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

Moving house is exciting, but it also comes with a long list of admin. If you forget to update your address with the right organisations, you could miss important letters, face service interruptions, or even run into financial issues.

This guide covers everyone you need to notify when you move house in the UK, broken down into clear, manageable categories so nothing gets overlooked.

Local council and government bodies

These should be some of the first organisations you notify, as they’re linked to official records and legal responsibilities.

Local council

You’ll need to update your address with your local council to ensure:

• Council tax is charged correctly
• You’re registered at the right property
• Any local services are updated

If you’re moving to a new council area, you’ll need to notify both your old and new councils.

Electoral Register

Updating your address on the Electoral Register allows you to:

• Vote in local and national elections
• Maintain your credit record (the register is used for identity checks)

You can update this online through the UK government website.

DVLA

You must update:

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

These are two separate updates, and failing to do them can result in fines.

HMRC

HMRC should be notified if you:

• Are self-employed
• Receive tax credits or benefits
• Have a change that affects your tax status

You can update your address through your personal tax account.

Utilities and household services

These providers need your new address to ensure continuity of service and correct billing.

Gas and electricity

Contact your current provider to:

• Provide final meter readings
• Close your old account
• Set up billing at your new address (or switch provider)

Water

Water suppliers are regional, so you may need to register with a new provider when you move.

Broadband, phone and TV

Internet and TV services often need advance notice. Some providers require installation at your new property, which can take time.

TV licence

Your TV licence doesn’t move automatically with you — you’ll need to update your address separately.

Banks, credit cards and financial providers

Keeping your financial details up to date helps prevent missed statements and protects your credit score.

Notify:

• Banks and building societies
• Credit card providers
• Mortgage lender or landlord
• Pension providers
• Investment or savings accounts

Insurance providers

Insurance policies are often linked to your address and property details.

Make sure you update:

• Home insurance
• Car insurance
• Life insurance
• Pet insurance
• Travel insurance (if address-based)

Failing to update your address could invalidate a policy.

Health, work and education

GP, dentist and optician

If you’re staying in the same area, you may just need to update your address. If you’re moving further away, you’ll need to register with new providers.

Employer

Your employer needs your correct address for:

• Payroll
• Tax records
• HR documentation

Schools and childcare

If you have children, notify schools, nurseries, or after-school clubs as early as possible.

Subscriptions, deliveries and online accounts

These are easy to forget but often cause the most frustration.

Update your address for:

• Online shopping accounts
• Streaming services
• Magazine subscriptions
• Food and meal delivery services
• Loyalty cards and memberships

What happens if you forget to update your address?

Missing a few updates might not seem serious, but it can lead to:

• Missed bills or fines
• Service interruptions
• Insurance issues
• Problems with credit checks
• Lost or delayed post

This is why having a clear checklist — or using a single service to handle updates — can make a big difference.

A simpler way to update your address

Contacting every organisation individually takes time and it’s easy to miss one. MoveHelper helps you update your address with multiple providers in one place, reducing admin and helping you move with confidence.

Moving home? Update your address in one place and get it done properly.

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