Moving House Checklist: Who to notify when moving house?

Moving house is one of life’s most stressful experiences. Many people feel overwhelmed about which organisations they need to notify. Our team has helped 2.8 million movers, and we’ve seen how this significant step gets lost in the chaos of packing.

Missing DVLA address updates can lead to big fines, and forgotten mail redirections mean important letters slip through the cracks. Mail redirection buys you extra time and costs about £36 for 3 months in the UK, but it’s just a temporary fix. You should set up your redirection at least a week before you move.

Proper timing makes all the difference for notifications. Your utility providers need 2-4 weeks’ notice, and your employer should know at least 2 weeks ahead. Energy provider updates typically take up to 48 hours to process. Our detailed checklist shows you exactly how to update your details with everyone, from government offices to subscription services.

Government and Local Authorities

You need to tell government authorities about your new address right after moving house. These organisations handle everything in your daily life from taxation to vehicle registration, so not telling them could lead to missed mail, legal problems, or money penalties.

Council Tax and Electoral Roll updates

Your local council should be the first government body you contact after moving. You must sign up for Council Tax at your new address as soon as you move in. This step will give a proper registration for this mandatory payment that applies to all adults who aren’t exempt because they’re in full-time education or covered by another relief.

Getting your Council Tax details updated is simple – just contact your new local council. They’ll register you and send your Council Tax bill with payment instructions. Most councils now let you do this online. To name just one example, see Newcastle City Council, which has different forms based on whether you’re moving into the area, moving within it, or moving out.

You’ll also need to register on the Electoral Roll at your new address. This is separate from Council Tax, and you must register again each time you move. The Electoral Roll (or Electoral Register) is a vital part of two things:

1. It confirms you can vote in national elections, local elections, and referendums
2. It helps prove who you are for credit checks, especially when you have to apply for mortgages or other financial services

The government website (www.gov.uk/register-to-vote) is where you can complete your Electoral Roll application. You’ll need your National Insurance number, but you can still register without one. Note that you should include your old address on the form so they can remove you from the electoral register at your previous address.

DVLA and vehicle registration changes

The Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) must know about your address change if you own a vehicle or have a driving licence. You could face a fine of up to £1,000 if you don’t update these details.

The DVLA needs to know about your new address as soon as possible after moving. You can update online by providing your:

• Driving licence number
• National Insurance number
• UK passport number

Your new driving licence should arrive within two weeks of your online application. You can drive while you wait for your new documents.

Your vehicle log book (V5C) needs updating with your new address too. This update costs nothing and can be done online using:

• Your vehicle’s registration number
• Your logbook reference number
• Your new UK address

The DVLA will email to confirm your update and send a new V5C log book with your updated address in about five working days. Postal applications take longer – around six weeks.

Your vehicle tax needs renewing online with your current V5C before changing your address if it’s due in the next four weeks. On top of that, you must update your Direct Debit for vehicle tax and any personalised number plate documents.

HMRC and DWP notifications

Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) needs your new address to send important tax information and help you avoid penalties. Wait until after your move before telling HMRC about the change.

HMRC lets you update your address for several services, including:

• Income Tax
• National Insurance
• State Pension
• Tax credits
• Child Benefit

Your personal tax account on the HMRC website offers the quickest way to update your address. You’ll need to sign in or create an account if you don’t have one. After signing in, you might need to prove who you are with a photo ID like a passport or driving licence.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) needs to know when you move to a new UK address if you get benefits like the State Pension or over 80 pension. You should tell them only after moving, not before. You also need to report if you:

• Start or stop receiving a DWP benefit
• Change your bank details
• Marry or form a civil partnership
• Get divorced or your civil partnership ends

People who claim Pension Credit have more chances to report. Those living abroad should contact the International Pension Centre.

Keeping your details current with government agencies might feel like a chore, but it keeps you legally compliant and ensures you get important communications and benefits without delays. Making these updates quickly after moving will help you avoid problems later.

Utility and Service Providers

Setting up utilities and services is one of the most important tasks you’ll face when moving to a new home. Your gas, electricity, broadband and TV services need to be ready when you arrive to make the difference between a smooth move and days of hassle.

