Who to inform when moving a house?

When you’re moving house, staying organised so nothing slips through the cracks is half the battle. One of the most important (and easiest to forget) jobs is telling the right people about your change of address. Do it in good time and you’ll avoid missed bills, lost post, service cut-offs, and those annoying “we sent it to your old place” phone calls.

Below is a clear, UK-focused checklist of who to inform when moving house — plus a simple timeline to keep you on track.

Why telling people matters

Updating your address isn’t just admin for admin’s sake. It helps you:

• Prevent service disruptions: Giving suppliers notice ensures electricity, gas, water, broadband, and subscriptions keep running without gaps.

• Avoid fines or problems with official records: Bodies like HMRC and the DVLA require up-to-date details. Missing deadlines can lead to fines or complications later.

• Keep your post secure: Redirection and timely updates stop bank letters, legal docs, and insurance papers going to the wrong place.

• Reduce stress on moving week: When the essentials are already sorted, moving day is just moving day - not a scramble.

When to start notifying people

Aim to have most notifications done around 4 weeks before your moving date. Some organisations need longer, so use this as a rough guide:

6–8 weeks before moving

• Mortgage lender / landlord
• Home & contents insurer
• Schools / nurseries
• Employer (HR/payroll)

4–6 weeks before moving

• Electricity / gas / water
• Broadband / phone / TV provider
• TV licence

2–4 weeks before moving

• Council tax (old and new councils)
• Banks / building societies / credit cards
• HMRC
• DVLA
• Electoral roll

1–2 weeks before moving

• Subscriptions & memberships
• GP, dentist, optician
• Friends & family
• Royal Mail redirection

Who to inform when moving house (full checklist)

1. Mortgage provider or landlord

• Mortgage lender: Update your address so statements and official documents reach you.
• Landlord/letting agent: Give notice in line with your tenancy agreement and confirm your move-out date in writing.

2. Utility companies

Tell your:

• Electricity provider
• Gas provider
• Water supplier

What they’ll need:

• Your new address
• Your moving date
• Final meter readings from your old home (take these on moving day)

This closes old accounts properly and prevents you being billed for someone else’s usage.

3. Broadband, phone, and TV licence

• Broadband providers often need 2–4 weeks’ notice, especially if you're starting a new contract or moving the line.
• Update your mobile provider if your plan includes address-based bundles.
• TV licence: Update your address online so your licence covers the new property.

4. Council tax

Notify both:

• Your current council (to close your account)
• Your new council (to open a new account)

This prevents overlapping bills or missed payments.

5. Banks, building societies, and credit cards

Update:

• Current accounts
• Savings accounts
• ISAs/investments
• Loans and credit cards

Banks use your address for identity checks — so sorting this early helps avoid account flags later.

6. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)

Update your address to make sure you receive:

• Tax letters or rebates
• Self-Assessment reminders
• Child Benefit / Tax Credits correspondence

You can do this through your online Government Gateway account.

7. DVLA

You’re legally required to update:

• Driving licence address (usually within 2 weeks)
• Vehicle log book (V5C)
• Both can be updated online and are free.

8. Electoral roll

Registering at your new address:

Lets you vote Helps lenders verify your identity Can improve your credit profile over time Do it online — it only takes a few minutes.

9. Insurance providers

Update your address for:

• Home insurance (buildings/contents)
• Car insurance
• Life insurance
• Pet insurance
• Travel insurance

Premiums often change by postcode, so check whether your insurer needs to recalculate.

10. Royal Mail post redirection

A simple way to catch anything you’ve missed. Redirect for 3–6 months minimum (12 months if you’re cautious or mid-life-admin). You can set this up online.

11. Subscriptions and memberships

Think beyond the obvious:

• Streaming services (Netflix, Spotify, Prime)
• Magazines/newspapers
• Gym memberships
• Charity direct debits
• Online shopping accounts

A quick sweep through your email inbox for “subscription” or “receipt” usually reveals the lot.

12. Employer, schools, and childcare

• Employer: HR/payroll need your address for payslips, tax docs, and benefits.
• Schools/Nurseries/Childcare: Update records, emergency contacts, and any transport arrangements.

13. Health and medical providers

Notify:

• GP
• Dentist
• Optician
• Any specialist clinics

If you’re moving out of area, register with new providers early — some waiting lists are no joke.

14. Family and friends

Last but still important. A group message, WhatsApp broadcast, or simple change-of-address note works fine.

A practical way to manage it all

Here’s a lightweight system that saves headaches:

• Create a master checklist: One list, one place. Add log-ins, account numbers, and deadlines.
• Use online portals where possible: Faster, with a digital paper trail.
• Keep confirmation records: Screenshot or save confirmation emails.
• Do a final sweep the week before moving: Check the big ones (utilities, council, bank, broadband).
• Use redirection as your safety net: Even organised people miss one.
• Quick reminder: don’t forget your move logistics

Once your admin is in motion, you can focus on the bigger move decisions — like making sure you're confident about your next area and your sale.

If you're selling, GetAgent can help you compare top local estate agents and choose the one most likely to deliver the price and service you want — without the usual guesswork. Getting that right early makes everything else easier.