We’ve created this ultimate checklist of who to inform of your new address in 2023. As we know remembering every company to notify of an address change can be tough. This checklist should help ensure you don’t forget any.
Personal
You should inform all personal contacts about your move. This ensures they don’t send letters, cards, or packages to your old address. This includes:
- Family
- Friends
The best way to inform them of your new address is telling them when you next see them or by ringing them or sending them a text with your new address.
Work
For your work you will need to tell:
- Your employer: Speak with your HR representative or manager. Alternatively, send an email if that’s a common method of communication in your workplace. This may also involve filling out paperwork to update your information in their system. If your workplace has an online portal for employees, you might be able to update your address there.
- HM Revenue and Customs -You can update your address with HMRC online, by post or by phone. You can do it online by using your Personal Tax Account to report changes to your address. To use the online service, you need a Government Gateway user ID and password. If you do not have a user ID, you can create one when you report the changes. If you want to contact through phone or post you can contact HMRC directly using the details available on their ‘Contact HMRC‘ page. Take a look below at how to find the HMRC website to change your address and log into your HMRC account.
- National insurance – When you update your address with HMRC it should update your National Insurance records. However, if it doesn’t then you can do it online by using your personal tax account to update your address. Or you can contact National Insurance enquiries directly. The phone number and hours are available on the HMRC website.
Health
You will need to inform your:
- Doctos
- Dentist
- Opticians
- Vets
Informing healthcare providers about your change of address is important for several reasons, these are:
- Continuity of care: Your healthcare providers need to be able to communicate with you about appointments, results, reminders for check-ups, and other necessary information related to your health.
- Emergencies: In case of a health emergency, having up-to-date contact information can be crucial.
- Prescriptions: If you receive regular prescriptions, the healthcare provider or pharmacy needs your current address for delivery or pickup notifications.
The method to update your address with these providers can vary, but generally, you can do it in the following ways:
- In person or by phone: You can inform them of your new address during your next visit, or you can call the provider’s office directly.
- Online: Some healthcare providers/ veterinary practices offer an online portal where you can update your personal details, including your address.
- Via email or letter: Some practices may also allow you to update your address via email or a written letter.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to follow up and ensure that your address change has been processed correctly.
Government
You must make sure you contact your local authorities. You will need to contact:
- Electoral roll: If you move, you need to re-register at your new address to be able to vote in local and national elections. Your presence on the electoral roll can also affect your credit score. You can inform them online or by post. If you want to do it online visit the government’s Register to Vote website. You’ll need your National Insurance number and date of birth. Or if you do it by post download the registration form from the government website, complete it, and send it to your local Electoral Registration Office. Take a look below at how to find the registration form.
- Council tax: The council uses this tax to pay for local services. If you move, your tax band may change, affecting how much you have to pay. The council also needs your updated address to send you tax bills. To update it you can do it online as most councils allow you to change your address on their website. Or if you can’t find the information online or prefer not to use the website, contact your local council directly by phone or email.
- The work and pensions department: If you receive benefits or state pension, the DWP needs your current address to ensure you receive the right amount and to send any related correspondence. You can use the ‘Change of circumstances’ service online if you’re receiving state pension or benefits. You’ll need your National Insurance number and date of birth. Or contact the DWP directly by phone or post if you have trouble with the online service. The contact information can be found on any letters you’ve received from them or on the government’s website.
Insurance
You will need to contact any insurance companies you are with and let them know your new address you should contact your:
- Home insurance: Your premium is based on the location and specific risks associated with your property. Moving could change these factors, which may affect the amount you pay. Also, the insurer needs to know where to send policy updates or any other correspondence.
- Health insurance: The provider may need to send you important information about your coverage, changes in the policy, or bills. Some health insurance policies may also have area-specific network restrictions, which could affect your coverage.
- Travel insurance: Certain travel insurance policies might require you to have your main residence in a specific area. If you change this, it could affect your coverage.
