When it comes to moving house, we immediately think about tasks involving packing and transportation. It is equally important to ensure that your address details are updated with relevant companies and authorities. Whether you’re planning to move or in the process, knowing where to start is essential. The list of institutions to notify of new address can be extensive and it is best to not postpone this important step until the last minute. To assist you, we’ve prepared comprehensive checklist for a smooth change of address.
Career: professional updates
Workplace
Notify your employer or HR department about your change of address to ensure all document are sent to the correct address.
Ireland Revenue
Update your address details with Ireland Revenue or inform HMRC if you are self-employed.
National Insurance
Keep your National Insurance information updated.
Money and finances: secure your finances when moving home
Banks or building societies
Contact your bank or building society to update your address on file, including any other financial institutions.
Credit card companies
Update your address with all credit card companies to prevents any issues with billing and statements.
E-commence
Keep your address updated with any e-commence accounts, especially when making purchases that require shipping.
Payment platforms
Update your address details with all online payment platforms you use. Here are some of the most recognised ones:
- PayPal
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
Loan companies
Ensure that companies you have a loan with have your correct address on their record.
Store cards
Don’t forget to change your address details with any store cards you hold.
Investments
Keep your address details current with your investment companies for important communications.
National Savings & Investments (NS&I)
You can change the address details online, by phone or by post. More information you can find here.
Pension provider
If you have a pension plan, notify the provider of your new address to ensure that your statements and and other communications reach you at the right location.
Government and authorities: ensure legal compliance
Council Tax
Notify your local council about change of address. You can find the relevant gov.uk site for your local council by visiting Find your local council – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Electoral Roll
To ensure your registration is up to date, you’ll need to re-register with your new details. This can be done through a paper form or online, and typically takes just about 5 minutes of your time.
Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)
If you receive benefits, State Pension, or other payments from the DWP, you need to report changes to your circumstances. You can do it online or by phone.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
Don’t forget to report a change to your address if this is applicable to you.
Car: legal compliance on the move
DVLA
Tell DVLA you have changed your address. Update the address on your vehicle log book (V5C) and your provisional or full driving licence. More information can be found here.
Vehicle Breakdown cover
Do not forget to change the address on your breakdown cover policy.
Car Insurance
Inform your insurer of your change of address as this may impact your premium.
Car finance
If you have a car finance agreement, and you’ve moved to a new address, it’s important to update your address with the finance company. This ensures that they have accurate and up-to date information for bills and statements.
Utilities: keep the essentials running
Electricity and gas
Contact your suppliers at least 48 hours prior your move and made them aware of your last date in the property. If possible, notify them well in advance.
Take a meter reading on the day of your move and provide this information to them for an accurate bill to pay.
Provide your new address details to your existing suppliers for a closing bill, or manage the transfer of your current deal.
If you consider to change your suppliers, double check your contract if you need to pay an early exit fee.
The estate agency or previous owner should let you know who supply the gas and electricity in your new property but if you cannot get this information from them, you could find your gas supplier through Find My Supplier service.
To find out who supplies your electricity, you can call your area electricity distribution number.
Water company
Contact your water company and let them know about your move and new address details.
Household customers are not able to change their water supplier or sewerage service provider; who provides these services depends on your post code.
Check here to find out who supplies the water and manages the sewerage in your new location.
If you will stay with your current supplier, you will need to inform them of your change of address to transfer your bill. If you are moving somewhere that requires you to change the supplier, you will need to cancel your old water bill and inform the new supplier of your move.
Give your water company at least 5 working days notice so they can arrange a final meter reading.
Educational
Nursery/ School
Inform your child school of your address change to ensure they have accurate contact information in case they need to reach you.
University
If you’re a student, updating your address with your educational institution is important for administrative purposes and receiving important communication.
Student loan
Don’t forget to contact Student Finance and let them know about changes to your address details.
Internet, phone and TV: stay connected during your move
Broadband
When it comes to your broadband service, it’s crucial to stay ahead in changes of your personal circumstances. Contact your broadband and ask about the notice they require for relocating your broadband or cancelation. If, for some reason, your current broadband provider cannot offer service in your new location, additional consideration may come to play.
Landline
If your landline service is provided by a different company than your broadband, inform them about your new address details.
Mobile
Inform your mobile provider about change of address to ensure your bills and communication would be issued to the correct address.
TV provider
It is essential to contact your TV provider to update your address. They will guide you through the process of transferring your services or setting up new ones at your new location.
Pets
Veterinarian
Ensure your vet has your most up-to-date address details. You may wish to consider a transfer of your pet’s medical records to a different veterinarian near your new location.
Pet Microchip company
Get in touch with the company that provide the microchip and update your contact information with the new address and phone number.
Pet insurance
Notify your pet insurance provider about your move.
Services you employed
Cleaner
Tell your regular cleaner about your upcoming move and provide them with your new address details in advance. This will allow your cleaner to adjust their schedule if they serve your new area.
Gardener
Your gardener or landscaper deserves to know about your move. If they would know about your new address, they can plan transition or even recommend someone in your area.
Window cleaner
Make sure to inform your regular window cleaner about your new address. They can let you know if they cover your location and adjust the price for the service.
Other services to notify of your change of address
Insurance
Inform all insurance providers about your new address. The most common types of insurance policies that require you to update your address include:
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Home insurance
- Travel insurance
- Gadget insurance
- Car insurance
- Pet insurance
Your new location can have an impact on the cost and terms of certain insurance policies. If you relocate from an area with a low crime rate to one with a higher crime rate, your home or car insurance rates may be adjusted.
TV licence
When you move home you will need to change the address details on your TV licence. You can do this up to three months in advance.
Subscriptions and Memberships
Create a list of your subscriptions and memberships including magazines, subscription boxes, newsletters, gyms and health clubs. Visit their website or contact customer service to ensure your address is updated for each one.
Charities
If you are a supporter of any charities, it might be a good idea to share your new address with them to ensure they can keep you updated on their initiatives.
Accountant
If you have an accountant who handles your finances, it’s crucial to update them about your change of address.
Solicitor or Legal Representative
If you have an ongoing legal matter or relay on a solicitor for a legal advice, let them know your new address details. This ensures that they can continue to provide you with the necessary support without any disruptions.
Family and friends
Moving into a new home is great opportunity to share your joy with those you hold dear. Take the time to notify your family and friends.
People that have moved into your old home
Notify individuals who will move to your old property about your contact details. By doing this, they can inform you about mail or packages they may potentially receive.
Post redirection service
Consider a post redirection service with the Royal Mail to ensure any mail sent to your old address reaches your new one.
Conclusion
While the provided checklist is comprehensive, it’s important to acknowledge that individual circumstances are different. Take a time to create your own checklist of companies and institutions that require your updated address, and make those notifications promptly. Alternatively, download our change of address checklist or contact list for a seamless experience in your new home. Happy moving!
