There’s a lot to remember when you’re moving home and keeping track of everyone that you need to update with your change of address can be tricky, we’ve put together a change of address checklist, to help you make sure you’ve covered everything that needs to be updated.
Household
Gas and electric
You will need to let your gas and electric provider know the exact date you will be moving out. Usually, this will both be on one account, so you will only need to update one provider, but always check your own bills to make sure this applies to your situation.
You will likely need to take final gas and electricity readings on the day you move out, so your provider can give you your final bill. Bear in mind that some providers may charge you a fee if you are leaving a contract early.
Water
Your water and wastewater provider will need to know the exact date that you move so they know when to stop billing you.
TV Licence
You can update your change of address for your TV Licence on the TV Licensing website. You can do this up to three months in advance of your move if you know the date you will be moving.
TV satellite/cable
If you currently pay for satellite or cable TV at your current household, you’ll need to let them know you will be moving. They should be able to transfer your account to your new address, but you may need to check whether you will need another satellite installed in order to keep receiving the service.
Broadband
You may be able to transfer your broadband account to your new home, but it could also be a good opportunity to shop around for a better deal. You may also need to look into the broadband speeds in your new area and see which companies will be able to provide you with internet.
Landline phone
If you have a landline phone, you will need to let your provider know you will be moving. This may be included in your broadband. You will usually not be able to transfer your landline phone number with you to your new address, but you will get a new phone number instead.
Mobile phone
Your mobile phone provider will also need to be updated with your change of address, so your bills can be sent to the right place. You should update your address with your mobile phone provider even if you only have e-billing, to ensure the details they have for you are always up to date.
If you have mobile phone insurance, you will also need to let them know about your change of address for it to remain valid. If your insurance is from the same provider as your mobile phone, you will usually only need to update them once.
Home and/or contents insurance
Whether you have full home insurance or just contents insurance, you will need to let them know about your change of address. You will usually be given a new policy, as the insurance will be tied to the current household. It may be a good opportunity to shop around for a better deal.
Council tax
You will need to let the council for your current home know that you will be moving, even if you are staying in the same district. You can find your relevant council on the Government website. You can then settle any final bills and set up your new council tax payments for your new home.
Garden waste bin or other waste removal
If you pay extra for a garden waste bin or other waste removal, you may need to inform them you will be moving. If you have the payment on a Direct Debit, you may need to cancel it before the next payment comes out.
Employment
Employer
Your place of work will need to know your new address. It’s important that your employer has the correct details for you on hand for any communication that might need to be sent. They will also need to ensure your address is correct for payroll.
HMRC
You will need to let HMRC know you will be moving. They take care of your income tax, national insurance, state pension, and any tax credits or child benefit you receive. You can update your address on the Government website, but you will need to wait until you’ve moved to give them your new address.
Vehicle
DVLA
Your driving licence is a form of ID, and your details need to be up to date to keep it valid. You will also need to update the address for your car registration, in your vehicle log book (V5C). If you don’t you could face a fine from the DVLA. Updating your address will also ensure any communication related to car tax reaches you at your new home.
You can change your address for your driving licence and log book for free on the DVLA website.
Car insurance
Your car insurance policy will be tied to your address, so it’s essential you let them know when you move, otherwise your insurance may not be valid. Some car insurance providers charge an admin fee to update your details, but you may be able to quickly update your address online or by phone.
Health
When you move home, you may also want to change your healthcare clinics to somewhere more local. Letting your current provider know you’re moving means they will be able to pass on your records to your new provider, once you’re registered. Even if you will be staying with the same clinic, you will need to let them know you’ve moved, to make sure any communications can be sent. Your healthcare providers could include:
- Doctors
- Dentist
- Opticians
Finances
Banks and credit/debit cards
Your place of address is a vital part of proving your identity and avoiding fraud. You should therefore let your bank know you have moved as soon as possible after moving. Your postcode is usually linked to your credit or debit card so you can prove your identity when online shopping, so it’s important to also let them know your new address.
Pension
Your state pension details should be updated when you let HMRC know of your change of address, but you may also need to let any private pension providers know your new details.
Loan
If you have a loan, you should let them know your new address, to make sure communications can still reach you.
Store cards
Any store cards you have will probably hold an address for you. Sometimes this is so they can send you a new card should you lose your current one, but sometimes it’s used for deliveries too. You should therefore ensure you let your store card companies know of your new address.
Government
Electoral roll
If you want to stay on the electoral register to vote in local and national elections, you will need to update your new address. You can do this online.
Children
If you have children attending school, they will need to know your new address to keep the contact details accurate. You can also use this as a chance to let the school know about the move in case your child finds it stressful and needs a little extra support.
You will also need to let any other places that your child attends know of your new address, such as day care, sports clubs, or extra-curricular activities.
- School
- Day care
- Clubs
Pets
Vet
If you have pets who are registered with a vet’s surgery, you will need to let them know your change of address. If you are moving to a new surgery, you can let them know so they can pass on your pet’s details, if needed.
Microchip
If your pet has a microchip, it’s important that you update the details as soon as possible after you’ve moved. This will mean that your pet can be returned to you if they get lost. This can be especially important for outside cats who may be exploring a new area and could be more likely to get lost.
New tag
It’s a legal requirement for dogs to have a tag on their collar or harness with the owner’s name and address, so they can be returned should they get lost. You should get a new tag engraved for them before you move, so you can swap it around for your first walk in your new area.
It’s not a legal requirement for cats to wear tags on their collar, but it can be a good idea if you think there’s a chance your cat might get lost.
Pet insurance
If you have pet insurance, you will need to update them with your new address. The cost of your policy may be affected, and you may need to pay an admin fee, depending on your provider.
Services and subscriptions
Any services or postal subscriptions that you currently receive at your current home will need to be cancelled or transferred to your new address. These services could include:
- Window cleaner
- Cleaner
- Gardener
- Magazine subscription
- Newspaper subscription
- Food delivery
Moving home?
Britannia Movers International provides efficient and reliable removals services to make your move stress-free. We can help with every step of the move, from providing professional packing materials to expertly packing your belongings, if required. Find your nearest removals office or get a Quick Removals Quote.
