Complete Checklist for Changing Your Address When Moving
Essential UK address change checklist for home movers. Government services, utilities, banking, healthcare, and timeline guidance. Never miss an important update with our comprehensive guide.
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✅ Master Your Address Change
Moving home requires updating your address with 30+ organisations. This comprehensive checklist ensures you don't miss critical updates, avoiding fines, service disruptions, and lost mail. Save this guide and tick off each item as you complete it.
The Complete Address Change Checklist
Changing your address might seem straightforward, but the average UK household needs to notify over 30 different organisations when moving. Missing crucial updates can result in penalty fines, invalid insurance, missed appointments, and important mail going astray.
This definitive checklist covers every organisation you need to notify, optimal timing for each update, and insider tips to streamline the process. Whether you're a first-time buyer or seasoned mover, following this guide ensures a smooth transition to your new home.
Government & Legal Services
🏛️ Priority Government Updates
1. DVLA - Driving Licence & Vehicle Registration
Timeline: Within 2 weeks of moving
Method: Free online at gov.uk/dvla-change-address
Required: Driving licence number, National Insurance number
Warning: £1,000 fine if not updated
2. Electoral Register
Timeline: Immediately after moving
Method: gov.uk/register-to-vote (takes 5 minutes)
Impact: Affects credit score if not updated
3. Council Tax
Timeline: Within 1 week of moving
Method: Contact both old and new councils
Tip: Request final bill and claim any refund due
4. HM Passport Office
Timeline: Can wait until renewal
Note: Not legally required but recommended
Cost: Free to update address only
Banking & Financial Services
💳 Financial Institution Updates
| Service | Priority | Update Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Account | Critical | App/Online/Branch | Update all linked cards |
| Credit Cards | Critical | App/Phone | Each card separately |
| Mortgage Lender | High | Written notice | If not moving mortgage |
| Insurance (All) | Critical | Phone/Online | May affect premiums |
| Pensions | High | Provider portal | Including old schemes |
| Investments/ISAs | Medium | Online/Post | Annual statements |
⚠️ Insurance Warning:
Home and car insurance can become invalid if address not updated. Premiums may change based on new postcode risk assessment.
Energy & Water Utilities
⚡ Utility Transfer Checklist
Two Weeks Before Moving:
- Take meter readings at old property (photos recommended)
- Contact current suppliers with move date
- Research suppliers at new address
- Check for outstanding balances
Moving Day:
- Final meter readings at old property
- Initial readings at new property
- Locate water stopcock and fuse box
- Test all utilities are working
Old Property Tasks
- ✓ Final bills requested
- ✓ Direct debits cancelled
- ✓ Refunds processed
- ✓ Account closed confirmation
New Property Setup
- ✓ Supplier confirmed/switched
- ✓ Account opened
- ✓ Direct debit established
- ✓ Welcome pack received
Phone, Internet & Media Services
📱 Communications Checklist
Broadband & Phone Line
Notice period: Usually 30 days required
Options: Transfer service (if available) or terminate and restart
Tip: Check new property's maximum speeds before committing
Mobile Phone Contracts
Update: Online or via app immediately
Important: Affects credit checks if not updated
TV Licensing
Method: tvlicensing.co.uk or 0300 790 6151
Note: Can transfer existing licence to new address
Streaming Services
- Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ - Update payment address
- Sky/Virgin - May need engineer visit at new property
- TV packages - Check availability at new postcode
Household Services & Subscriptions
🏠 Regular Services Checklist
Essential Services
- ☐ Milk delivery
- ☐ Newspaper delivery
- ☐ Cleaner/gardener
- ☐ Window cleaner
- ☐ Bins/recycling schedule
- ☐ Boiler/heating service
Subscriptions & Deliveries
- ☐ Amazon/online shopping accounts
- ☐ Grocery delivery (Tesco, Ocado, etc)
- ☐ Magazine subscriptions
- ☐ Subscription boxes
- ☐ Pet food deliveries
- ☐ Prescription deliveries
Healthcare Services
🏥 Medical Services Transfer
GP Registration
If moving out of area (beyond practice boundary):
- Find new GP via nhs.uk/service-search
- Register within first few days
- Medical records transfer automatically
- Request repeat prescription if needed
Other Healthcare Services
- Dentist: Re-register if moving areas
- Optician: Update for reminders
- Pharmacy: Transfer prescriptions
- Hospital: Update ongoing treatment
- Vet: Register new practice
- Private healthcare: Update all policies
- Counselling/therapy: Arrange continuity
- Specialist care: Request referrals
Work & Education
💼 Professional Updates
Employer Notifications
- HR/Payroll - Update for tax and correspondence
- Commute changes - Discuss flexible working if needed
- Emergency contacts - Update all records
- Company car/benefits - Notify insurers
Educational Institutions
- School admissions - Apply ASAP if changing schools
- University records - Update student finance
- Nursery/childcare - Give notice and find new providers
- After-school clubs - Transfer or cancel memberships
Professional Bodies
- Professional registrations (GMC, Law Society, etc)
- Union memberships
- Industry associations
- Networking groups
Timeline & Pro Tips
📅 Optimal Timeline
6 Weeks Before
- • Start list of all services needing updates
- • Book mail redirection
- • Notify mortgage/rental providers
4 Weeks Before
- • Update insurance policies
- • Notify utilities of move date
- • Start updating subscriptions
2 Weeks Before
- • Update bank accounts
- • Notify employer
- • Register with new GP if needed
Moving Week
- • Final meter readings
- • Update DVLA
- • Electoral registration
💡 Pro Tips for Smooth Address Changes
- 📮 Set up Royal Mail redirection as backup for 6 months minimum
- 📱 Create a dedicated email folder for move-related confirmations
- 📸 Photograph all meter readings and property condition
- 📄 Keep proof of new address handy (tenancy agreement/mortgage offer)
- ✉️ Use the old address mail as prompts for forgotten updates
- 📋 Download our printable checklist to track progress
- 🔐 Update passwords if concerned about mail security
- ⏰ Set calendar reminders for time-sensitive updates
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