Who to inform when you move house: UK change of address checklist

Moving house is more than packing boxes. If you don’t update your address in time, you risk missed bills, service interruptions, and even legal trouble. The good news? A simple checklist can keep everything on track.

Key summary:

• Government & legal: DVLA, HMRC, electoral roll, local council
• Financial: Banks, credit cards, pensions, insurers, mortgage providers
• Utilities: Gas, electricity, water, broadband, mobile, TV services
• Health & education: GP, dentist, schools, childcare providers
• Other essentials: Employer, subscription services, online shopping accounts, pet microchip registry
• Don’t forget: Set up post redirection and tell friends and family

Before you move

Start updating your address about 2 to 4 weeks before moving day. Giving yourself enough time means you can notify everyone without rushing or forgetting anyone important.

A change of address checklist is one of the easiest ways to stay organised and avoid missed bills or service issues.

How to stay on track:

• Create a simple master list of who to notify
• Use a spreadsheet or checklist app to track progress
• Set up Royal Mail’s post redirection service in case you miss anyone

If you're also thinking about buying or selling, check out our expert guide on how to buy or sell a home in the current UK market.

Change of address checklist - who to notify when you move

Updating your address with the right organisations helps prevent missed payments, lost mail and service delays. Use this checklist to stay organised and avoid common pitfalls.

1. Government agencies and official bodies

These should be at the top of your list. Failing to notify them could lead to fines or disrupted services.

• DVLA: Update your driving licence and vehicle log book
• HMRC: Notify them for tax records, child benefit and pension updates
• Electoral Roll: Register at your new address so you can vote
• Local Council: Update for council tax, parking permits and waste collection
• TV Licensing: Make sure your licence reflects your new address

2. Utilities and household services

Notify your utility providers at least two weeks before you move to avoid billing issues or service gaps.

Start with your gas, electricity and water suppliers. Give them your move dates and submit final meter readings. Set up accounts for your new property as early as possible.

For services like broadband, landline and mobile, arrange transfers or cancellations in advance. Some providers may need notice to reconnect at your new address.

If you use TV services like Sky or Virgin Media, check your contract terms and update your address or package accordingly.

Don’t forget to:

• Update your billing address for your mobile provider
• Contact your new council to register for waste collection and confirm bin days

3. Financial institutions

Keeping your financial details up to date helps protect against fraud, missed payments and failed ID checks. Most providers let you update your address online or through their app, so it’s usually quick to do.

Make sure you notify:

• Banks and building societies for all current, savings and joint accounts
• Credit card providers to ensure statements and alerts go to the right place
• Insurance companies, including home, contents, car, life and pet policies
• Pension providers so your records stay accurate
• Loan companies or finance providers, especially if payments are linked to your address
• Mortgage lender, if applicable, to avoid communication issues

Planning to move into a new build? Don’t miss our guide on what to know before buying a new build home.

4. Health and medical services

Updating your medical records ensures that important health communications reach you without delay. It also helps your new local services access accurate information if needed.

Start by informing your GP practice of your new address. If you're moving out of the area, you may need to register with a new surgery. The same applies to your dentist and optician, especially if you use NHS services with local catchment rules.

You should also:

• Update your private health insurance provider, if you have one
• Check if your details need changing on the NHS app or online account
• Consider updating the organ donor register with your new address, if you're listed

5. Education and childcare providers

If you have children, keeping schools and childcare providers informed is essential to avoid disruptions and ensure safety records are accurate.

Let your child’s school or nursery know your moving date and new address. This helps with emergency contacts, school correspondence and transport arrangements. If you're moving out of the catchment area, contact your local authority to understand your options and the admissions process.

Don't forget to update:

• After-school clubs or extracurricular activities
• School transport services, if your child uses a bus or taxi
• Childcare vouchers or tax-free childcare accounts, if applicable

6. Employers and professional services

Your employer needs your current address for payroll, tax records and official correspondence. Let them know as soon as your move is confirmed so your records stay accurate.

You should also update:

• HMRC, especially if you're self-employed or on PAYE
• Your accountant or solicitor, if you use one regularly
• Any professional bodies or trade associations you're a member of

Accurate contact details help avoid missed tax updates, renewal notices or membership communications. 

Want to understand the legal checks involved in your move? Read our guide on property searches when buying a house.

7. Optional but recommended

These contacts are often overlooked but still important. Updating them can save you time, avoid confusion, and prevent potential issues later on.

Start with your pet microchip database if you have pets. Keeping your contact details current ensures you can be reached if your pet goes missing.

Other accounts worth updating:

• Gym or fitness memberships
• Car leasing or finance providers
• Charity organisations you donate to regularly
• Your local vet or pet care services

Common mistakes to avoid during address changes

Even with the best intentions, it's easy to overlook key updates when you're in the middle of a move. Here are some of the most common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Forgetting to update your car insurance or DVLA details, which can lead to fines or invalid cover
• Delaying council tax updates, risking late payment notices or incorrect billing
• Not setting up post redirection, which means important mail could end up in the wrong hands
• Assuming joint accounts update automatically, when in fact each account holder may need to act separately