Find out what you need to do and who you need to tell when you’re moving house with our free downloadable home-moving checklist.
Even if you use the Post Office’s mail-redirection service, it’s a good idea to inform important companies, such as banks and utility companies, directly.
Make a list of all the companies and organisations you need to inform, including their contact details and when to do it by.
If you’ve lived in your property for many years, you’ll have a lot of work to do updating people and companies with your new contact details.
You can make this process easier by using the Post Office’s change-of-address service, which takes up to 10 days to come into effect and redirects all mail to your new address. You should keep this service for six to 12 months after moving into your new home to avoid post going astray.
If you are changing your phone number, you can also arrange for your telephone company to automatically inform callers of your new number for a few weeks following the switchover date.
The earlier you start packing, the better. Begin packing non-essentials a couple of weeks before moving day.
It’s worth planning where all your furniture will go a few weeks in advance of your move and disposing of any items you don’t want to take with you.
You may need to order packing cases, and possibly new curtains and carpets for your new property, too.
Here, we explain which organisations you’ll need to contact, and the key considerations to take into account.
Update your address with the DVLA for both your licence and the vehicle registration – but not before you move, as you may need your licence for identification and van hire. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to contact the HMRC, or the Department for Work and Pensions.
You’ll need to ask your local authority for a final statement of your council tax – and may even get a refund. And don’t forget to update your details on the electoral roll.
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Banks, lenders and credit card companies will need to know your new details. This is especially important with current account and credit card providers, as these may use your current address as a security check or to verify your identity.
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You should notify your contents insurance provider of when and where you will be moving. Check with them what is and is not insured during the move, as you may need to get additional insurance from them or the removals company.
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Let your utilities providers know the exact date you’ll be moving. You should take meter readings as well as photographs of them (ideally date-stamped ones), and also do the same on the day you move in to your new home.
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Any company that provides a service you pay a regular bill for – such as a mobile phone provider, telecoms provider, magazine subscription etc – will also need to know about your change of address.
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You’ll have to let any medical organisations you deal with know you’re moving as well. Make registering at your local GP a priority, as there may be a delay in getting treatment.
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Your employer, and your child’s school, will need your most current address details – especially if you’re listed as an emergency contact.
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Make sure your subscriptions are up-to-date – and share your address with any other organisations that might contact you via mail.
If you have any micro-chipped pets, be sure to update the details on their microchips.
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