Gas, electricity and water providers

You need to tell your energy suppliers about your move right away. Energy companies ask for at least 48 hours’ notice when you move house, but telling them earlier is better. British Gas says that you’ll need an account with your new property’s current supplier from your move-in date until you switch providers.

Taking metre readings on moving day is crucial. You should record the final readings at your old property and the first readings at your new home quickly. These readings will give a correct final bill and protect you from paying for the previous resident’s usage.

You can find out who supplies energy to your new property in several ways:

• For gas: Contact the Metre Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524 or use the Find My Supplier online service
• For electricity: Call your area’s electricity distribution number (varies by region)

United Utilities suggests you contact them on your move-in date or within a few days after. Have this information ready when you call:

• Your move date
• Metre readings from both properties if either has a water metre
• Your new address or forwarding details

The stop tap location in your new home is also important. It controls water flow, and you’ll usually find it under the kitchen sink, in the cellar, or garage. This knowledge is vital during emergencies.

Broadband, phone and TV services

Your internet, phone, and TV services need careful planning to transfer. You should tell providers 2-4 weeks before moving. This gives them time to check service availability and schedule installations at your new address.

Major broadband providers have specific requirements:

Renters should get landlord permission for installations, especially when it comes to satellite dishes or new connection points.

You have two main options for your broadband service when moving:

1. Transfer your current service: This works best if you like your provider and they serve your new area. Many providers offer a ‘home move’ service.
2. Switch providers: Choose this if you’re unhappy with your service or can’t get it at your new place. Ofcom’s ‘One Touch Switch’ process starts in September 2024, letting you contact only your new provider, who will handle everything, including telling your current supplier.

A prepayment metre at your new property means you should contact the energy company right away. Tell them even if you’ve already topped up the metre – they can refund extra charges with proof of your move-in date.

TV licence and Royal Mail redirection

You must update your TV licence address when you move. TV Licencing lets you do this up to three months before moving. Update online using your:

• TV Licence number
• Last name
• Postcode on the licence

Moving in with someone who has a licence might cover you if they’re your spouse, partner, family member, or joint tenant. But tenants and lodgers usually need their own licence.

Royal Mail’s redirection service is a great way to get your mail during the move. This forwards mail from your old to new address, keeping important letters safe.

Setting up redirection requires:

• Two forms of ID showing your old address
• Separate proof for each person with a different surname
• Appropriate payment

You’ll need a special application form to redirect mail for someone who has died or if you have Power of Attorney.

Royal Mail offers extra protection through their sensitive redirection service if you’re moving due to domestic abuse. Skip the online or Post Office application – call 03457 777 888 and ask for a Sensitive Redirection.

These steps for utility and service providers will give a smooth transition to your new home. You’ll avoid service disruptions and keep getting important communications.

Financial and Insurance Institutions

Your financial institutions need your current address when you move. Not telling your banks and insurance companies could mean missing important mail. This might also void your policies or hurt your credit score.

Banks, building societies and credit cards

Banks need to know about your address change right away to keep your accounts secure. You can update your address in several ways:

Online banking: Most customers find online portals or mobile apps the quickest way to update details. NatWest lets you change your details through the ‘Your Details’ menu. Santander customers can log into Online Banking and go to ‘My details & settings’ tab.

Branch visits: You might prefer updating your details in person at a local branch. Nationwide and other banks will ask for photo ID like a passport or driving licence.

Telephone banking: Banks let you change your address over the phone after security checks. Halifax customers can call the number on their card to make changes.

Your credit card’s billing address helps prevent fraud through the Address Verification System (AVS). This system checks if your transaction address matches what’s on file. Your payments might not go through if these addresses don’t match.

West Bromwich Building Society will update all your records after you tell them about your move. They’ll send you confirmation too. Coventry Building Society requires each person on joint accounts to fill out their own form.

Here’s what you need to think about when updating your banking details:

• Debit and credit cards linked to your accounts
• Standing orders and direct debits
• Online payment services like PayPal or Google Pay
• Store cards and loyalty programmes

Loan and mortgage providers

You must tell the loan and mortgage providers about your new address separately. The Co-operative Bank says this helps them keep accurate mortgage records.

