Change of address checklist: everything you need to update when moving home

A simple checklist for changing your address

When you’re moving home, there’s a lot to think about — and updating your address often ends up being done in a rush, or forgotten altogether.

This change of address checklist breaks everything down into clear, manageable steps, so you can work through it at your own pace and feel confident nothing’s been missed.

You can tick these off before, during, or just after your move.

Before you move

1. Set up mail redirection

Royal Mail’s redirection service helps catch anything you forget to update straight away. It’s not a replacement for updating your address properly, but it gives you breathing room.

2. Gather your account details

Before moving day, make a list of:

• Banks and credit cards
• Utility providers
• Insurance policies
• Subscriptions

Having logins or account numbers ready saves time later.

On moving day

3. Take meter readings

Make sure you record:

• Gas
• Electricity
• Water

This ensures final bills are accurate and avoids disputes.

4. Confirm your new address details

Double-check:

• Postcode
• Flat or apartment number
• Building name (if applicable)

Small errors can cause big delays later.

After you’ve moved

5. Update council and government services

Start with:

• Council tax (old and new councils)
• Electoral register
• DVLA (licence and V5C separately)

These are time-sensitive and best done early.

6. Update utilities and household services

Notify:

• Gas, electricity and water suppliers
• Broadband, phone and TV providers
• TV Licensing

This helps prevent missed bills or service interruptions.

7. Update banks, finance and insurance

Make sure your address is correct for:

• Banks and building societies
• Credit cards and loans
• Car insurance and home insurance

An outdated address can cause security issues or affect cover.

8. Update work, health and education records

Don’t forget to notify:

• Your employer and pension providers
• GP, dentist and optician
• Schools, colleges or universities

9. Update subscriptions and memberships

These are easy to overlook, but often send physical items:

• Online shopping accounts
• Streaming services
• Gyms and clubs
• Professional memberships

A quicker way to work through your checklist

Updating your address one organisation at a time can take longer than expected — especially when you’re already busy settling into a new home.

MoveHelper lets you update your address in one place, helping you manage the process without repeating the same information over and over.

You stay in control and can review everything before it’s sent.

Final change of address checklist

Before you consider it done, make sure you’ve updated:

• Council and government services
• Utilities
• Banks and insurance
• Work and health records
• Subscriptions and memberships

A few minutes of organisation now can save hours of hassle later.

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