Who do I need to notify when I move house? A complete UK checklist

Moving home? Here’s who you need to tell

When you move house, updating your address isn’t just about redirecting post. Many organisations rely on having your correct address — and forgetting to notify the right ones can lead to missed bills, lost letters, or even problems with your credit record.

To make things easier, this guide walks through everyone you should notify when you move home in the UK, broken down into clear categories you can work through one by one.

1. Local council and government services

These should be updated as soon as you know your moving date.

Council tax

You’ll need to:

• Tell your old council you’re moving out
• Tell your new council you’ve moved in

This ensures you’re billed correctly and avoids gaps or overlaps.

Electoral register

Updating your address helps:

• Maintain your credit score
• Ensure you can vote in local and national elections

You can usually do this online in a few minutes.

DVLA

You must update:

• Your driving licence address
• Your vehicle log book (V5C) separately

Failing to do this can result in fines.

2. Utilities and household services

These providers need your address to bill you correctly and close or open accounts.

Gas, electricity and water

For each utility:

• Take meter readings on move-out day
• Give your supplier your forwarding address
• Set up accounts at your new home if needed

Broadband, phone and TV

Check whether you can:

• Transfer your service
• Cancel without penalty
• Schedule installation at your new address

TV Licence

If you have one, you’ll need to update the address or cancel it.

3. Banks, finance and insurance

These are particularly important, as incorrect addresses can cause missed statements or security issues.

Banks and building societies

Update your address for:

• Current accounts
• Savings accounts
• Credit cards

Loans and finance providers

Including:

• Personal loans
• Car finance
• Buy now, pay later accounts

Insurance providers

Don’t forget:

• Home insurance
• Car insurance
• Health or life insurance

Your address can affect premiums, so it’s best to update promptly.

4. Work, health and education

Employer and pension providers

Your employer needs your current address for:

• Payroll records
• Tax documents
• Benefits and pensions

GP, dentist and optician

If you’re moving area, you may need to:

• Register with a new GP
• Transfer medical records

Schools, colleges or universities

Make sure records are up to date, especially if you receive correspondence by post.

5. Subscriptions and memberships

These are easy to forget but can cause frustration later.

Examples include:

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

If they send physical items or letters, updating your address avoids missed deliveries.

6. Friends, family and personal contacts

Once the essentials are done, remember to let:

• Friends and family
• Any regular visitors
• Childcare providers

know your new address.

A simpler way to handle address changes

Telling every organisation individually can take time — especially when you’re already busy with a move.

MoveHelper helps you update your address in one place, so you don’t have to remember everyone yourself or repeat the same information over and over.

You can choose which organisations to notify and review everything before it’s sent.

Final checklist before you settle in

Before you consider your move complete, double-check that you’ve updated:

• Council and government services
• Utilities
• Financial accounts
• Insurance
• Health and work records

A little organisation now can save a lot of hassle later.

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