Who to Notify When Moving House Checklist
Moving to a new home in London can be exciting, but also daunting. There is so much to think about and a lot of information to update. Staying organised is key, so here’s a checklist to help you remember who to notify when you move.
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Updating your details online
The majority of notifications on this list can be updated online, making the process a much quicker one. It’s worthwhile keeping a record of the address changes as you work through the list so you don’t miss any, and tick them off as you go.
Find your London borough
The London Councils website is the collective of local government in London, bringing together information and shared services from all of the 32 London boroughs. It also includes links to the individual borough council websites to help you find the information you need for your new London area.
Essential Services
Energy providers: Electricity, Gas and Water
Contact current providers to cancel service at your old address and set up service at your new address. You will need to provide final meter readings on the day of the move.
Broadband and TV providers: Internet, Cable and Satellite
Contact your provider to transfer your service or arrange cancellation and new setup at your new address. Consider potential downtime and choose an appropriate installation date.
Mobile phone provider
Change your address with your mobile phone provider to ensure that all telephone bills continue to reach you.
Landline phone provider
Inform your provider about your move. Decide whether to transfer your landline service or cancel it.
Top Tip: Explore different providers in your new area to compare prices and plans.
Local Authorities
Council Tax
You will need to inform your local council of your move date at least 21 days in advance.
Inform them of any changes in occupancy at your old or new address, as this might affect your bill.
Top Tip: You can update your council tax information online, by phone, or in person. You can find the information for your local council at London Government Directory.
Electoral Roll Registration
Register to vote at your new address as soon as possible on the Electoral Commission website, by mail, or in person to ensure you can participate in elections.
Top Tip: You can also check your current registration status and update your details online.
HMRC
Updating HMRC is essential if you’re moving house, especially as it’s critical to provide a change of address for your National Insurance payments. This can be done online at the HMRC section of the Gov.uk website.
If you’re a business owner, again you’ll need to update your details at the gov.uk website. This will ensure information is correct for Corporation Tax, Self-Assessment, PAYE for employers, and VAT.
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
Your vehicle registration address will need to be updated with the DVLA within 21 days of moving. This can be done at https://www.gov.uk/change-address-v5c/change-name-address-v5c or by phone or post.
Top Tip: You can also update your driving licence address when you renew it.
TV Licence
You’ll need to get your TV licence transferred to your new address. This can all be done online at https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/cs/update/multiple-changes/index.app
Benefits Agencies
You need to report changes to your circumstances so you keep claiming the right amount of benefits.
Your claim might be stopped or reduced if you do not report a change straight away or you give incorrect information.
Below are links to some of the benefit organisations you may need to update:
- Universal Credit – Sign in to your Universal Credit account
- Child Benefit – Report changes to your child’s circumstances that may affect Child Benefit
- Housing Benefit – Find your local council
- Carer’s allowance – Carer’s Allowance: report changes
Additional local authority notifications (may vary depending on your location): - Waste collection
- Parking permits
- Library membership
- School admissions (if applicable)
Financial Institutions
Banks and Building Societies
Update your address for all bank accounts, including current accounts, savings accounts, and investment accounts. Inform them about any changes in your banking needs or anticipated financial activity due to the move.
Credit Card Companies
Inform them about your move and update your billing address for all credit cards.
It is wise to consider extra spending you may incur over the move period and make necessary arrangements to avoid overdraft fees and maxing your credit cards. Speak to your bank if you think you may need a bit of flexibility for a time, or consider requesting an increase on your credit card spend limit.
Loan providers
Update your address for all personal and business loans. Depending on the type of loan, there might be additional requirements or procedures to follow.
Insurance Providers
Update your address for all insurance policies, including home, car, health, and life insurance.
Review your insurance policies to see if any changes are needed due to your new location or property (e.g. home insurance coverage).
Pension Providers
Update your address for your pension plans, both state and private, and ensure your beneficiary information is up-to-date.
Investment Funds and Brokerage Accounts
Update your address for all investment accounts and brokerage accounts. Inform them about your move and update any relevant contact information.
Top tips: Keep copies of any confirmation emails or letters you receive from financial institutions for your records.
