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When preparing for a house move, most people think about packing boxes, organising transport, and booking professional movers. While those steps are crucial, one important task is often pushed to the side: telling the right people and organisations that you’re changing your address.
Failing to update your address in a timely manner can cause several problems, including missed bills, service interruptions, lost deliveries, or even sensitive information falling into the wrong hands. To help you avoid these issues, here’s a comprehensive guide to whom you need to inform before moving home.
1. Utility Providers
Utilities should be at the top of your list. Gas, electricity, and water providers all need to know when you’re leaving your current property. Arrange a final meter reading and provide your new address so the final bill reaches you.
If you’re staying with the same provider, check whether they can transfer services to your new home without disruption. For example, if you’re moving locally within London, updating your details ahead of time ensures you don’t arrive to a home with no electricity or water.
Moving nearby? House removals in London with Gago Movers make it easier to handle these essential tasks while the professionals manage the physical move.
2. Council Tax and Local Authority
Another essential update is your council tax. Inform your local authority of the moving date so they can close your account for the old property and set one up for the new one.
If you’re moving to a new borough, you’ll need to register with the new council to avoid paying more than you should. Most councils have an online form, making the process quick and easy.
For bigger relocations across the UK, professional packers and movers from Gago Movers help you focus on the paperwork while they handle the logistics.
3. Banks and Financial Institutions
Financial security is another key reason to update your address. Your bank, building society, credit card company, and loan providers all send sensitive documents by post. If these go to your old address, you could risk identity fraud.
It’s also worth updating your details with investment accounts, pension providers, and any financial advisers you use. Doing this early means you won’t miss out on statements or important notices.
4. Insurance Providers
Insurance policies are tied to your address, so forgetting to update them could affect your cover. This applies to:
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Home insurance – so your old property is no longer linked.
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Car insurance – premiums often change depending on postcode.
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Health insurance – to ensure records are accurate.
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Pet insurance – especially if you change vets in your new area.
5. Employer and Payroll
Your employer needs your new address for payslips, tax information, and other HR documents. If your workplace still sends paper records, this becomes even more important.
If you’re relocating for work or moving an office, Gago Movers can assist with office removals in London, making the process seamless for businesses and employees alike.
6. Healthcare Providers
Healthcare is often overlooked during a move, but it’s important to update your records with your GP, dentist, and any specialists you see regularly.
If your new home is in a different area, you may need to register with a new GP surgery. You can find helpful information about this on the official NHS guide to registering with a GP.
Don’t forget to transfer medical records or request repeat prescriptions in advance if you know you’ll need them soon after moving.
7. Schools and Educational Institutions
If you or your children are studying, make sure the school, college, or university has your updated details. This ensures reports, fee notices, and other important updates are sent to the right place.
For families with school-aged children, planning your move around school terms can make the transition smoother. It also gives schools time to update records and prepare for the change.
8. Subscriptions and Online Deliveries
This is one of the most common things people forget. Whether it’s Amazon, food deliveries, magazines, or even a gym membership, your address should be updated to avoid missed parcels or unwanted charges.
Many online services allow you to update your details in just a few clicks, but it’s worth making a checklist of all your subscriptions before moving.
9. Friends, Family, and Social Circles
It might sound obvious, but make sure your friends and family know about your new address. Sending a quick group message, calling close relatives, or using traditional change-of-address cards ensures everyone knows where to reach you.
10. Government Agencies
Beyond local councils, there are a few more government bodies that require your updated address:
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DVLA – for your driving licence and vehicle logbook.
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HMRC – for tax and benefits information.
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Electoral Roll – so you’re registered to vote in your new area.
Notifying these organisations is essential, as failing to update could cause fines or missed benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I forget to update my address?
Missing bills, late fees, and disrupted services are the most common problems. In some cases, not updating your address could lead to legal issues, for example, with your driving license, or security risks if sensitive information is sent to the wrong home.
Do I need to update my driving licence when I move?
Yes. It’s a legal requirement in the UK to update your driving licence and vehicle logbook when you move. The DVLA makes this process simple through its online service.
Should I use the Royal Mail redirection service?
Absolutely. Royal Mail offers a redirection service that forwards mail to your new address for 3, 6, or 12 months. This is a smart option while you work through the full list of people and companies to notify.
When should I start notifying organisations?
Begin around 2–3 weeks before your move. This gives companies time to update their records and ensures everything is ready by the time you arrive at your new home.
Can movers help with address updates?
While moving companies don’t notify organizations for you, professional movers like Gago Movers take care of the physical side of the move, packing, loading, and transporting, so you have more time to focus on updating important records.
Whether you need house removals, office movers, or long-distance relocations, their team handles the hard work so you can focus on settling into your new home and keeping everyone updated with your new address. Contact us today to arrange your next move.