Easy-to-Follow Change of Address Checklist

Moving to a new home is an exciting milestone, but updating your address can quickly become overwhelming.

Our comprehensive change of address checklist is crafted to simplify this essential task and ensure you don’t miss notifying any important parties.

Beyond informing friends and family, numerous organisations need to be notified of your address change.

Utility companies, banks, and local councils, government agencies like HMRC and pension providers, and subscription services like Netflix all require your updated contact details.

Navigating these updates might seem straightforward, yet the multitude of entities involved can make the process confusing and time-consuming.

With our up-to-date guide for December 2024, you’ll stay organised and avoid common pitfalls during your relocation.

Whether you’re moving locally or across the country, White & Company is here to support you every step of the way.

We hope our checklist helps you to manage your move efficiently and with less worry.

Arrange to Have Your Post Re-directed

Make sure you don’t miss out on any important mail.

Arguably the most important task is to make sure you receive your post at your new home.

Start by informing the postal service to re-direct your mail.

Visit Royal Mail’s Change of Address service to set up mail forwarding.

It is easy to set up, and you can have your post forwarded for 3,6 or 12 months with prices starting from £39.50.

Redirection ensures you receive all your important correspondence during the transition.

Once your redirect ends, you will be notified.

Then, you can decide whether to continue for a few more months or simply stop the service.

Notify Utility Providers

You will need to inform utility providers of your move.

Contact your gas, electricity, and water suppliers to update your address, this can only be done shortly before you move.

Popular providers like British Gas and E.ON offer online services for address changes.

Don’t forget to update your internet and TV providers, such as Virgin Media and Sky, to maintain uninterrupted services.

If you’re continuing with the same water provider, be sure to inform them of your new address. Just like with gas and electricity, take a final meter reading before you move out.

To find out which water company serves your area and obtain their contact information, visit the Consumer Council for Water website.

You will also need to arrange for these services to be switched back on at your new property.

Once you’ve settled in, promptly record the initial water meter reading if one is present.

NOTE: Updating your information can take up to 48 hours, so ensuring these essential services remain uninterrupted—especially when moving with children is crucial.

Are you Getting the Best Deals?

It’s always worth shopping around to ensure you get the best deal.

Moving home is an ideal time to double-check that you are getting the best deals.

Ensuring you’re getting the best deals from your utility suppliers can save you significant money.

Start by comparing rates using reputable comparison websites like Uswitch, Compare the Market and MoneySuperMarket.

These platforms allow you to evaluate different providers side-by-side based on your usage and preferences.

Next, review your current usage to identify any patterns or areas where you can reduce consumption, which can lower your bills.

Don’t hesitate to negotiate with your existing suppliers, many companies offer discounts or special rates to retain customers.

Additionally, if you haven’t already, consider bundling services such as gas, electricity, and internet with a single provider to take advantage of package deals.

Regularly monitor your bills for any discrepancies and stay informed about market trends to switch suppliers when better deals become available.

By proactively managing and comparing your utility options, you can always benefit from the most cost-effective and suitable plans.

Healthcare Providers

You will need to register with a new GP if you are moving areas.

Moving requires careful attention to your healthcare arrangements.

If you remain within the same local area, simply inform your doctor and dental surgeries of your new address and phone number through their NHS services.

If relocating to a new area, use the NHS GP Search to find a new GP.

Complete the new patient registration form (GMS1) available on the government website.

Typically, the process is completed within seven working days, ensuring your medical care continues without interruption.

Prompt registration is crucial, especially if you have ongoing conditions like asthma or diabetes and require regular repeat prescriptions.

Manage Your Banking Information

Make sure you get in touch with the bank to inform them of your change of address.

Organising your finances is often one of the most time-consuming aspects of moving, and you cannot afford to make mistakes.

After living in the same place for years, you might be surprised by the number of financial institutions and organisations that need to be informed about your address change.

This step is crucial to ensure your financial information doesn’t end up at your old address, where unauthorised individuals could access it.

Key Financial Entities to Notify Include:

• Your Bank: You can update your address with your bank through their online banking portals (most of them have this facility) or by visiting a local branch.
• Building Society: Inform your building society, such as Nationwide or Yorkshire Building Society, about your new address.
• Credit Card Companies: Contact and inform your credit card providers to update your billing address.
• Loan Providers: Notify any loan companies, including personal, auto, or mortgage lenders.
• Stores and Loyalty Cards: Update your information with retailers and loyalty programs, such as Tesco Clubcard or Marks & Spencer Sparks.

Additional Considerations:

• Pension Providers: If you have a private pension, inform your provider in writing through their official website. If you receive a state pension, you can update your details via the Government Pension Service.
• Child Maintenance Service: If you’re divorced or separated and paying maintenance, notify the Child Maintenance Service within seven days of your move to ensure payments continue smoothly.

