Where to change your address and other essential tasks
Moving house is one of life’s big moments – exciting, but also a bit stressful. It’s not just about finding the perfect removals company to help with the heavy lifting (although that’s important, of course!). There’s a lot to remember, from changing your address to making sure your new home is safe and secure. To help make your move as smooth as possible, we’ve put together this ultimate checklist of everywhere you’ll need to update your details and some other crucial tasks you don’t want to forget.
Inform important services about your change of address
The first thing you’ll need to do when moving is make sure the right people and services know where to find you. Updating your address is crucial to avoid missing bills, important documents, or packages. Here’s a handy guide to the key places you need to notify. In no particular order, although we would recommend starting with Royal Mail…
Royal Mail
When you move house, you can set up something called a mail redirection for 12 months. This ensures that any of your post sent to your old address automatically gets forwarded to your new home for up to a year, that gives you plenty of time to update everyone else in this list without being too frantic, and also allows for any annual subscriptions/ renewals you might accidentally forget about in the process.
Council tax
Contact your local council to inform them of your move. You’ll need to settle your bill for your old home and register for council tax at your new address.
Electoral register
Updating your details with the electoral register ensures you’re eligible to vote in your new area.
Driving license
The DVLA needs to know your new address for your driving licence. You can update it online or by post, and don’t forget to change the address on your vehicle’s logbook (V5C) and car insurance.
Utilities (Gas, electricity and water)
Inform your gas, electricity, and water suppliers of your move. You’ll need to settle any outstanding bills and set up services at your new property. It’s also a good time to compare utility providers to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal.
TV Licence
If you watch live TV, listen to the radio, or use BBC iPlayer, you’ll need to update your TV licence with your new address to avoid getting lots of reminder letters. You can do this easily online.
Banks and Financial Institutions
Notify your bank, building society, credit card providers, and any loan companies of your new address. It’s also essential to update your address with your pension provider and any investment accounts. Even those premium bonds your nan bought you back in the 80s.
Insurance providers (Home, car, life, health)
Update your address with all your insurance providers. For home insurance, make sure your policy covers your new property, and for car insurance, your premiums may change depending on your new location or if you’ll now be parking your car on a driveway or in a garage, for example.
Health Services (GP, dentist, optician)
Inform your GP, dentist, and optician of your change of address. If you’re moving out of the area, you may need to register with new healthcare providers.
Subscriptions
Don’t forget about any magazine subscriptions, meal kits, or online shopping accounts like Amazon. You don’t want deliveries heading to your old address!
Securing your new home
Now that the admin is sorted, let’s talk about safety. After moving into a new property, it’s a good idea to ensure everything is secure and in working order.
Change the locks
You never know how many copies of your keys might be out there, especially if the previous owners had builders, cleaners, or estate agents with access. Changing the locks on all external doors is a simple step that just offers peace of mind, that the only people with the ability to enter your home freely are chosen by you.
Check windows and doors
Ensure all windows and doors close properly and lock securely. If any look outdated or worn, it might be time to replace them.
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
Safety first! Test the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace any that aren’t working or are too old.
Set up your new home
With the important paperwork and security out of the way, it’s time to get your new house feeling like a home. Here are a few final tips to settle in smoothly:
Redirect your internet and set up TV services
If you’re continuing with your existing broadband provider, arrange to transfer your service ahead of time to avoid any downtime. If you’re looking for a new deal, compare providers to find the best internet speed and price for your area. If you’d like advice on the best coverage, it’s often worth a post to your local Facebook group to ask advice from people who already live there.
Get the essentials ready
Make sure you have all the essentials ready to go for your first few days in your new home. This includes basics like cleaning supplies, bedding, kitchen utensils, and some groceries. It’s often a good idea to put these kinds of bits and pieces in one bag that travels with you and doesn’t leave your sight – no-one wants to lose the teabags on day 1!
Update your pet’s microchip
If you have a furry friend, don’t forget to update the address on their microchip registration. Often escaped pets are found wandering with old chip details, making it difficult to get in touch with their owners.
Inform your employer
Let your employer know about your change of address, especially if they need to send you any important documents or work-related items.
Don’t forget the little things
There are always a few small details that can be easily overlooked during a big move. Here are some final things to keep in mind:
- Local amenities: Familiarise yourself with your new area. Find out where the nearest grocery store, post office, pharmacy, and petrol station are, and make a note of any local parks or gyms you might want to join.
- Register for local parking permits: If your new home is in a controlled parking zone, you’ll likely need a parking permit. If you think this is something you’ll need, you’ll be able to find out more about the application process on your local council’s website.
Moving house can feel overwhelming, but with the right planning, it doesn’t have to be. Updating your details, securing your new home, and making sure everything is in place will help you settle into your new space smoothly. If you’re looking for a reliable and professional removals company to make your move as stress-free as possible, our expert team is here to help.
Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, we’ll handle everything from packing to transport with care and attention. Contact us today to get a free quote and let us take the heavy lifting off your hands!
