Who to notify when moving house: complete UK checklist 2026
Moving house is an exciting time, but with so much to organise, it's easy to overlook some important details. One of the key tasks on your to-do list should be informing the right people and organisations of your change of address. Missing this step can lead to lost post, unpaid bills, or even security issues. To make things easier, we've put together this comprehensive guide on who to inform when moving house.
People to notify when moving house: essential checklist
1. Government and local authorities
Your local council needs to be notified so they can update your Council Tax records. This ensures you're paying the correct amount and avoids any unnecessary charges or fines.
- DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency)
If you drive, you must update your address with the DVLA for both your driving licence and vehicle logbook (V5C). Failing to do so can result in fines.
If you receive tax credits, Child Benefits, or pensions, notify HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to ensure your payments continue without interruption.
Updating your details on the electoral role ensures you're registered to vote at your new address, which is essential for participating in elections and referendums. Being correctly registered can also help verify your identity with financial institutions and other services.
2. Utilities and service providers
- Gas, electricity and water
Let your gas, electricity and water suppliers know your move date and provide final meter readings to ensure accurate billing.
- Internet, TV and phone providers
Arrange the transfer or cancellation of your broadband, TV and phone services well in advance to avoid disruption.
Your TV licence doesn't update automatically, so be sure to change your address to stay covered.
3. Financial institutions
- Banks and building societies
Inform your bank, credit card providers, and any savings or investment accounts of your new address to ensure important correspondence reaches you.
- Loan and mortgage providers
If you have a mortgage or any loans, update your details to prevent communication issues.
From home and car insurance to life and pet insurance, updating your address ensures your policies remain valid.
4. Healthcare providers
If you're moving to a new area, register with a new GP and dentist as soon as possible. Even if you're staying local, updating your details ensures you receive important health-related correspondence.
If you have private health insurance, notify your provider to keep your records up to date.
5. Employment and education
Your employer needs your updated address for payroll, tax, and pension purposes.
If you have children, let their school or university know about your move so they can update their records accordingly.
6. Subscription services and memberships
- Streaming and subscription boxes
From Netflix to Amazon Prime to beauty boxes and meal kits, update your address to avoid lost deliveries.
If you're a member of a gym, local club, or professional organisation, update your details to stay connected.
7. Friends, family and personal contacts
Don't forget to share your new address with friends and family so they can stay in touch and send mail to the right place.
Who do I need to inform when moving house? Quick tips
Notifying all these organisations might seem like a lot, but here are some ways to simplify the process:
- Use a mail redirection service - Royal Mail offers a mail redirection service to forward post to your new home for up to 12 months.
- Make a checklist - Work through each organisation step by step to stay organised.
- Update details online - Many providers allow you to update your address quickly through their websites.
Ensuring you inform the right people when you move house in the UK helps prevent unnecessary stress, lost post, and potential fines. By following this checklist, you can make your move as smooth as possible.
At Pickfords, we're here to help make your move stress-free. Get in touch for a free, non-obligatory removals quote.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. Who do I need to inform when moving house?
When moving house, you must inform DVLA for driving licence and vehicle registration updates (legal requirement within 14 days), your local council for council tax, banks and building societies for all accounts, utility providers including gas, electricity, water and broadband, HMRC and DWP for tax and benefits, electoral roll to register at your new address, GP, dentist and optician for medical records, all insurance providers including home, car and life policies, your employer for payroll and pension, schools if you have children, TV Licensing, Royal Mail for redirection service and subscription services. Create a comprehensive checklist to avoid missed notifications.