Short answer: Before you move, make a list of every organisation that writes to you, then work through it in three stages: tell the ones that matter most (DVLA, HMRC, banks, pension providers, insurers, your GP) before or on moving day, sort utilities and post on the day itself, and catch the rest in the first few weeks as letters turn up at the old address. The checklist below groups them so nothing is left until it causes a problem.
Start With a List of Who Writes to You
The easiest way to miss someone is to rely on memory. For a week or two before the move, keep a note of every letter, email and statement that arrives. Look at your bank statements as well: standing orders, direct debits and subscriptions show organisations you might not think of. Ask other people in the household for theirs too.
Before Moving Day
Most of these can be done once you have a confirmed moving date and your new address.
Government and tax
- DVLA (driving licence). Changing the address on your driving licence is free. GOV.UK says you can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA when your address changes.
- DVLA (vehicle). If you are the registered keeper, you must also update your vehicle log book (V5C). Update your vehicle tax Direct Debit too, if you have one.
- HMRC. GOV.UK says you need to tell HMRC if you have changed your name or address. You can tell HMRC about a change of address online or through the HMRC app.
- State Pension and benefits. If you receive the State Pension or any benefits, tell the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or the office that pays them. Your award letters will say how to do this.
- Council tax. Tell the council for your old address your leaving date, and the council for your new address when you move in, so you are charged correctly for each. Councils run this through their own websites.
- Electoral register. GOV.UK says you need to register to vote again if you change your address.
- TV Licence. If you have one, update it with TV Licensing so it covers your new address.
Money
- Banks and building societies, including savings accounts and ISAs.
- Credit and store cards.
- Pension providers, whether workplace, personal or annuity.
- Insurers. Home, contents, car, travel and life policies. Home and contents insurance in particular will need to start on the day you take ownership or move in, so it is worth arranging before moving day rather than after.
- Mortgage lender or landlord, if you have not already told them your move date.
Home
- Post. Set up a redirection with Royal Mail from your moving date. It covers anything still addressed to the old property while you update everyone else.
- Broadband and phone. Contact your providers early, because setting up a line at a new address can take time. Check whether you can take your existing service with you or need to give notice.
- Utilities. Gas, electricity and water, covered below.
On Moving Day
- Take final meter readings at the old property and again when you arrive at the new one. Photograph them with the date visible.
- Tell your energy and water suppliers your readings and moving date, so you are billed for what you used and not for what the next occupier uses.
- Keep key paperwork with you, not on the removal van: bank details, insurance documents, your contacts list and any medication.
- Leave your new address with the buyer, landlord or next occupier, in case anything arrives for you.
In the First Few Weeks
- GP, dentist and opticians. If you are staying nearby you may be able to remain registered, but if you are moving further away you will probably need to register with a new practice. Your pharmacy and any regular prescriptions may need to change too.
- Hospital and clinic appointments. Tell each department of your new address and phone number so appointment letters are not missed.
- Subscriptions and online accounts. Streaming services, magazines, delivery apps and online shopping accounts, including saved delivery addresses and the billing address on stored cards.
- Clubs, societies, church or community groups, and any volunteering roles.
- Charities you support, particularly if you give by direct debit or Gift Aid.
- Family, friends and neighbours. A card or message with your new address is a nice way to do this, and it is also how you catch the people no database will.
- Loyalty and rewards schemes, and professional bodies or unions, if you belong to any.
If You Are Helping an Older Parent or Relative
A move later in life often means more organisations, and sometimes more people involved in dealing with them.
- Who manages their affairs? If someone holds a power of attorney, or helps with banking or bills, make sure that person has the new address and contact details too. Organisations may need proof of authority before they will talk to anyone other than the account holder.
- Medication and prescriptions. Check that the new GP practice and pharmacy have the full medication list before the old supply runs out, and that anyone who collects or receives deliveries knows the new address.
- Hospital appointments. Make a list of upcoming appointments and tell each clinic about the move. If the new home is a long way from the hospital, ask whether appointments can be moved.
- Scam awareness. Moves can prompt unexpected letters, calls and emails claiming to be from "official" bodies asking for details. If in doubt, contact the organisation using a number from your own paperwork, not one in the message.
- Share the list. One written list, kept by the person moving and one trusted relative, with each item ticked as it is done, avoids duplication and gaps.
A Note on This Guide
This is general information, not legal, financial or tax advice. Requirements can change and vary between organisations, so check the official pages linked above, and each provider's own website, for current details.
Where Chayce Can Help
If you would like the practical side of a move handled for you, Chayce coordinates utility transfers as part of its Silver Comfort package and above. If you would first like to talk through what needs doing and when, a Discovery Consultation (£150) helps you plan the move. For the wider timeline, see our UK house moving checklist, and for the weeks afterwards, settling in after your move.
