Moving to a new house can be both an exciting and daunting experience. You might have a number of different worries regarding the numerous things that need sorting out and it can be easy to forget certain adjustments you may need to make. One key thing to do is to remember to inform people and important organisations that you have moved house, so that they can update their records with regards to your new address.
To help put you at ease, we’ve put together a checklist of places you may need to contact to change your registered address.
The local authorities
Depending on where you are moving to, you’ll need to inform your local authorities of your new residence. This will involve updating the authorities in charge of water, sewerage and your local council. You’ll need to inform both your previous and new authorities that you are moving which can be time consuming, however, it’s a necessary process and it’s best to get it out the way as soon as possible.
Employer, friends & family
This might be second nature to some, however, people can often to forget to provide family members, friends and work colleagues with their new address once they have moved to a new house. It’s important update people you are close to of where you live in case of an emergency where you are unable to communicate through other methods. A good idea is to make a list of everyone you think is likely to need to know and update them on when and where you will be moving to.
Banks
You’ll need to update your address with any banks that you have an active account with. Your address is a fundamental piece of verifiable information, so it’s important that this information is accurate as your bank will likely always ask you this for verification. For most banks, you will be able to update your address via post or online, however, some may require you to go in branch.
Education
If you are still in education, you will likely need to update your address with the institution you are enrolled at. If you are at university, you may need to update your term time address in case they need to get in contact with you or send something through mail.
TV licence & subscriptions
You need to make sure you inform the TV license company of your new address. You can do this by signing into the TV licensing website and updating your account details. Certain subscriptions will also require you to change your address, for example, your broadband provider will need your new address in order for your Sky or BT TV box to work. However, some digital services such as Netflix don’t require you to change your address, but it is worth checking with any other TV-based subscriptions you have to see if you are required to inform them or not.
NHS address
If you are currently receiving treatment directly through a hospital, you will need to update the NHS on where you will be moving to so you can continue receiving treatment at a more local hospital.
You’ll need to update your GP however, as you may need to switch GP’s if you are no longer in the catchment area. You may also need to update your dentist, so it’s worth giving them a call.
Electoral roll & HMRC
Being accurately registered to the Electoral Roll allows us to vote. You’ll need to update your address with them in order to continue voting when you move to a new home. Depending on where you move to, your local voting station may change, and you may be part of a new constituency.
You may also need to update your address with HMRC, as this won’t necessarily be automatically updated when you inform your employer. You can usually update HMRC online by logging in to the Government’s portal.
Post office (redirect mail)
It can be worth setting up a Royal Mail Redirection for any mail or letters you will be receiving. This will ensure you don’t miss out on any important mail that may have been sent to your previous address.
Utilities
This should be one of your priorities, as you are going to want working utilities as soon as you move into your new home. Electricity, water, gas and broadband are all essentials, and you’ll need to update your address with your suppliers.
You don’t necessarily have to stay with the same energy suppliers, and it can be a good opportunity to scout the market for better deals. Energy and broadband providers often offer better deals to people moving into a new house, so it can work out better to cancel your old plans and start with new suppliers.
Vehicles
If you’re a car owner, you’ll need to update your address with the DVLA, regardless of where you are moving to. If you fail to update your address with the DVLA, you can be fined up to £1,000 – so it’s important you do it! The address connected to your: driving license, car insurance, logbook (V5C), direct debit car tax and any customised plates will all need updating and this applies to any vehicle you own.
Loyalty cards
If you want to continue receiving gifts and offers from any loyalty cards you have, you’ll need to update your address with each individual company.
