Moving House Address Change Checklist for the UK

Relocations are a major life change. You’re starting a new chapter. Before settling in and getting back to your daily routine, we recommend going through a moving house address change checklist.

First, get your mail diverted for a year by going to the post office.

A diverting post gives you some breathing room after moving house to focus on your new space.

Why Changing Your Address Is More Important Than You May Think

You have a lot of utilities and services tied to your old location. A month may go by without an issue, but it’s best to start reviewing all of your accounts as soon as possible.

Changing address when moving house is important because it’s how you’re contacted for your:

• Licence
• Utilities
• HMRC correspondence

Review each of your bills and make the necessary changes one at a time. A diverting post helps you catch some of the changes that you may otherwise overlook.

Who Should You Inform About Your Address Change in the UK?

It sounds simple. Go to your account, edit your profile, and add your most recent information. Nonetheless, you should tell a number of groups about your address change:

HMRC

His Majesty's Revenue and Customs requires notification for:

• Child Benefits
• National Insurance
• State Pensions
• Tax Credits
• Income Tax

Anyone receiving the above must contact HMRC. Recent changes have made this process straightforward.

Start your HMRC change online.

Royal Mail

To ensure that you don't miss any crucial correspondence, redirect your mail to your future address.You can start the process on the official website. There are three-, six-, and twelve-month options.

Utility Providers

Switching your utilities is a top priority if you’re not cancelling them. A few companies to contact are:

• Energy provider
• Gas company
• Cable company
• Broadband provider
• Subscription services

Banks

Financial institutions and banks hold your money. Contact them about your new address.

Employer

Monthly wages and pensions must have an address on file to be sent to you. Always update your information with your employer to avoid missing any important mail.

Insurance Companies

Insurers protect you from unnecessary risks. Update your information with them. A few entities you may need to reach out to are those offering life, home, health, car, travel, pet, national and contents insurance.

Electoral Roll

Gov.UK offers an online portal to update your registration.

Local Authority

Authorities want you to pay your Council Tax. You may need to register to pay in your new location.

Read our guide on how to cancel Council Tax.

Schools

Children’s teachers and schools are next. Update your information with schools and universities.

TV Licence

Television licence information is easy to update on the official website.

Start your address change early, working through the list above. Don’t forget to alert friends and family to your new location, just in case they want to send you something in the post.

When to Report a Change of Address to Services

Early. Some of the authorities and providers on the list above can schedule your new updates as early as three months in advance.

Forwarding your post is a good first step.

Begin the notification process in order of importance. At the top of the list are banks and other financial organisations, schools, employers, and utility companies.

The Complete Address Change Checklist for Moving House

It’s overwhelming. You have a lot to do and a lot of businesses to get in touch with.. Providers that you pay every month that have been the same for years.

Work through our moving house change of address checklist to keep on track:

Banks and Financial Companies

• Banks
• Investment companies
• Retirement accounts
• Loan companies

Educational Institutes

• Schools
• Teachers
• Universities

Insurance Companies

• Car
• Contents
• Health
• Home
• Life
• Pet
• Travel

Government Agencies

• Council tax
• TV License
• HMRC
• Electoral roll
• Royal Mail

Utility Providers

• Broadband
• Cell
• Electric
• Gas

Miscellaneous

• Employer
• Friends and family
• Subscriptions (Netflix, music streaming, delivery services)

Add to this list and check off each item that pertains to you.

Common Mistakes in a Change of Address Checklist and How to Avoid Them

A checklist helps you stay on top of your address change. But it’s easy to overlook steps or make mistakes along the way.

Here are some of the most common errors and how to avoid them.

Failure to Keep Track of Who You Notified

It’s easy to forget an organisation or send notifications more than once if you don’t keep track of the people you’ve contacted.

Be sure to create a checklist of parties to notify and tick them off as you go.

Reliance on Mail Redirection Services

Services can simplify changing address when moving house. But don’t just rely on agencies that will forward your post. Some types of mail (including important notices) may not be forwarded.

It’s best to contact senders directly to avoid this issue.

Failure to Notify All Relevant Parties

There are consequences if you don’t inform all organisations and providers of your move. You may lose some services or miss bills.

Use the list you created earlier to ensure you don’t miss anyone who should be notified of your relocation.

Last-Minute Changes

Issues can arise if you don’t give yourself enough time to submit address changes. Don’t wait until the day of your move (or after) to notify parties.

Give yourself two to four weeks' notice to update your address. Redirection services (if used) can take a few days to activate.

Failure to Transfer or Cancel Local Services

Services and club memberships are often overlooked when people move. You may incur unexpected extra costs if you forget to transfer or cancel them, as they will be left running.

Make a list of all local subscriptions and services. Take action on each one to avoid these issues.

Plan Ahead — Compare Local Removal Companies Before You Move

Let's include one more crucial item on this checklist for changing addresses: compare and book a home removal service.

You’ve got enough on your plate already. Let the pros do the heavy lifting.

VanUmove makes it easy to compare and book local removal companies to make your big day as stress-free as possible.

Enter your move details and connect with vetted drivers ready to help with your relocation. View ratings and book your move in just a few clicks (even long-distance removals).

Fill out the form on our website or give us a call to get your move quotes today.

FAQs About Moving Home Address Change

What do I need to update when I change address UK?

Be sure to update your physical location when moving home, as well as name and phone number changes (if applicable).

Who needs to be notified of change of address in the UK?

Several organisations must be informed of your changing address, including:

• The local authority (you’ll need to register for Council Tax)
• Your employer
• Royal Mail
• The Department of Work and Pensions
• Schools (if you have children)
• The Electoral Commission
• Utility providers
• The DVLA
• Insurance providers

Any party that holds your contact information should be notified of your move.

Can I update my address with multiple companies at once?

Yes. Services such as iammoving.com allow you to notify multiple organisations when moving home.

What happens if I forget to change my address with someone?

Failure to notify relevant parties of the move can lead to missed bills, service interruptions, or even potential legal issues. Double-check to ensure you’ve informed all necessary contacts of your changing address before your move to avoid these problems.