When moving house, there are many important organisations to notify of your change of address. Some of these updates are essential and may carry fines if not completed promptly. Below is a comprehensive guide, grouped by type, to help you ensure a smooth transition. Whilst this is not an exhaustive list, it highlights key organisations and tasks to consider.
Utilities and essential services
- Boiler cover: arrange a transfer of cover on the day of your move.
- Energy providers (gas and electricity): notify your provider before moving day to ensure a smooth handover. When selling a property, do not disconnect the supply.
- Water company: read the water meters on the day of your move and notify the provider.
- Landline/internet provider: notify your landline/internet provider to schedule a transfer or installation at your new address.
- Council tax: contact your council to advise regarding change of address, this can be done slightly in advance of move subject to exchange of contracts.
Insurance and legal updates
- House insurance: Some providers offer 30-day buying and selling cover. Ensure continued cover is confirmed within this period.
- Car insurance: notify your insurer as your new address may affect your premium. Fees may apply.
- Pet insurance: update your address to maintain coverage.
- DVLA (driving licence): update your driving licence details (fees apply).
- DVLA (vehicle tax): notify the DVLA if you pay vehicle tax by direct debit.
Health and well-being
- Pet microchip database: update your pet's details to reflect your new address (admin costs may apply).
- Vets: notify your veterinary practice of your new address.
- Doctors / dentists / opticians: update your GP and other healthcare providers with your new information.
Financial and legal organisations
- Banks and financial institutions: notify your bank, credit card providers, and any other financial organisations.
- Make sure you provide your employer with your new address.
- Postal redirection: set up postal redirection with Royal Mail. Costs depend on the length of service (3, 6, or 9 months) and the number of adults.
- HMRC: notify HMRC to ensure your tax records are accurate.
Schools and childcare
- Schools and nurseries: inform your child’s school or nursery of your move to ensure continuity of communication.
Other important updates
- TV licence: notify the TV Licensing Authority before moving (an admin cost applies).
- Warranty policies: update the details for household appliances to ensure coverage.
- Apple Pay: change your address in the app.
- Mobile phone provider: advise provider of change of address.
Helping the new owners
To ensure a positive experience for the new occupants, consider doing the following:
- Leave any manuals for boilers and heating control systems.
- Provide NHBC information (if applicable).
- Inform them of the current utility providers.
- Label keys and place them in specific envelopes. Hand these over only after formal completion has taken place.
- Share codes for alarms and key safes after completion.
- Let them know the locations of water, gas, and electricity meters. On the day of leaving the property, give the meter readings to the providers and take a photo of the reading for your records if possible.
- If there is a house alarm, explain where the battery is located.
- Leave details of bin collection days.
Moving house is a significant milestone and ensuring all these updates are completed will help make the process as stress-free as possible for both you and the new owners.
Stephensons have helped thousands of people buy and sell properties across the country, contact our residential conveyancing solicitors today on 0161 696 6187 to find out how we can help, or use our free online calculator to get a quote for our services.
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