Paragon Bank’s mortgage customers can change their address by calling their mortgage line. Companies changing their registered office need to provide a Certificate of Change from Companies House.

Some mortgage changes need more paperwork than just an address update. This includes adding or removing someone, changing the term, or switching how you repay. Paragon Bank might ask for extra documents.

Rosinca Mortgages doesn’t charge for updating personal details, but needs:

• A copy of your new signature
• A copy of your old signature
• Written confirmation about why you’re moving

You should also update your address with credit reference agencies. This helps avoid problems with future credit applications since many banks report to these agencies.

Let your broker and lender know right away if you’re moving during a mortgage application. 

Moving won’t usually cause problems, but you’ll need proof of your new address. Your credit score might dip temporarily.

Home, car, life and pet insurance updates

Your location affects insurance premiums and coverage. Not updating your address could void your claims or lead to extra charges.

Home insurance: Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance (Nationwide Home Insurance provider) offers online address updates. Halifax does too. Most contents insurance covers your belongings during professional moves, including up to seven days in storage.

Car insurance: Where you live plays a big role in your car insurance costs. Your rates might change based on local theft rates, accidents, and parking. Car insurance forums warn that wrong address details could void your policy. Your premium could go up or down depending on your new area’s risk level.

Life insurance: Zurich and other providers let you update your address online. They’ll need proof like:

• Official ID documents (passport, driving licence)
• Utility bills
• Bank statements
• Council tax bills

Pet insurance: Your postcode affects Spot Pet Insurance premiums. Moving to a new state means calling customer service since policies vary by region. Confused.com says you can change your pet insurance anytime by contacting your insurer.

Some Halifax pet insurance customers saw big premium increases after moving. One customer’s premium went up by £150 after moving just 10 miles from a housing estate to a village. You might want to complain if your increase seems too high.

Quick updates to your banks and insurers will keep your coverage going smoothly. This protects your financial security during your move since these organisations handle important parts of your finances.

Healthcare and Education

Moving to a new area means you’ll need to notify your healthcare providers and educational institutions about your address change quickly. This helps maintain your vital services and keeps all your important communications flowing smoothly.

GP, dentist, optician and vet notifications

Your new GP practise should be one of your first priorities after moving. Registration with a GP surgery in England comes free and easy. Keep in mind that you don’t need proof of address, immigration status, ID, or an NHS number to register. Most practises want you to register with a surgery near your home, though some will take patients from outside their area.

Your GP surgery must explain in writing within 14 days if they refuse your registration. They might refuse because:

• The surgery isn’t accepting new patients
• You live outside their area
• You were previously removed from that surgery

You can register as a temporary resident with a GP for up to 3 months if you’re moving temporarily. This lets you keep your home GP while getting care elsewhere. Just ask for a temporary services form (GMS3) from the surgery.

Let your current dentist know about your move, especially when you have plans to switch to a different area. They can send your records to your new practise if you ask.

Specsavers and other optical providers need your latest contact details to send you appointment reminders and prescription notifications. Most opticians let you update your address online through your account portal.

Pet owners have extra responsibilities. The law requires all dogs to be microchipped since 2016, and outdated contact details could lead to fines. Here’s what to do when moving:

1. Find your pet’s microchip number (10-15 digits)
2. Check which database has the microchip information
3. Update your address online or by phone

Some microchip companies charge for each update, while others like Petlog offer premium services (£19.95) that let you make unlimited changes throughout your pet’s life. Your pet might get confused in new surroundings and wander off, so updating these details matters even if you’ve moved nearby.

School and university address updates

Parents need to tell their children’s schools about address changes to maintain current emergency contact information. Schools also need accurate records to verify council tax exemptions and allocate school places.

Many local authorities set specific deadlines for address changes during school applications. Hampshire County Council needs address change evidence by January 3 for Year 7 applicants or February 7 for Year R and Year 3 applicants.

