Moving checklist

So you’ve found your perfect home – moving day is all that’s left, right? Regardless of whether it’s your first property or your fifth, it’s simple to become side tracked by the myriad of duties associated with moving.

It’s important to inform the relevant authorities of your change of address. You should notify these organisations as soon as possible so that any post or other correspondence can be sent to your new address.

MOVING HOME CHECKLIST AND WHO TO NOTIFY

Authorities

• Council Tax

Make sure that you’re paying the correct amount of council tax in your new home. Update your address on the gov.uk site and set up a new council tax account.

• Department of work and pensions (DWP)

If you’re receiving benefits or a State Pension, you’ll need to update the DWP to avoid missing payments.

• Re-register to vote

You will need to re-register to vote after moving house. It’s simple to update your address details b y re-registering at gov.uk/register-to-vote.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

You need to wait until you’ve moved to notify HMRC about your change of address. HMRC is an important organisation to tell as they deal with your Income Tax, National Insurance, State Pension, tax credits and child benefits.

Car-related organisations

• Driver and Vehicle licensing authority (DVLA)

Be sure to update your driver’s license address or you could face a fine up to £1,000. It won’t cost a thing to update your address and should be done as soon as possible. You can continue driving while you wait for the new license to arrive.

• V5C vehicle log book and car tax

You must let the DVLA know about any changes in both your driver’s license and car logbook, which should include your updated contact details. Be sure to also update your direct debit if you use one for paying car tax.

• Car insurance providers

Your insurance premium can be affected by where you love, so be sure to let the insurance company know about any changes. Not keeping them updated can decrease their willingness to pay out on a claim and may even have an effect on your coverage.

Additionally, make sure you provide your current contact details in case of an accident. Don’t forget to double-check that your breakdown cover (if you have it) is also up-to-date with the correct information.

• Breakdown cover

Don’t forget to update your car breakdown provider – this is especially important if you have a home-start service as part of your membership.

Household

• Utility companies

Be sure to notify your utility companies when you move so that you don’t receive a bill for services you haven’t used. Certain providers may let you transfer your existing deal to a new location, which can reduce any interruptions and not risk cutting off your service. Contact each electricity, gas and water utility company for more information.

• Household services

Make a list of all the household services you pay for. This might include:

1. Internet providers – you may get a better deal if you cancel and take out a new subscription at your new address.
2. Satellite television
3. Phone providers, both landline and mobile
4. Do you have an physical services like a window cleaner or a gardener?
5. You’ll also need to update your details on the TV Licensing webiste
6. Don’t forget to cancel or change any subscription services you might have, such as a good delivery service, magazine subscription, etc.

• Royal Mail

Redirect your mail with Royal Mail and get a peace of mind knowing you don’t have to worry about missing important documents or letters. You can do this easily on the Royal Mail website. Prices start around £34 for three months up to £69 for twelve months. If you’re redirecting mail overseas, expect higher costs. An extra fee may apply if additional people are involved in the redirection process.

Work

• Your employer

Let your employer know when your address is going to change so that they can update your contact details on the system and make sure that your information is correct for payroll purposes.

If you hold any other employment or volunteer role, you’ll need to make sure they update your address to.

Financial

• The bank

It’s essential to make sure your data is secure, so update your contact details with your bank or building society when you move home. Doing this will ensure you stay protected from potential identity theft and have no trouble accessing your account. Most banks offer the option of doing this online, so be sure to check out their website for more information.

• Credit card providers

Update your credit card provider/s to help them ensure that any statements and communications they send out reach the right address. It also means that if there are any suspicious activities on your account, such as fraudulent purchases or unusual transactions, they will be able to contact you quickly and take the necessary steps for you.

• Loan companies

Inform any companies that you have a loan with outside your bank when you plan to move. That way they will have time to update their records and ensure that any payment notifications get sent to the correct address. Don’t forget to let them know ahead of your move date!

• Store cards

As with credit cards, you need to update any companies you hold store cards with, so they can contact you where necessary.

Other providers

• Education

If you or your children attend school, college or university, let them know about your move to make sure that you don’t miss out on information and that they can contact if there’s an emergency.

• Healthcare

To determine if you need to switch to a new GP practice after moving, contact your current surgery. When relocating, you have the option to keep you current dentist. Nevertheless, it’s essential to notify them of your updated address.

MAKING THAT MOVE

Make sure you plan ahead when you’re changing your address! Start my making a list of people and companies that you need to alert months before the move. Take note not only of the important mail that you receive, but also examine your bank statements to get a better idea of who you make regular payments to.

Don’t forget to go through your emails too, as there might be others you that you interact with on a regular basis. If there is more than one person living in your home, ask them all to do the same to get an even more comprehensive list of addresses!

Don’t forget, our professional friendly advisers are on hand to support you and can help you explore all of your options.