- Life insurance: Your insurance company needs to be able to reach you with any important policy updates, and if a claim needs to be made, the correct address will make the process smoother.
- Pet insurance: Your insurance provider needs to know where your pet is based because veterinary costs can vary based on location, potentially affecting your premium.
How to inform them:
- Online: Many insurance providers have online portals where you can update your personal details, including your address.
- By phone: Call the customer service number for your insurance company and inform them of your new address. They will likely ask for additional information to confirm your identity.
- By email or letter: Some providers may allow you to update your address via email or a written letter. Make sure to include all necessary details and follow any guidelines the company provides for these changes.
Education
- Schools: They need your most up-to-date address to send reports, updates, or other important information about your child’s education. They also need your current address to reach you in case of an emergency. If you move to a new area, especially in a different school district, your child might need to change schools.
- Universities: For university students, the institution needs your current address for their records and to send any relevant information regarding your studies or student services.
How to inform them:
- In person: You can inform the school administration of your new address during a visit or by calling the school directly. For universities visit the university’s administration or student services office to update your address.
- Email: Send a letter or an email to the school with your child’s name, their class or teacher’s name, the old address, and the new address. Or for universities send an email to the university registrar or the relevant department in charge of student records.
- Online portal: Most universities offer an online portal (like a student services portal) where students can update their personal details, including their address.
Finances
It’s essential to inform these financial institutions of your change of address to maintain uninterrupted services and receive important communications:
- State pension and private/workplace pension: For your state pension contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to notify them of your new address. You can do this online through the government website or by phone. For private/ workplace pension contact your pension provider directly. You can usually do this online, by phone, or by letter/email, depending on your provider’s procedures.
- Banks: You can update your address with your bank through your online banking account, by phone, or by visiting a local branch. Check with your specific bank for their preferred method.
- Credit card companies: Most credit card companies allow you to change your address through your online account, by calling customer service, or by writing a letter. It’s important to check your individual provider’s procedures.
- Loan Companies: If you have personal loans, car loans, or any other type of loan, contact your loan provider. The process to update your address can usually be done online, over the phone, or by sending a letter/email.
- Student loan company: If you have a student loan, notify the Student Loans Company of your change of address. You can update your contact details by logging into your account on the Student Loans Company website.
Vehicles
You need to inform any vehicle related companies of you new address such as:
- DVLA: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) needs to know your current address to keep your driving licence, vehicle logbook (V5C), and vehicle tax up to date.
- Car insurance: Your premium is partly calculated based on where your car is parked overnight, and your insurance company needs to send any communications to the correct address.
- Car finance: Your finance company needs to send statements and other correspondence to the right location, and may need to reassess your agreement based on your new address.
- Breakdown cover: Your breakdown cover provider needs to know your home address in case of home start services, and to send any relevant communications.
- Log book (V5C): The address in your vehicle’s logbook should always be current, as it’s used for tax reminders, to renew your vehicle registration and to ensure your MOT is kept up to date.
For your car insurance, car finance and breakdown cover the best way is to go on the website of the company you use or online portal and you should be able to change the address. For DVLA you can change the address on your driving licence on the government’s official website. Lastly, for your log book you can visit the government website to it. Or you can fill out the relevant section and send it to the DVLA.
Utilities
You will need to inform your utilities when you move home this includes:
- Water
- Gas
- Electricity: It is recommended to inform your electric provider at least 48 hours before you move as it can take them up to 48 hours to change your information.
Why they need informing:
- Final bill: You’ll need to settle any outstanding charges for your old address, and this can’t be calculated accurately unless the suppliers know when you moved out.
- New service: If you want to continue using the same suppliers at your new address, they’ll need to set up new accounts for you.
- Meter readings: To avoid paying for the utility usage of the next occupant of your old home or the previous occupant of your new home, you should provide final meter readings at your old address and first readings at your new one.
- Direct debits: If your utility bills are paid by direct debit, your suppliers need your new address to update their records.
