Organisation is the key to a stress and hassle-free move. If you plan well ahead of time, there´ll be fewer unpleasant surprises and you’ll feel in control.
But, there’s plenty to remember and keep track of when moving house. You’ll also need to notify a lot of people. Use our handy “Moving House? Who to Inform” checklist to make sure that you don’t miss out anyone important. Forgetting to tell an organisation or individual could result in lost mail, expense and a fair amount of stress!
1. Your Local Authority
Update your address on the gov.uk site to make sure that you’re paying the correct amount of council tax.
2. The Electoral Commission
When you move, you’ll need to re-register on the Electoral Roll so that you can vote in local and general elections.
3. Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)
If you’re receiving benefits or a state pension, you’ll need to update the DWP to avoid missed payments.
4. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
You need to wait until you’ve moved to notify HMRC about your change of address. Once you’re in, share your new details to ensure that you’re paying the correct amount of tax and national insurance.
5. Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA)
Having the wrong address on your licence is an offence and the DVLA can fine you up to £1,000. It doesn’t cost anything to change the address on your driver’s licence. The sooner you do this the better; you can still drive while you’re waiting for your new licence to arrive.
6. V5C Vehicle Log Book and Car Tax
Although the DVLA is responsible for both amendments to your licence and your log book, you need to inform them separately about each matter to make sure that both documents are updated with your new contact details. You’ll also need to change your direct debit if this is how you pay your car tax.
7. Car Insurance Provider
Your insurance premium depends, at least in part, on where you live, so you must update the insurance company to make sure that you’re paying the correct amount. Failure to do so could affect the company’s willingness to pay out if you make a claim. They also need your current contact details so that they can reach you if you’re involved in an accident. Don’t forget to check that your breakdown cover, if you have it, includes the correct details.
8. 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.
9. The Bank
Data security has never been more important. If you neglect to change your address with your bank or building society, you could make yourself vulnerable to identity theft or experience trouble accessing your account. Most banks allow you to update your contact details via their website.
10. Credit Card Providers
If you hold credit cards from a lender other than your bank, you’ll need to notify them about your change of address. They may issue you with a new card.
11. Utility Companies
It’s important to let the utility companies know that you’re moving so that you don’t get lumbered with a bill for services you haven’t used. Some providers will allow you to move your current deal to a new property which can minimise disruption and avoid any loss of service. The main companies to contact are those providing electricity, gas and water.
12. Household Services
Make a list of all the household services you pay for. This might include internet providers, satellite television, landline providers and more. Do you have a window cleaner or a gardener? You’ll also need to update your details on the TV Licensing website.
13. Royal Mail
You can redirect your post via the Royal Mail website for a small fee. Prices range from around £34 for three months to £69 for 12 months. Costs are higher if you want to redirect your mail to an overseas address and there’s an extra fee for additional people.
14. Education Providers
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 important information and that they can contact you if there’s an emergency.
15. Healthcare Providers
You may need to switch to a new doctor and dentist if you are moving more than a few streets away. Contact them to find out if you can stay (assuming you want to) and update your details or register with service providers near your new home. This also applies to opticians and veterinary surgeries if you use such services.
16. Any Other Services
Your home setup and financial commitments won’t be the same as everybody else’s. While most of the above will apply to anyone who’s moving house, there may be additional services you pay for that are unique to you. Do you have a gym membership? Are you a member of any local clubs or societies? Once you’ve run through the organisations listed above, add other people or companies you need to contact and check them off as you work through them.
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