When you move house, who do you inform?
Moving house? Learn who you need to inform and get some extra tips to make moving day easier.
Moving house can be an exciting time for future planning, growing families and bringing dreams to life – but it's also one of life's biggest headaches.
Between packing boxes, finding the kettle and trying to remember which bag you put the important documents in, it's easy to forget about the paperwork. One crucial job? Letting the right people (and businesses) know about the move.
To help make things a little easier, take a look at our guide on who to inform when you move. We also share a few bonus tips to help keep stress to a minimum on moving day.
Why it's important to update your address
It might feel tempting to put it off when other tasks feel so much bigger. However, letting the right people know about your move is more important than you may think – even if many of your utilities are managed online.
If post keeps landing at your old address, you could miss important bills, essential information from your bank or medical appointments. More worryingly, leaving your personal information floating around could leave you open to identity theft.
Getting on top of your address changes ahead of time will save a lot of stress (and paperwork) later down the line.
Who to inform
The list is probably longer than you think. We've put together this handy checklist to help you prioritise.
1. Utility companies
Gas, electricity, water, internet – these are the essentials and probably the easiest to remember.
Let your providers know your move date so they can transfer or close your accounts. You don't want to be paying for someone else's hot showers after you've moved out.
2. Your bank and financial institutions
Update your address with your bank, building society, credit card providers and pension companies. It's also worth checking if you need to notify any online payment services you use, such as PayPal or Monzo.
3. DVLA and vehicle insurers
You'll need to update your address on your driving licence, vehicle log book (V5C) and car insurance. The DVLA needs to know – as does your insurer, as failing to inform them could invalidate your policy.
4. Your employer
Even if you work remotely, your employer needs your up-to-date address for HR records, payroll and any important post they might send.
5. Your GP, dentist and healthcare providers
If you're staying local, your GP surgery, dentist and optician will still need your new address. If you're moving further afield, you'll need to register with a new practice. Don't leave it until you're feeling under the weather.
6. HMRC and benefits offices
Be sure to update your details with HM Revenue & Customs so it can stay in touch about your taxes. If you receive any benefits, it's crucial to let the relevant departments know, too.
7. Insurance providers
Home insurance, pet insurance, life insurance – if you have any of these policies in place, make sure the providers have your new address. Otherwise, you might find yourself unprotected without even realising it.
8. Subscriptions and online shopping accounts
Think magazines, monthly subscriptions and online retailers like Amazon. And don't forget about eBay! Updating your delivery address in good time will save you the heartache of lost or misdelivered parcels later on.
9. Friends and family
Last but certainly not least, don't forget to tell your loved ones. You can simplify this with a steady stream of "We've moved!" texts to help make sure the next round of greetings cards lands in the right place. (And don't forget housewarming gifts…)
Are you self-employed?
Don't forget to update your details with HMRC if you're a sole trader and with Companies House if you run a limited company. You'll also want to let your clients know your new address if they send payments, contracts or important correspondence by post.
Bonus tips for a smoother move
Telling people you've moved is important – but there are a few extra tricks that can make moving day even less stressful.
1. Set up a mail redirect
Royal Mail offers a redirection service that forwards your post from your old address to your new one for up to 12 months. It's a great safety net while you update your details everywhere.
2. Make a list (and check it twice)
Keep a written list or a spreadsheet of who you've contacted, who still needs chasing up and any final admin tasks. Trust us – future you will be grateful.
3. Update your address early where you can
For services you don't expect to use too often, it won't do any harm to update your address a few weeks ahead of time. That might include things like online shopping accounts and magazine subscriptions.
By letting them know about your move early, you can tick a few names off the list long before things get hectic. It will also help avoid accidental deliveries to the wrong house.
4. Label your moving boxes clearly
It's not just about writing "kitchen" or "bedroom" on every side – add a brief note about what's inside, too. "Kitchen – kettle and mugs" will be a lifesaver when you're desperate for a cuppa at the new place.
Make moving day easier with MVH Rental
Let's be honest – moving is a big job that requires a lot of hard work. Between the packing, the paperwork and the endless cups of tea to keep you going, anything that makes the day easier is a win.
Whether you're moving a few streets away or halfway across the country, having the right vehicle can save you endless trips. (Your back will thank you for it, too.)
That's where MVH Rental comes in. We hire out spacious, reliable vans that make moving house a whole lot simpler.
Our vans come in a range of sizes to suit everything from small flats to family homes. And because you're hiring from a trusted local company, you know you're getting great value, brilliant service and a vehicle you can rely on.
Need advice on the best van for your move? Our friendly team is always happy to help. We've seen it all – from last-minute dashes to carefully colour-coded packing strategies – and we're here to make your move as smooth as possible.
Looking for affordable van hire in the North East? Give us a call on (0191) 4888 700 and book the perfect van for moving day.
