3 July 2026 | 7 minute read
Changing your address when you move house is one of those tasks that sounds simple but catches people out more than almost anything else about moving. Miss one organisation and you could end up with missed post, a fine, or a credit rating problem months later. This guide covers everyone you need to tell, in roughly the right order, so nothing slips through the gaps.
Ideally you want to start the process two to four weeks before your move date. Some organisations take time to update their records and you do not want important post going to the wrong address in the meantime. For things like your bank and employer you can often update immediately and the change takes effect within a few days. For government bodies like HMRC and DVLA allow longer.
The Royal Mail redirection service is worth setting up regardless of how thorough you are — it catches anything you miss and forwards post from your old address to your new one. It costs around £33 for three months and is one of the best insurance policies you can buy for a house move. Set it up at royalmail.com before your move date.
HMRC — update your address online via your Government Gateway account or by calling 0300 200 3300. Important if you are self employed or receive tax credits. Do this as soon as you have your new address confirmed.
DVLA — you are legally required to update your driving licence address within three months of moving. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to £1,000. Update online at gov.uk/change-address-driving-licence. Also update your vehicle registration document (V5C) at the same time.
Electoral roll — register at your new address at gov.uk/register-to-vote. Not updating affects your credit rating as lenders use the electoral roll to verify your address. Do this within a few weeks of moving.
Passport — your passport does not show your address so there is nothing to update, but make a note of your new address for your next renewal application.
National Insurance — HMRC holds this record so updating HMRC covers this automatically.
DWP and benefits — if you receive Universal Credit, tax credits, child benefit, or any other DWP payment notify them immediately as your entitlement may change based on your new address.
NHS and GP — register with a new GP in your new area as soon as possible, particularly if you have ongoing health needs. Your medical records transfer automatically once you register with the new practice. Also update with your dentist and any specialists you see regularly.
Bank and building society — update all accounts including savings, ISAs, and joint accounts. Most banks allow you to update online or via the app instantly. Important for credit rating consistency.
Credit cards — update each card separately even if they are from the same provider as accounts are often held independently.
Car insurance — your address affects your premium. Failing to notify your insurer of an address change could invalidate your policy. Update before you move if possible as the new address may change your premium up or down.
Home insurance — your old policy ends when you move out. Make sure your new home is insured from the day you move in. Many people arrange this through their mortgage provider but check it is in place before move day.
Life insurance and pensions — update contact details so statements and important correspondence reach you. Particularly important for workplace pensions where you may have changed employer address details.
Investments and ISAs — update all investment accounts, stocks and shares ISAs, and any premium bond accounts with NS&I.
Mortgage provider — if you are porting your mortgage or taking out a new one this is handled as part of the transaction. If you own the property outright update your lender or whoever holds the deeds.
Electricity and gas — give your supplier your move date and your new address. Take meter readings at both properties on move day and photograph them. Set up new accounts at your new address or transfer your existing supply if the provider covers the new area.
Water — contact the water supplier for your new area as soon as you know your move date. Water companies are regional so you will almost certainly be switching providers.
Broadband and phone — book your new broadband installation well in advance as engineer appointments can take two to three weeks. Sky, BT, Virgin, and other providers all need notice. If you are within contract check whether you can transfer your service or whether early termination fees apply.
TV licence — update at tvlicensing.co.uk. You may be entitled to a partial refund on your old licence if it is paid monthly or annually.
Council tax — notify both your old and new local council. Your old council will issue a final bill and your new council will set up a new account. Do this before or on move day.
Bin collections and recycling — register with your new local council to find out collection days and what is collected.
Employer — update HR for payroll, tax records, and pension contributions. Do this before your first payslip goes to the wrong address.
Professional memberships — any trade or professional body memberships where your address is recorded should be updated.
Companies House — if you are a company director or registered as self employed with a business address, update this separately.
Online shopping accounts — Amazon, eBay, ASOS, and any other accounts where you have a saved delivery address. Easy to forget and embarrassing when a parcel arrives at your old address weeks later.
Magazine and newspaper subscriptions — any physical publications you receive by post.
Loyalty cards — Tesco Clubcard, Nectar, and similar schemes where post is occasionally sent.
Friends and family — send a message to close contacts with your new address, particularly anyone who might send birthday cards or gifts by post.
Children's school — if you are staying at the same school update the office with your new address. If you are moving catchment area start the school transfer process as early as possible as places in popular schools can take time to arrange.
Work through this in the two weeks before and two weeks after your move:
Before you move: Royal Mail redirection, car insurance, home insurance, broadband installation booked, DVLA, electoral roll, bank accounts, employer HR, GP registration at new address started.
On move day: Meter readings at both properties photographed, council tax notifications sent to both councils, utilities final bills requested from old suppliers, new utility accounts set up.
Within two weeks of moving: HMRC, all credit cards, all savings and investments, TV licence, subscriptions and loyalty cards, friends and family notified.
Before you can start changing your address you need to know your move date. If you are still looking for a reliable removal company in Crawley or Horsham, getting free quotes from trusted local companies is the first step. Fill in the form at ukmovequotes.co.uk and local removal companies will be in touch within 24 hours with their prices.
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