence, as it doesn’t automatically move with you. You can do this easily online and your TV licence will be transferred to your new address. Failing to update your TV licence address may result in costly fines.
Contents Insurance
At least a week in advance of your move, let your contents insurance provider know your new address. There is a chance they won’t be able to insure you at your new property, so it is worth bearing in mind that you may need to find a new insurance provider.
Friends and Family
Mail out change of address cards to your loved ones or send them a quick text or email. You don’t want to miss any birthday or Christmas cards that may come your way!
Use This Printable Moving Change of Address Checklist to Keep Your Records Updated
Keep your records up to date with our moving change of address checklist. It’s another thing to think about when moving home but doing so ahead of moving day will cause you less frustration in the future. You won’t need to worry about having a parcel delivered to your old address or paying for utilities that you haven’t used.
Need Some Help with Moving? We’re Trusted Experts in Storage and Removals!
Now you’ve got your change of address checklist, it’s time to think about the actual moving process. If you need to put some of your belongings into storage in London, we can help you every step of the way. We’ll pack, move and store your items in our secure storage facilities. You don’t need to lift a finger. Get in touch now for a free quote.
