Moving house: change of address checklist
You may have thought selling your house was the hard part but it is just the start. Thereare so many things still to be arranged. We have come up with some hints which just might save you time, money and your sanity.
There can be a lot to worry about on moving day, ensuring that nothing is forgotten and that everything goes smoothly. However, there are some things you can do to make sure you move without a hitch.
Get your mail re-directed
Getting your mail re-directed to your new address by Royal Mail is a must to protect your personal information from identity theft.
You can set up to redirect your mail in advance of the day you move and for as long as you wish, although 6-12 months is usually sufficient.
There will be a small charge but it is more than worth it to stop your important paperwork falling into the wrong hands.
Set up your mail re-direct on the Royal Mail website
Tell your banks about the move
You need to make sure that you tell any banks, building societies, insurance companies or other financial companies that you have dealings with about your move so they can update their records.
Keeping them informed is not only a good idea because it will mean they can get hold of you in an emergency, but it will also stop any important financial documents – PIN numbers and new cards for example – falling into a stranger’s hands.
Contact each bank in advance to inform them of your new address and your moving date to ensure that their records remain up to date.
Check your new home is insured
If you already have insurance…
Double check that it covers you during the move and contact your insurer to inform them of your change of address.
You may have to pay to amend your policy.
If you are buying a new house you are likely to need buildings insurance in place as a condition of your mortgage contract.
Whether you are renting or buying, it is worth protecting your possessions against loss or damage both during the move and afterwards.
Once you know the details of your new home, you can put an insurance policy in place up to 30 days in advance and schedule it to start the day you pick up the keys.
Compare home insurance
Make sure your car moves with you
When you move home you need to make sure that your car also makes the journey.
You need to update the address on your car insurance, car ownership certificate and driving licence to ensure everything is sound on moving day.
Update your car’s ownership certificate
Send the V5C part of your car registration documents updated with your new details to the DVLA and they will send you a new one.
It can take up to 4 weeks for new registration documents to be issued. If you need to tax your car within this time, you can fill in a form at the Post Office instead.
You can either update your details online on the GOV.UK website or visit your nearest Post Office to complete a paper application.
Making sure that your car insurance company also know that you have moved is a must, as most policies are based on your location. If you fail to notify your insurer, they could refuse to pay if you claim.
You may need to pay a little extra if your insurer deems the area you will now be living in as more risky.
However, if they see it as safer then you could even get a small refund!
Update your driving licence address on GOV.UK
Find your nearest Post Office
Take final meter readings
Remember to take gas and electricity meter readings at your property and notify your suppliers before you move to ensure that you do not get billed for someone else’s utilities.
Your utilities companies will probably have change of address forms on their websites.
You should be able to keep with the same gas and electricity companies when you move. If you choose to do this they will arrange the switch for you.
However, if you are not tied into a fixed term deal it is a good idea to check whether you could save by switching to a different gas or electricity deal when you move.
Compare electricity tariffs
Compare gas tariffs
Change your details on the electoral roll
Updating your status on the electoral roll will ensure that you can still vote in local and national elections after you move.
Making sure that you are registered on the electoral roll at your new address can also help improve your credit rating.
Update your electoral roll details at GOV.UK
Move your TV licence
If you want to watch TV in your new home you will need to notify the TV licencing company about your change of address.
Inform them of your new address and let them know the date you are moving to make sure you are covered from the day you move in.
Update your details on the TV licence website
Move your digital TV and broadband
Most broadband, landline and digital TV providers should allow you to take your existing package with you when you move at no extra cost – providing they offer a service in your new area.
However, you will need to contact them in advance to find out whether it is possible to move your service, or if not whether they are able to offer an alternative or a refund for the contract term you have outstanding.
If you are not tied into a deal, it is worth looking at whether you can get a better package when you move.
Compare broadband, TV and phone packages
Change the address on your deliveries
If you have a monthly or weekly subscription, then it is easy to forget to give them your new address if you leave it until after you have moved.
Before you move ou, contact any companies that regularly send you deliveries. Remember to include the following:
Magazines and newspapers
Milk
Vegetable or snack boxes
When you make one-off purchases online, make sure you update your address before you click “Buy”.
If you are moving to a residents only parking area, you may want to apply for a parking permit before you moving date so you are not left in the lurch once you arrive.
To apply for a parking permit you will need to contact your local authority, or if it is a private residential parking scheme apply direct through them.
Arrange a baby sitter for moving day
Keeping the kids entertained while your unpacking boxes can be tricky.
To save their sanity and your own, consider arranging for them to stay with a friend or family member until you are sorted in your new home.
When you are moving home it is unlikely that you will be able to move your freezer without losing all the food inside.
To avoid wasting food and your money, make sure to use up all your frozen foods in the week before you move.
If you have anything left over, ask a friend or neighbour to store it in their freezer until your appliances are installed in your new home.
Once the furniture is in place and the boxes are unpacked in your new home, you still need to tell everyone that you have moved.
No matter how hard you try, it is easy to forget to give your new address to someone who needs it.
We have listed all the people you need to notify about your change of address below so you can print off this page and tick them off as you go.
Personal checklist
Family
Employer
Friends
Government checklist
HMRC/Inland Revenue
Local council
Electoral register
Child benefit
Financial checklist
Current account
Credit cards
Savings accounts
Pension
Home insurance
Car insurance
Life insurance
Travel insurance
Other insurance
Hire purchase providers
Student Loans Company
Loyalty cards
Share register
Premium bonds
Utilities checklist
Water
Gas
Electricity
Landline
TV Licence
Digital TV
Broadband
Mobile phone
Motoring checklist
DVLA
Vehicle registration
Breakdown cover
Car finance (if applicable)
Health checklist
Doctor
Dentist
Optician
Vet
Entertainment checklist
Film/TV rental
Gym/Sports clubs
Newsagent
Magazine subscriptions
Miscellaneous
Library
Solicitor
Trade unions/Professional bodies
Schools
College/Universities
Pet micro-chipping services
Milkman
Cleaner
Window cleaner
Gardener
Charities you support