How do I notify people about my change of address?

Notifying people about a change of address is a critical step in any move, ensuring mail, services, and official records seamlessly follow to the new property. Organisation is key to avoiding disruptions and potential fines. The process involves identifying all relevant parties, determining the best notification method, and managing the timeline effectively.

Who Needs to Be Notified?

A comprehensive list of contacts helps ensure no essential organisation is overlooked. It is often useful to categorise these entities for a structured approach.

Government and Public Services

• Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA): It is a legal requirement to update the address on a driving licence and vehicle V5C logbook. This can typically be done online or via post. For details on how to update a driver's license address, further guidance is available.
• HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC): This includes personal tax, Self Assessment, Child Benefit, and Tax Credits. Updates can generally be made through a Personal Tax Account online or by phone.
• Local Council (Council Tax & Electoral Register): The local council for both the old and new addresses must be informed to update Council Tax records and ensure electoral registration is correct for voting.
• Passport Office: While not legally required to update the address on a passport, it is advisable for security and convenience, especially when renewing.
• TV Licensing: An address update is necessary to ensure the TV Licence remains valid at the new property. Information on what about my TV license can be found in a dedicated guide.

Financial Institutions

• Banks and Building Societies: All accounts, including current accounts, savings, and ISAs, require an address update. This is often done securely online, via banking apps, or in branch.
• Credit Card Providers: Each credit card company needs to be informed separately.
• Pension Providers: Both state and private pension providers should be notified.
• Investment and Share Portfolios: Any platforms or brokers managing investments need updated details.
• Loan and Mortgage Providers: Essential for accurate correspondence and record-keeping.

Utilities and Household Services

• Electricity, Gas, and Water Suppliers: Notifications should ideally be made a few weeks before the move date. It is important to provide meter readings for both the old and new properties on the day of the move. For further guidance, see do I need to read the meters when I leave and when should I disconnect utilities.
• Internet, Landline, and Mobile Phone Providers: Arrange for transfer or disconnection and reconnection of services. For internet, understanding how to transfer internet service can be very helpful.
• Insurance Providers: This includes home, contents, car, life, and travel insurance. Moving to a new postcode can affect premiums.
• Subscriptions and Deliveries: Update addresses for streaming services, magazines, newspapers, food delivery services, and online retailers.
• Council Waste and Recycling Services: Confirm collection days and services for the new address.

Health and Medical Services

• GP Surgery: Register with a new GP at the new address or notify the existing one if remaining in the catchment area.
• Dentist, Optician, and other Specialists: Update records or register with new practices.
• NHS (if applicable): Any ongoing treatments or prescriptions will need to be coordinated.
• Veterinary Surgery: For pet owners, ensuring the vet has the new address or registering with a new practice is crucial. For tips on settling pets, consult how to help a pet settle in a new home.

Employment, Education, and Personal Contacts

• Employer: Essential for payroll, HR records, and emergency contacts.
• Children's Schools/Nurseries: Inform current and new educational institutions.
• Friends and Family: A personal touch, perhaps with a housewarming invitation once settled.
• Clubs and Associations: Any memberships for gyms, clubs, or societies.

The Notification Process and Timeline

The timing of notifications can vary. Some, like utility providers, prefer several weeks' notice, while others can be updated closer to or just after the move.

• 8-12 Weeks Before Moving Day: Begin collating a comprehensive list of all organisations that need notification. This is also a good time to arrange mail redirection with Royal Mail, which typically takes about a week to set up and provides a useful safety net for any overlooked contacts.
• 2-4 Weeks Before Moving Day: Contact utility providers, internet and phone companies, and insurance providers. Confirm disconnection dates for the old property and connection dates for the new.
• 1 Week Before Moving Day: Update banks, credit cards, and other financial institutions. Inform your employer.
• On Moving Day: Take final meter readings at the old property and initial readings at the new property.
• After Moving Day: Register with a new GP, dentist, and optician. Update the DVLA and council tax for the new address. Inform friends and family. A comprehensive checklist, such as the URemovals Moving Checklist, can be invaluable for tracking these tasks.

Methods of Notification

• Online Portals: Many organisations now offer secure online platforms for address changes. This is often the quickest and most convenient method.
• Phone: For more complex changes or to discuss services, a direct phone call can be effective. Have account details and new address information readily available.
• Post: Some government departments or older institutions may still prefer written notification. Always send important documents via recorded delivery.
• In-Person: For local services like GP surgeries or banks, an in-person visit might be required for verification.

Maintaining Records

It is good practice to keep a record of all notifications, including the date contacted, the method used, and any reference numbers provided. This helps in tracking progress and resolving any potential issues that may arise.