It’s time to uncork the champagne – you’re moving house!

If you receive government benefits, updating your address with the Department of Work and Pensions is crucial. This can be done via a simple phone call to the relevant helpline.

It’s time to uncork the champagne – you’re moving home! Moving to a new home is an exciting chapter in life, but it also comes with a significant to-do list. Telling your friends and family about your new address is just the tip of the iceberg. An array of organisations and companies also need to be informed.

Amidst packing your possessions and organising transport, making each step as stress-free as possible is essential. But the question remains: who should be on your priority list when moving? Initially, you might be perplexed about who needs to be notified first. Here are the primary organisations that should be alerted before your relocation.

To simplify this task, we’ve compiled a checklist to help you keep track.

YOUR CAREER AND YOUR MOVE

Employer – Informing your employer about your change of address is crucial. They need this information not just for updating your contact details but also for payroll purposes.

National Insurance – Your National Insurance (NI) number is an essential identifier used by government bodies such as the DVLA, HMRC and your employer. Therefore, updating your NI information is vital. You can find the necessary contact details and timings online but remember to have your NI number at hand.

KEEP THE TAXMAN INFORMED

Inland Revenue – Another organisation that needs to know about your move is the Inland Revenue. This information is required for tax purposes. Instructions on how to update this information can be found on gov.uk.

LOCAL AUTHORITIES NEED TO KNOW

Council Tax – To change your Council Tax address, visit the relevant gov.uk site related to your area. Each site provides a unique form to assist with changing your address.

Electoral Roll – Updating your details on the Electoral Roll is another important step when changing address. To re-register in your new area, visit https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Department of Work and Pensions – If you receive government benefits, updating your address with the Department of Work and Pensions is crucial. This can be done via a simple phone call to the relevant helpline.

LEISURE AND RECREATION

When moving a significant distance, remember to cancel subscriptions to local gyms or clubs you won’t frequent anymore. This can be done over the phone or in person during your final visit before your move.

Also, inform any postal subscriptions about your move and provide them with your new address. If you’ve set up a temporary postal redirect, this can be done after you’ve moved.

• Health Club/Gym
• Newspaper/Magazine subscriptions
• Clubs and societies

KEEPING YOUR HOUSEHOLD CONNECTED

Cable/satellite services – As you transition to your new home, updating your cable or satellite provider with your new address is essential. This ensures accurate billing and allows them to update your contact information. Plus, it’s worth investigating if a new satellite dish or cable needs to be installed at your new residence. Otherwise, you might be paying for a service you can’t utilise.

Phones and broadband – If you have a landline, notify your provider about your move, as you’ll likely receive a new phone number at your new home. This update usually coincides with your broadband change. For mobile phones, updating your address ensures bills are sent to the correct location. You can do this by contacting your provider over the phone or visiting one of their stores. As for broadband, consider cancelling your current subscription, as moving often presents an opportunity for a better deal at your new property.

TV licence – A crucial detail that can be overlooked during a move is updating your TV Licence. Remember, your current TV Licence won’t cover your new property. Visit the TV Licensing website to change this information, which you can do up to three months before your move.

VEHICLE-RELATED CHANGES

DVLA (Updating your driving licence) – Post-move, updating your driving licence with your new address as soon as possible is essential. You can do this for free on the DVLA website, and they should send you an updated licence within 2-4 weeks.

Vehicle breakdown cover – Changing your information for breakdown coverage is another critical step, especially for providers who charge rates based on area. They also need to know where to take you in case of a breakdown.

Car insurance – Inform your car insurance provider about your change of address for both your insurance payments and contact information in case of an accident. Be mindful that your payment rate may change depending on your new location. You can update this information either online if you’ve registered your account or over the phone if you haven’t.

V5C vehicle log book – Don’t forget to update your V5C for your vehicle tax. Failing to do so could result in a fine of up to £1,000. You update this information by post or online.

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

School or university – Whether your children are in school or university, keeping their learning institutions updated with your new address is vital. Moving homes can be stressful for young ones and maintaining open communication with their schools can help ease the transition.

Private schools and universities also require your current address to send over tuition fee invoices for each term. So, ensure they have your new contact details if you plan to continue with their services post-move.

HEALTH MATTERS

Doctor, dentist, opticians and veterinarians – A change of address often means a change of doctors. This involves your current medical practitioner forwarding your medical records to your new one. This procedure applies to dentists, opticians and even veterinarians who care for your pets. Before you move, consider having a check-up and letting your healthcare providers know about your move. You can then share your new doctor’s contact information with your old one and vice versa.

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Insurance companies – Your insurance companies need to know about your change of address as your postcode influences your premium and cover costs.

Living in an area perceived as ‘risky’ could increase your insurance cost, whereas moving to a less ‘risky’ region could reduce it. However, some insurance policies aren’t dependent on your location, but they still need your new address to update your contact information and billing details. To notify your insurers about your address change, visit their websites or call them directly to arrange an update.

SERVICE PROVIDERS

Property maintenance and professional services – If you employ anyone for property maintenance, remember to cancel their services before moving. If your new home is nearby, you may choose to continue their services – don’t forget to share your new address. You will also need to update your address with other professionals who might need to send you important and confidential mail, such as accountants or solicitors. You wouldn’t want these documents getting lost in the post after your move.

FINANCES

Bank and building society – When it comes to moving home, ensuring your bank or building society is aware of your new address is paramount. This crucial information is a key component in verifying your identity. Failing to update these details may leave you vulnerable to identity theft. Most banks offer online services where you can swiftly update your details. Alternatively, a visit to your local branch should suffice.

Investments – If you have Individual Savings Accounts, investment trusts, stocks and shares, and other investments, be diligent about updating companies with your new contact details.

Pensions – If you’re enrolled in a private pension scheme, remember to give your new address to your provider. This ensures you continue receiving important correspondence without interruption. The same applies if you’re on a State Pension – update your details on the gov.uk pension page.

Loans – Loan companies also need to be informed about your change of address. This can be done by contacting them directly via phone or email.

Credit and debit cards – In the process of updating your bank details, don’t overlook your credit and debit cards. These require your current address for accurate billing and additional identification steps. Store cards are another area that needs attention. Updating your address ensures smooth delivery of orders.

UTILITIES

Electricity and gas – Informing your energy provider well before your move is crucial. It can take up to 48 hours for them to update your information. Check if there are any early termination charges or if you can transfer your current deal to the new property. Gas providers also need to know your moving date. Remember to take a reading of your gas and electricity on the day you leave, so you aren’t charged for what you haven’t used. Moving could also be an opportunity to compare providers and secure a better deal.

Water – Like your gas and electricity providers, your water provider needs to know when you’ll no longer need their services. Inform them of your moving date to avoid any unnecessary charges.

Post – Consider setting up a postal redirect with Royal Mail. This service will forward any mail sent to your old address to your new one. It’s a temporary solution, giving you some breathing space to update your address with everyone else.

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