If you would like to read more about energy bills and water bills we have complete guides on our website.
How to inform them:
- Online: Most utility companies have online systems where you can log in to your account and notify them of your move.
- By phone: You can call your utility providers’ customer service numbers and inform them of your move. Have your account details and meter readings to hand.
- By post or email: Some suppliers may also allow you to notify them by post or email. Check on their websites or with their customer service teams for specific instructions.
- Smart meters: If you have a smart meter, your supplier will be able to get final and first readings remotely, but you should still notify them of your moving dates.
Household Services
It’s important to change your address with household service to ensure uninterrupted services and to comply with legal requirements.
- Broadband: Notifying your provider also allows them to arrange the installation or activation at your new place. You should be able to move it over, if not you may have to cancel the subscription. But, be careful as there could be a fee for cancelling. Talk to your provider to find the right solution. The best ways to do this are by phoning them up or going on your broadband companies website.
- Phone: For your mobile you should be able to go on your providers website and update your address if not you can call them up. If you have a landline then you need to inform them of your new address as you may not be able to port your old number over to your new address.
- TV license: When you move home your TV license doesn’t automatically move as well. You are legally required to update your TV Licence with your new address. This ensures you are covered if you watch or record live TV or use BBC iPlayer, regardless of the device you use. An easy way to update your license is on the TV licensing website.
Hobbies/ interests
If you are moving far from your old home you will need to cancel any subscriptions to gyms or libraries as the chances are you will have to move to new ones. If you don’t need to move to a new one you should still let them know about your new address so they can update their information.
- Gym: Your gym needs your updated address to send any correspondence or billing information. Also, if you’re moving to a different area, you might need to transfer your membership to a gym closer to your new home.
- Magazines: To ensure your magazines arrive at your new home, the subscription service needs to know your new address.
- Library: Libraries often send notifications about due dates, overdue books, and available holds to the address on file. Also, your eligibility for membership may depend on your address.
- Clubs or associations: Clubs need to send membership updates, notices, newsletters, and other information to your correct address. If your move takes you out of the club’s area, you may also need to transfer your membership or resign.
You should be able to contact all of the above either through a website or by phoning them and letting them know you are moving home. Or when you next visit for example your gym or library you can let them know in person of your change of address.
Other Services
Here is a list of some other services that you need to remember to tell about your new address:
- Gardener: If you’re moving out of their service area, your gardener needs to know so they can adjust their schedules accordingly. If you’re moving within their area and wish to continue their services at your new home, they need the new address. This is the same for your cleaner and window cleaner.
- Cleaner:
- Milkman: If you have a regular milk delivery, your milkman needs to know when to stop deliveries to your old address and potentially start them at your new address.
- Window cleaner
- Solicitor: Your solicitor should have your current address on file for any legal documents or communications. Depending on your situation, they may also assist with aspects of the moving process.
- Royal mail redirect service: you can redirect your mail for three months which is £33.99, six months which is £47.99 or for 12 months which will cost you £68.99. That is just the cost for one person an extra person fee is £8 extra for three months, £9 extra for six months and £10 extra for 12 months.
How to contact them:
For your gardener, cleaner, milkman and window cleaner simply tell them in person or give them a call. If you’re not going to be using their services at your new address, be sure to thank them for their work. Or if you typically communicate with these service providers digitally, a quick email or text message with your new address (or informing them of your departure) will suffice.
For your solicitor contact your solicitor’s office directly by phone or email to inform them of your new address. You may also choose to send a formal letter to your solicitor’s office, particularly if you’re in the middle of any legal proceedings that require formal notification of address changes.
Plan to inform these individuals about your move well in advance so they can adjust their schedules and records as needed.
Summary
We hope this ultimate checklist of who to inform of your new address in 2023 helps you and while it may seem like a lot of work, updating your information with all the relevant companies and organisations, it ensures that everything runs smoothly and you don’t miss out on any important letters or get fined for not updating your information.
