Moving to a new house is both an exciting and daunting task. Amidst the chaos of packing boxes and organising the move, it’s crucial not to forget about informing various entities about your change of address. Here’s a comprehensive list to guide you through the process:
Financial Services
Institutions with access to sensitive information will typically use your address to help verify your identity. For this reason, it is important to let these people know of your new address. These include:
- Banks
- Pension provider
- Loan companies
- Insurance providers
Utilities
Update your information with your electricity provider, considering potential fees for ending or transferring your account. Inform your gas provider well in advance and take meter readings on moving day to avoid overcharges.
Use this opportunity to explore better deals in your new area also. Your water provider must also be made aware to avoid unnecessary charges. Your mobile and landline companies should also be informed, as well as your information on the TV Licensing site, to ensure your TV licence remains valid.
Finally, update your internet provider about your new address. Similar to aforementioned providers, use the opportunity to explore better deals.
Local Authorities
Visit your council’s website to notify them of your change of address, whether you’ve changed councils or are in the same area. Don’t forget to apply for council tax in your new area after the move also.
To make sure you can vote, re-register on the electoral roll through the government website, and update your address.
Lastly, if you receive money from the government then it’s important to let them know of your address change so that there is no error with payments.
Work-related
For payroll purposes, you employer should be made aware of your new address, as well as HMRC. This is to update information related to:
- Income tax
- National insurance
- State pension
- Tax credits
- Child benefits
Education:
Anyone living in your new residence currently in or have just finished study? Alert the educational institution of your change of address, to make sure any relevant post gets sent to the right address. You wouldn’t want GCSE, A-Level or degree certificates being posted to your old home!
Healthcare
You may need to change GP if you have moved far enough from your previous property. Get this arranged ASAP so you are not left in no man’s land when you next need an appointment. If still with the same GP, it is important to let them know of your address change regardless.
Vehicle
Inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of your address change through their website. This will ensure you have an up-to-date driver’s license.
Recreational
Cancel subscriptions to gyms, clubs, and societies if moving further away. Update or cancel postal subscriptions, including newspapers and magazines so that they arrive at your new home.
Additionally, you may have your address saved in various online shopping websites to make for smoother transactions. Update these to make sure you’re not left scratching your head because your Amazon parcel or food shop hasn’t arrived.
Postal Services Safety Net
It’s always possible you’ll miss a few places/people who need to know you’ve moved. Birthday cards from distant relatives, and important confidential letters may get lost in the mix and leave you not receiving everything that’s sent to you.
This makes it a good idea to set up a redirect option through the post office website. All mail will then reach your new address, and it will double as a reminder to you of any services/parties you haven’t notified of your move. This temporary solution can be set up 3 months in advance of the move.
Moving house involves more than just physical relocation; it’s a process that requires thorough organisation. By notifying the relevant entities promptly, you ensure a smooth transition into your new home. Don’t let the excitement of the move overshadow the importance of updating your information—take the time to keep everything for a stress-free relocation.