Services and subscriptions
Home Services
If you have regular home services such as window cleaning, gardening, house cleaning, you will need to notify the service provider of your move date.
Delivery Services
Remember to update your delivery address for delivery services i.e. Amazon, eBay, supermarket delivery services.
Also remember to update any newspaper and magazine subscriptions you receive through the post.
Mail Forwarding
Consider the length of mail forwarding based on your situation. A month is common, but longer periods might be needed if expecting important documents.
Royal Mail offer a postal redirection service.
Media and Entertainment
Ensure your streaming platforms (Netflix, Spotify, Paramount, Disney+ etc) billing and contact information is updated.
Memberships
If you are a member of a local gym or club, you may be needing to cancel the membership. Most organisations do ask for some notice prior to cancelling. Notify the organisation in good time, or request an address update if you are staying local.
Top Tip: Beware of automatic renewals: Check cancellation policies and deadlines to avoid unwanted charges.
Healthcare providers
Doctor and Dentist
Notifying the practice in good time will help to maintain continuity of care, especially if you require ongoing treatment or medication.
If you are moving to a new surgery, request a Change of Address form from your local GP surgery. This will initiate the process of transferring your medical records and streamlines the process to minimise any disruption to your healthcare.
If you have repeat prescriptions, your doctor can inform your new GP surgery so you can continue receiving your medication without interruption.
Your dentist can keep your dental records updated with your new address and contact details. This allows them to contact you for future appointments, reminders, or important information.
If you are not staying with your current dentist, ask your current dentist for recommendations of dental practices in your new area. They might have insights into which practices accept new patients, have specific specialties, or offer convenient hours.
Top tip: If you are not moving too far, it may be advisable to remain at your existing practice, due to the shortage of doctors and dentists taking on new NHS patients.
Hospitals and Specialists
If you receive ongoing care from hospitals or specialists, let them know about your move. They may have specific procedures for updating your records and transferring care, if necessary.
If you have upcoming appointments, discuss options for continuing care or transferring your records to a local specialist.
Top Tip: Keep copies of your medical records, and bring medication lists to new appointments. This ensures your new doctor is aware of all your medications and can provide informed care.
Schools and nurseries
Schools
If your child wants to remain at their current school, notify them at least 6 weeks before your move to ensure a smooth transition. They may require specific documentation or procedures.
Check the admission deadlines and application process for your desired school(s) in your new area.
Provide the school with your child’s new details, including any medical conditions or special needs. If possible, schedule a meeting with the new school’s headteacher or relevant staff to discuss your child’s needs and ease their transition.
Nurseries and childminders
Check the nursery or childminder’s notice period requirement in your contract. Notify them well in advance to avoid penalties or ensure a smooth handover.
Request their written permission to share your child’s development records with a new nursery, if applicable.
Top Tip: Gather all relevant documents early to prevent delays and ensures a smooth transition.
The people in your life
Friends and Family
You will want to notify friends and family that you have moved. There are various ways to communicate this – a nice personal call, email, social media, or a dedicated “moving update” message. Consider individual preferences and privacy concerns.
If desired, send out personalised moving announcements or invitations to a housewarming party once settled in your new home!
Employer
Inform your employer at least 4 weeks before your move date to ensure your details have been updated on the system and all your details are correct for payroll purposes.
Social Profiles
Updating your address on social media is optional and depends on your comfort level with sharing personal information. Consider privacy settings and who can see your updated location.
Updating your address on professional networking sites like LinkedIn can ensure employers and connections have accurate information.
Bringing it all together
There’s a lot to think about! Create a master list of all the people and organisations you need to inform and divide it into sections such as utilities, financial, healthcare, etc.
Prioritise notifying utility providers, healthcare providers, and local authorities well in advance. Early notification ensures continuity and avoids last-minute scrambling.
Need more help with the moving process?
At Jonesmoves, we love to help our customers enjoy their moving house experience, with minimum stress and hassle. We hope this proves a useful checklist prior to your move!
Don’t let the notification frenzy overwhelm you – let Jonesmoves help you move smart, move easy, move London! Find out more about our removal services in and around London.
Get a quote today! Or call us on 07902 074132 to discuss your requirements in more detail.