By meticulously updating your banking and financial information, you safeguard your financial well-being and maintain uninterrupted access to essential services.

This proactive approach helps prevent potential issues like missed bills or unauthorised access to your accounts.

Update Your Employment Information

Ensure you let your employer know about the move.

Keeping your employer informed about your address change is yet another vital part of the moving process.

Whether you work for a company or receive benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), notifying them ensures that your payroll and important communications reach you without interruption.

PAYE?

Contact your Human Resources (HR) department to update your details through the company’s internal system or directly with your HR representative.

This helps maintain accurate records and prevents any delays in your pay.

Additionally, a change of address might affect your employment contract, so informing HR can trigger the necessary updates and documentation.

Self-employed?

Please remember to update your address with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to ensure the accuracy of your tax records.

NOTE: It’s also a good idea to check if your employer offers any relocation benefits or leave entitlements related to your move.

Register for the Electoral Roll

Registering for the electoral roll at your new location enables you to vote in local and national elections and significantly safeguard your credit rating.

Without being on the electoral roll, lenders may view you as a higher risk, potentially affecting your ability to secure loans or credit.

Additionally, being registered helps reduce the risk of fraud, as it verifies your identity and residency.

The electoral roll is also used to monitor crime and select jurors, contributing to community safety and the justice system.

To register, simply visit the Gov.uk Electoral Registration website and follow the straightforward instructions provided.

Affirming that you are on the electoral roll empowers your civic participation and supports your financial and personal security.

Update Educational Arrangements

Inform your children’s school of a change of address in good time.

Changing schools can be a challenging experience for children, so it’s important to manage this transition as smoothly as you can.

If you’re relocating within the same catchment area, simply notify your child’s current school of the new address and updated contact information.

However, moving to a different area requires more comprehensive steps.

Steps to Changing Schools:

• Research New Schools: Start by identifying suitable schools in your new area. Visit websites like Ofsted to check school ratings and performance.
• Schedule Visits: Arrange visits to potential schools with your child. This will help them feel involved and comfortable in the new environment.
• Application Process: Once you’ve selected a preferred school, submit an application for a place. To secure a spot, applications often need to be made well in advance of the move date.
• Transfer Documentation: Gather necessary documents, such as previous report cards, attendance records, and information about special educational needs, to provide to the new school.
• Communicate with Current School: Inform your current school’s administration about the move to ensure timely transfer of records and to address any outstanding matters.

By carefully planning and acting promptly, you can minimise disruptions to your child’s education and help them settle into their new school environment a little more easily.

Leisure and Recreation

Leaving your old neighbourhood means saying farewell to your favourite clubs and societies; it is time to update those memberships!

Whether you’re a gym regular, a bookworm at a local library, or part of a crafty knitting group, remember to cancel or transfer your subscriptions.

Don’t let direct debits charge for unused services; reclaiming those funds later can be a hassle.

Plus, if you receive magazines or newsletters, give the providers a heads-up about your move.

Another reason to set up Royal Mail’s Redirection Service, your mail can follow you to your new home, ensuring you don’t miss a beat.

Taking care of your leisure subscriptions now keeps your hobbies hassle-free and your mailbox clutter-free.

Keep the fun rolling into your new place without missing out on anything you love

Update Your Insurance Providers

Insurance providers need to be informed of your move.

Don’t let moving disrupt your coverage!

Notifying your insurance companies when you change your address is essential to keep everything protected.

Whether you have Home Insurance, Car Insurance, or Pet Insurance, your new postcode can impact your premiums.

Based on local risk factors, premiums can sometimes be lowered and other times increased.

Make sure your insurers have your updated details to receive timely updates and statements.

It’s easy to overlook, especially with automatic payments, so create a checklist of your policies, including Health, Life, Travel, and Disability Insurance.

Some providers may require a written notice, while others just need a quick phone call.

Keeping your insurance info current ensures your new adventure starts with full protection and peace of mind!

Ready to Start Organising Your Move?

We hope our change of address checklist has made your moving plans just a little easier.

Moving house involves juggling many tasks, but with the right support, it can be an exciting adventure.

Ready to make your dream move a reality?

For all your removal needs, White & Company is here to help you every step of the way.

Contact White & Company today, and let us handle the heavy lifting while you focus on settling into your new home.

Let us handle the pick-up and delivery of your possessions to your new home so you have more time to concentrate on other aspects of your move.

Start planning your move with ease by taking advantage of our free video survey service.

Our expert surveyors can gather all the details remotely, or you can visit your home for a personalised assessment if you prefer.

Once we understand the volume of your belongings, we’ll provide a complimentary written quote and a detailed schedule to ensure your move is seamless and stress-free.

For your added security, White & Company is a member of the British Association of Removers (BAR). Members are audited and must adhere to strict rules and regulations in order to keep their membership.

Let’s get your move started!

Max Peterson

Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.