If you’ve recently moved house or are moving house in the coming weeks, it might be helpful for you to have an easy reference point for who you need to inform of your change of address. Although this can be daunting and yet another job to add to your extensive list, at least you can change your address online nowadays rather than have to do so by post or in person!

There are one or two companies online that offer to notify all kinds of institutions of your new address for you all at the same time, but with something so important you might be a little wary of trusting that job to someone else. You might also want to feel more in control of where that personal information goes and how it’s stored.

By contacting those who need to know your new address online yourself, you can be sure that this will be done securely, and hopefully the list below will help you to make sure you don’t miss anything.
 

Who do you need to tell when you change address?

Before you move

Make sure you inform your broadband and mobile providers and utilities companies of your new address so that they can ensure any transferable services can be moved to your new home and any final bills sent to the right address.

Also ensure you cancel any local memberships (e.g. with a gym) that you won’t be able to access after you move (if you’re moving some distance away).

Also notify your home insurance provider. They may agree to transfer cover to your new home, or refund you any unused months’ premiums to end your policy. 
 

After you move

Who you must tell by law
These need to be your first priority when organising who to notify of a change of address. Most can be done online, though some departments insist that you telephone.

1. HMRC - even if you don’t pay tax, it’s important to let HMRC have up to date contact details. One change of address form will apply to your tax and National Insurance accounts. Change your address with HMRC here.

2.DWP (Department of Work and Pensions) - if you’re receiving any kind of benefits, including Universal Credit, Child Benefit, Pensions Credit or a state pension, you’ll need to let the DWP know your new online address. Rather annoyingly, you will have to report your change of address to every department that you claim benefits through. There’s a handy list of how to contact each benefits department here under ‘How to Report Changes’.

3. Council tax - each Local Authority has its own form to complete online. If you’re not sure which council covers your new address, you can check here. 

4. DVLA - you’ll be glad to know you don’t have to pay to change your address on your driving licence. It’s £1000 fine if you don’t do this, so make it a priority! You can change your address with the DVLA online here.

5. UK Visas and Immigration - if you live here under a visa, you’ll need to tell UKVI about your change of address here.

6. TV Licensing - if you have or need a TV Licence (because you watch any live TV), you’ll need to let them know you’re moving so that your licence can be applied to your new home address. You can do this here.

7. Car insurance provider - your address can affect your insurance premium, and your insurers must know your current address. Most insurers will enable you to change your address online, though they may charge an admin fee for doing so (and you may be asked for more money towards your premium).

8. Vehicle Tax - you’ll need to update the address for your V5 vehicle ownership (and you can update the address for your vehicle tax direct debit at the same time), and can do this online here.

Just in case you’re wondering - you don’t need to tell the Passport Office about your change of address. Simply provide your new address when you apply to renew it.
 

Who you should tell soon

The following people and companies need to be told quickly so that you don’t miss important correspondence.

1. Employer - this is important for your payroll, even if you receive your payslips online, because they usually send annual documents such as P60s in the post. It’s also important for your own safeguarding. If you don’t arrive at work, your employer will probably have safeguarding processes to check whether you’re alright or might need help. 

2. Bank/building society and loan/credit cards - even if you mainly receive your statements online, your bank may still send you periodic changes to their terms and conditions, or annual interest statements by post.
 
3. Electoral roll - to enable you to vote, you must register your new address with the electoral roll for yourself. You can do this here. You can state whether you want to be on the ‘open register’ (which companies can buy and use for marketing) or on the full roll by contacting your local Electoral Registration Office.

4. Breakdown cover provider - if you have breakdown cover for your car, van or bike, you might have restrictions on where you can be rescued from. Let them know your new address by contacting them direct.

5. Loyalty cards - if you have a store loyalty card with a supermarket or other shop, make sure any vouchers get sent to your new home. 

6. Royal Mail - to redirect any post for a period of, say, 6 months after you move (or whatever period you’re happy with). You can choose here.

7. GP - if you’re moving away from your GP’s catchment area, you’ll need to move to a practice closer to your new home. Let them know your new address and they can advise you of your options. 

8. Dentist - like GPs, your dentist may unlist you from their practice if you move out of area, so bear this in mind when notifying them of a change of address as you may need to find a new dentist. 
 

Who you can tell when you get chance

1. School - if your child is staying at the same school, let them know your new address. If they’re moving schools, you’ll have found them a new school and this step won’t be necessary. If your child is in primary or infant school, your address can affect their eligibility to progress to the school’s feeder junior or high school.

2. University - if you’re studying, your university will need to know your new address so they can send you any paperwork regarding your tuition fees etc. 

3. Student Loans Company - If you have a student loan, provide your change of address online here.

4. Vet - keep your pets’ records up to date (if you’re moving far away, register with a local vet as soon as possible after you move so you know where to take your furry pal in an emergency).

5. Health and life insurance policy providers so that new policy documents can be sent to your new address if they don’t email them to you.

Hopefully you’ll find this list will help you to make sure everyone is told your new address when you move house. If you think we can help by arranging a self storage unit for you (perhaps to store your belongings while you clean or decorate your new home after completion), please get in touch and one of our friendly team will help you to make an informed decision.