Who to Notify When Moving House in the UK – The Complete Change of Address Checklist

Who to Notify When Moving House in the UK – The Complete Change of Address Checklist

When you’re moving house, packing boxes and organising removals often take centre stage. But the less glamorous part, changing your address with the right organisations, is just as important. Forgetting to update your details could mean missed bills, delayed letters, or even fines.

This guide gives you a complete checklist of who to notify when moving house in the UK. We’ve broken it down into before, during, and after your move, plus FAQs to make the admin side of moving stress-free.

4 Weeks Before Your Move: Get Ahead of Admin

Start tackling paperwork early. Four weeks out is the perfect time to notify the organisations that take longer to process updates.

Financial & Legal

  • Banks and building societies – update your address for accounts, credit cards, loans, and savings.
  • HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) – keep your tax records accurate.
  • Employer / payroll – ensure payslips, pensions, and correspondence reach you.
  • Insurance providers – car, home, life, travel, and pet insurance all need the correct address.

Local Government

  • Council tax – tell both your old and new local authority.
  • Electoral Roll – re-register to vote at your new home.

1–2 Weeks Before Moving: Confirm Key Services

As moving day approaches, focus on services linked to your household and everyday life.

Utilities & Communication

  • Gas, electricity, and water suppliers – give final meter readings and set up accounts for the new property.
  • Broadband, landline, and TV services – book installation or transfers early to avoid downtime.
  • TV Licence – update your licence with your new address.

Health & Education

  • GP, dentist, optician – register with new practices if you’re moving area.
  • Schools, nurseries, universities – update records for your children or yourself.

On Moving Day: Don’t Forget the Essentials

Moving day is hectic, but there are a few final notifications to tick off.

  • Royal Mail Redirection – set up at least a few days before you move. This ensures any stray post still reaches you.
  • Final meter readings – record readings at your old property with photos and keep them on file.
  • Delivery subscriptions – Amazon, grocery services, magazines — switch your address before your next order.

After You’ve Moved: Settle In Smoothly

Once you’re in your new home, there are still people and organisations to inform.

  • DVLA – update your driving licence and vehicle logbook (V5C). Fines apply if you don’t.
  • Health services – confirm your new details with GP, dentist, optician, or specialists.
  • Clubs, gyms, and memberships – ensure billing and contact details are up to date.
  • Subscriptions and loyalty cards – prevent missed deliveries and lost points.
  • Solicitors or accountants – if you use professional services, let them know too.

Extra Notifications (If Applicable)

Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to notify:

  • Landlord or letting agent – for tenancy agreements or deposits.
  • Benefit providers or pension schemes – to keep payments uninterrupted.
  • Pet microchip registry & vet practice – keep pets legally registered and safe.
  • Professional bodies or trade unions – so they can maintain correct records.

Tips for Staying Organised

  • Make a master checklist of every organisation tied to your current address (look through old bills, emails, and bank statements).
  • Work in stages – start with financial and legal essentials, then household services, then memberships.
  • Keep proof – screenshots, confirmation emails, and posted letters give you peace of mind.
  • Redirect your post – even with notifications, some organisations take longer to update records.

FAQs

How early should I start changing my address?

Begin around 4 weeks before your move. Some services (like broadband or insurance) need longer lead times.

Is Royal Mail redirection enough?

It’s a safety net, not a substitute. Always notify organisations directly to keep records accurate.

Do I have to update the DVLA straight away?

Yes. The DVLA requires you to update your driving licence and V5C logbook promptly after moving.

What happens if I forget to change my address?

You risk missed bills, lost services, or fines (especially with government bodies like DVLA or HMRC).

Which organisations are most urgent?

Banks, HMRC, council tax, insurance providers, DVLA, and healthcare should be your top priorities.

Key Takeaways

  • Start notifying organisations 4 weeks in advance.
  • Prioritise financial, government, and health services first.
  • Use Royal Mail redirection to catch anything you missed.
  • Keep a record of notifications for proof.
James Cartwright

James Cartwright

I’m James Cartwright, a UK property investor with over 15 years of experience. I started by buying a flat in South London and have since built a strong rental portfolio while renovating homes and learning from my mistakes. Now I write at YourPropertyBlog.co.uk to share honest and practical advice to help you navigate the UK property market with confidence.

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