University students should update both their permanent residence and term-time address. Most universities provide online systems to make this easy. Students at the University of Bristol can update their details through Student Info by:

1. Logging into their student portal
2. Selecting the appropriate address type
3. Clicking the update button and entering new details
4. Saving the changes

International students should list their home country address as their home address, with their UK accommodation as their term-time address.

Universities use these addresses to:

• Send official correspondence
• Verify council tax exemption
• Deliver exam results
• Maintain student records

Missing important course information, exam details, and administrative matters can happen if you don’t update your educational institutions. International students might face visa compliance issues with incorrect address information.

These notifications might seem small details while you’re busy moving, but they’ll give you continuous access to vital services and help avoid serious administrative problems later.

Friends, Family and Subscriptions

Your address change needs more than just official updates. After you’ve told government bodies and service providers, you’ll need to focus on the personal side of things.

Notifying friends and family

Your family should be the first to know about your move. Tell your parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins your new contact details right away. Next up are your close friends and family friends – it doesn’t matter how often you talk to them.

A moving announcement is the quickest way to share your new address. These usually include:

• Your old address (to reference)
• Your new address
• Moving date
• Contact information
• Any mail forwarding plans you’ve made

Moving announcements do more than just spread the news. They give you a chance to catch up with people you’ve lost touch with and keep a record of your move. You can also get updated contact details from everyone – this helps when you send out birthday, anniversary, or holiday cards.

Parents should let their kids’ friends’ families know about the move. If you don’t have email addresses, send printed note cards to school just like party invites.

Updating magazine, gym and streaming subscriptions

Don’t miss your magazines – update your address early. Most publishers want to know about changes at least eight weeks before you move. Let’s say you’re moving in September. You should update your address by early July to get your September issue at your new place.

Most publications let you change your address online. Keep your magazine label nearby when you update. Here’s what you’ll do:

1. Log into your account
2. Go to account settings or subscription management
3. Put in your new address
4. Save everything

Your gym membership depends on where you’re moving. Staying local? Just update your contact info. Moving far? You’ll need to cancel and join a new gym near your new home.

Chain gyms like PureGym let members switch locations through their account’s “Manage Your Membership” section or app. Monthly members can change up to four times per payment cycle. Fixed-term members can’t switch their home gym.

Streaming services need your new billing info too. NOW TV customers can update payment methods and billing addresses in their account. If you subscribe through Apple, Amazon, or Vodafone, you’ll need to change your payment info there instead.

Store cards and loyalty programmes

Keep getting your perks and updates by updating store cards and loyalty programmes. Most retailers have online account settings for this.

Supermarket and store loyalty cards need your new address to send vouchers and offers to the right place. Store cards used for online shopping need current details to avoid delivery mix-ups.

Don’t forget about membership clubs and societies. Professional organisations, hobby groups, and special interest clubs need your new details to keep you in the loop.

Travel rewards and other tiered loyalty programmes need current addresses to keep your benefits going. Cunard World Club members can email or call to update their details and keep getting their loyalty perks and Cunarder magazine.

A detailed list of personal contacts and subscriptions will help you tackle these updates. Quick action after moving helps you stay connected with important people and services in your life.

Comparison Table

The Importance of Timely Notifications

Moving house is one of life’s most challenging tasks. A systematic approach to your notifications makes everything much easier to handle. This piece details everything you need to know about who to tell when you relocate—from government authorities and utility companies to financial institutions and personal connections.

The right timing makes all the difference when you update your address. Some organisations just need immediate updates (like DVLA and Council Tax), while others work better with planning (such as utility transfers and subscription changes). Our comparison table gives you a quick way to check all deadlines and requirements.

Not updating certain organisations can lead to more trouble than just missed mail. You might face fines, invalid insurance, or damage to your credit score. Mail redirection helps temporarily, but doesn’t replace proper notifications.

Our team’s experience with 2.8 million movers shows that a personalised checklist based on our complete guide cuts down moving stress substantially. You can tackle these notifications step by step. Start with government authorities first, then work through other categories to turn a big task into smaller, manageable pieces.

Your move can go smoothly with good planning and this detailed notification checklist. You’ll spend less time worrying about missed communications or penalties and more time settling into your new home.