Start with the ones that carry bills or legal duties: your gas and electricity supplier and your council before you go, then DVLA if you drive, the electoral register, HMRC, the benefits office if you claim, and a GP near your new home. After that come your bank, insurers, employer and everyone else who writes to you.
Before you move
Your energy supplier. Citizens Advice suggests giving at least 48 hours’ notice, reading your meters on the day you move out, and giving your supplier a forwarding address for the final bill. Keep a note of the readings and the date you took them.
Your council. Councils need to know when you move so they can update your council tax account. If you’re moving to a different area, tell the new council too. GOV.UK’s find your local council service takes you to the right one.
Once you’ve moved
DVLA. Change the address on your driving licence; it costs nothing. You must also change the address on your vehicle log book (V5C), and GOV.UK warns you can be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t tell DVLA.
The electoral register. You need to register again when you change address, and it takes about five minutes online.
HMRC. You need to tell HMRC about a change of address. How you do it depends on your situation, so follow the GOV.UK guide.
Benefits. If you claim benefits, moving house is a change of circumstances you need to report.
Energy at the new home. Tell the supplier there that you’ve moved in and give them meter readings on the day, so your first bill is accurate.
A GP. Register with a surgery near your new home. A surgery can turn you down if you live outside its area, so check before you apply.
The rest of your list
Your bank and card providers, insurers, pension provider, employer, mobile and broadband provider, dentist, vet, children’s schools, and any subscriptions or deliveries. Working through your post for a few weeks before you move is a good way to catch the ones you’d forget.
If your things are in storage
If you’re storing with us while you move, make sure we have your up-to-date email and phone number. We email your invoice 5 to 7 days before each payment, so it’s the easiest way to keep everything running smoothly while you’re between homes.
Need somewhere for your things during the move? Get a storage price online or call us on 0800 2545585.
Related questions
- Is there a minimum term?
- How do I pay, update my card, or get an invoice?
- How much does it cost to store furniture?
Further reading
- GOV.UK: Change the address on your driving licence
- GOV.UK: Register to vote
- GOV.UK: Tell HMRC about a change of address
- GOV.UK: Report a change of circumstances for benefits
- Citizens Advice: Moving home and your energy supply
- NHS: How to register with a GP surgery