Published: 11/04/2022
The sheer multitude of the "To Do" list before the big day adds significantly to the stress of moving. To ease the pressure, we have compiled a list of the relevant parties that need notifying of your change of address for you to refer to.Utilities
Gas, Electricity, Water - Before you leave, get a final meter reading of all your metered services. Call the relevant suppliers to inform them of the numbers so you can settle the final balance and close the account ready for moving. Remember to also take all the appropriate meter readings at your new property, and we suggest you take a photo with your phone. If you don't do this, you could end up in disputes with the new owners, and it's just added stress when you could be relaxing in your new home.
Household
Home insurance - It may be the last thing on your mind, but ensure your policy has started and everything is covered for your new home. It would not be terrific if you put boxes in the loft and your foot goes through the ceiling to find out your home insurance policy has not started and that you're not covered. Both contents and buildings insurance companies need to be informed of your moving out and into your new property.
TV Licence - Your existing licence will need inputting your new address so that you can flop and watch the BBC on your first night in your new home.
Cable and Satellite - they will also need to be informed.
Netflix and Amazon Prime Video will need your new address for billing purposes.
Magazine and newspaper subscriptions will require your new details to deliver.
Food and beverage subscriptions - If you receive food/beverage subscriptions like wine, coffee, or organic produce, for example, ensure each company has your new address before you move.
Personal
Employer - Let your employer know that you've changed the address to update your payroll details.
Accountants - If you have an accountant, they need to know that you've moved home.
Solicitor - If you have one (other than the firm handling your conveyancing), notify them of your new address.
Financial
Banks and building societies - This is extremely important as it ties in with many parts of your life. Notify them of your change of address as soon as possible, as failing to do so could lead to fraudulent activity and identity theft.
Loans and cards - If you have credit, debit, or store cards that aren't linked to your bank, these will need updating. The same applies to any loans you may have.
Finance or hire purchase companies - Whether you HP your car or your computer, your finance company must have your new address.
Insurance - Other forms of insurance that need to be informed:
- Business
- Car
- Critical illness
- Health
- Liability
- Life
- Pet
- Property
- Travel
Stocks - If you have stocks and shares other than with your bank, inform them and update your details.
Premium bonds - Forgetting to update could result in missed winnings!
Loyalty cards - Update these to receive your points balance and any associated offers you may be entitled to.
Communications
Mobile phone - You will still need to inform your provider of your change of address, especially if you have paper bills.
Landline - You can keep your existing landline number, but many opt for a new one.
Broadband - Usually, this will be the same company that provides your landline service, which means you can update all at the same time.
Governmental
Council tax - Your local authority needs to be informed, and the quickest way to do this is online.
HMRC - The taxman will want to know where you are, so keep them updated.
National insurance - It is imperative to keep your National Insurance details up-to-date, so don't forget this one!
DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) - If you're receiving funds from them, they need to be informed of your change of address.
Electoral Roll - If you don't want to lose your right to vote, you'll need to register again for your new address.
Motoring
DVLA - let the DVLA know that you are moving home to update their database and get a new driver's licence dispatched.
Logbook (V5C) - This is a big one, but it's also easily forgotten - your vehicle's logbook (V5C). Failing to make the relevant changes could land you a £1,000 fine, so make sure you get this one done ASAP.
Car insurance - Let your car insurer know that you are changing the address so your details will be up to date. Sadly, this may alter your premium, and you may have to pay an admin charge to update your address.
Breakdown cover - If you have cover on your vehicle, let them know.
Health
Doctors - If you have an NHS GP surgery, find out whether you will need to find another practice when you move home. This won't apply if you have a private doctor.
Dentist - Not imperative, but you should inform them of any change of address.
Opticians - Ditto Dentist.
Gyms and clubs - Update either online or by phone.
Education
Schools and universities - Any educational institutions attended by either your children or yourself must be informed of your move.
Online courses These may or may not require your address, but if they require recurring payment, it's best to get everything up to date to ensure your education is not interrupted.
Pets
Vets - Your vet needs to know about your change of address.
Microchips - If your pet is microchipped, the address needs updating.
Insurance -Contact your pet insurance provider to inform them about your address change.
Correspondence
Mail - While this is a relatively complete change of address checklist, everyone has individual requirements for who to tell when they move home. So as not to miss anything you may otherwise forget, it's always wise to have your mail redirected for a set period (either 3, 6, or 12 months at the time of writing).
If you are thinking of moving and are looking for a new home, call Circa London on 020 3137 7877, your independent central London estate agents.
