Who else needs my new address?

Updating Your Address: An Essential Checklist

Moving house involves more than just packing boxes and transporting belongings. A crucial, often underestimated, part of the process is notifying various organisations and individuals of a new address. This ensures continuity of services, prevents identity theft, and keeps personal information secure.

Government & Public Services

Several government bodies require prompt notification of a change of address. This maintains accurate records and ensures access to essential services.

• HMRC (HM Revenue & Customs): This includes details for income tax, National Insurance, tax credits, and any benefits received. Updating HMRC records is important to avoid issues with tax codes or benefit payments.
• Local Council: The local council requires notification for Council Tax purposes, both at the old and new properties. It is also necessary to update details for the electoral register to ensure voting rights in local and national elections.
• DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency): Both a driving licence and vehicle registration documents (V5C logbook) must be updated. Driving with an incorrect address on a licence can result in a fine.
• Passport Office: While not legally required to update a passport address immediately, it is advisable to do so when renewing the passport or applying for a new one.
• TV Licensing: The TV Licence needs to be updated to the new address to ensure compliance.
• Royal Mail: Arranging redirecting mail through Royal Mail helps catch any correspondence missed from other address updates. This service provides a valuable buffer period.

Financial Institutions

Updating financial records protects against fraud and ensures important statements and communications are received.

• Banks and Building Societies: All personal bank accounts, savings accounts, and ISAs should have their address updated.
• Credit Card Companies: Each credit card provider needs to be informed. This is vital for security and to prevent cards being sent to an old address.
• Pension Providers: Whether it is a workplace pension or a private scheme, the administrators require the new address for future correspondence.
• Investment and Share Accounts: Brokers and investment platforms must be updated to ensure account statements and regulatory information reach the correct location.

Utilities & Home Services

Timely notification of utility providers ensures seamless service transition and avoids charges at the old property.

• Electricity, Gas, and Water Providers: These companies need to know when you are leaving the old property and moving into the new one. Providing final meter readings for the old address and initial readings for the new one is standard practice. Information on disconnecting utilities is available in specific guides.
• Internet, Phone, and TV Service Providers: Arranging the transfer or setup of services at the new property in advance prevents a lapse in connectivity.
• Home and Contents Insurance: It is critical to inform insurance providers about the move. Policies are location-specific, and failure to update could invalidate coverage.
• Car and Pet Insurance: Similar to home insurance, these policies are tied to an address and require updating.

Employment & Education

Maintaining correct contact details with employers and educational institutions is essential.

• Employer: HR departments and payroll need the new address for payslips, P60s, and emergency contact purposes.
• Children's Schools or Nurseries: Schools and childcare providers must have up-to-date contact information, especially for emergencies.
• Universities or Colleges: If studying, the institution needs the current address for administrative purposes and student loan correspondence.

Subscriptions & Online Services

A surprising number of services and accounts are linked to a residential address.

• Magazine and Newspaper Subscriptions: Update delivery addresses to continue receiving publications.
• Online Retailers: Companies like Amazon, eBay, and other preferred online shops should have their saved delivery addresses updated to avoid packages being sent to the wrong place.
• Loyalty Programmes: Supermarket loyalty cards, frequent flyer programmes, and similar schemes often send out physical mail or offers based on address.
• Professional Memberships: Any professional bodies or associations should be informed of the change.

Friends, Family, and Social Connections

While less formal, informing personal contacts ensures they know where to find you. A simple group message or email can often suffice, perhaps accompanied by an invitation to the housewarming. Always remember that a new kettle usually needs breaking in.