Moving House Checklist: Who to Tell and What to Do Before You Move

Introduction

Moving house is exciting, but there's usually more to organise than you expect. Between packing boxes, arranging removals and sorting out paperwork, it's surprisingly easy to forget something important. You might remember to tell your family your new address but overlook your bank, electricity supplier or the DVLA.

One of the most common questions people ask is, who do I need to tell when I move house? The answer depends on your circumstances, but there are several organisations almost everyone in the UK should contact.

Whether you're buying your first property, moving into a larger home or preparing to sell your current one, having a clear plan makes the process easier. If you're still getting your property ready for sale, YooSell's guide to selling your house privately in the UK can help you understand what happens before completion.

This moving house checklist covers who to notify, when to update your address and the practical jobs worth completing before you hand over the keys.

Who Do I Need to Tell When I Move House?

You don't need to contact everyone on the same day. Some organisations need advance notice, while others should be updated once you've moved.

The easiest approach is to group your contacts into government services, household bills, financial providers and personal services.

1. Government Departments and Local Authorities

Some address changes are particularly important because failing to update your details could lead to missed correspondence or penalties.

DVLA or DVA

If you drive, you must update your driving licence address. You also need to update your vehicle registration certificate (V5C) if you're the registered keeper.

In Great Britain, the DVLA handles driving licences and vehicle records. In Northern Ireland, driving licences are managed by the DVA, while vehicle registration records are handled by the DVLA.

You can be fined up to £1,000 for failing to update relevant DVLA records.

Use the official DVLA change of address service.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

Tell HMRC when you change address, particularly if you pay Income Tax, receive Child Benefit or have State Pension records.

HMRC advises people to update their address after moving rather than beforehand. You can usually do this through your Personal Tax Account.

Local council

Contact your existing council about your moving date and final Council Tax bill. If you're moving to another council area, register with the new authority too.

Northern Ireland uses domestic rates rather than Council Tax. You should notify Land and Property Services about the move.

Electoral register

Moving house doesn't automatically transfer your voter registration. Register to vote again using your new address so your electoral details remain accurate.

Benefits agencies

If you receive Universal Credit or other benefits, report your change of address to the relevant department promptly. Moving may affect your entitlement, particularly if your housing costs change.

2. Banks, Mortgage Lenders and Insurance Companies

Your financial providers need accurate contact details for statements, security checks and important correspondence.

Make sure you notify:

• Banks, building societies and credit card providers

• Mortgage lenders and loan providers

• Pension and investment providers

• Home, contents and car insurance companies

• Life, health and pet insurance providers

Home insurance deserves particular attention. Ask your insurer when cover should start at the new property and whether your belongings are protected during transportation.

If you're buying a property with a mortgage, your lender may require suitable buildings insurance from a specific stage of the purchase. Check the requirements with your conveyancer and insurer.

Car insurance can also change when you move because insurers consider factors associated with your new postcode. Update your address and confirm whether your premium will change.

3. Gas, Electricity and Water Suppliers

Utility bills are among the easiest things to overlook during a move.

Contact your current gas, electricity and water suppliers before moving day. Give them your moving date and forwarding address so they can arrange final bills.

On the day you leave, take photographs of your meter readings. Do the same when you arrive at your new home.

Remember that your new property may have different energy suppliers. Find out who currently supplies it and contact them to set up your account.

If you're moving to a property with a water meter, check whether your supplier needs advance notice to arrange a final reading.

4. Broadband, TV and Subscription Services

Nobody wants to move into a new home and discover they'll be waiting weeks for an internet connection.

Contact your broadband provider early to check whether your existing service can be transferred. Availability, speeds and installation requirements may differ at your new address.

You should also update:

• Mobile phone and home telephone accounts

• TV Licensing

• Streaming and television subscriptions

• Online shopping and delivery accounts

• Gym memberships and regular deliveries

If you need a TV Licence, update its address when moving. A licence doesn't automatically cover two properties indefinitely.

5. Healthcare Providers

Let your GP surgery know you're moving. If your new address falls outside its practice area, you may need to register with another surgery.

You should also update your details with your dentist, optician and any hospital clinics or specialists you regularly attend.

If you take prescription medication, check that you have enough to cover the moving period. Registering with a new GP can take time, so it's worth arranging this early.

6. Employer, Schools and Personal Contacts

Your employer should have your correct address for payroll records, workplace correspondence and emergencies.

If you have children, inform their school or nursery. If they're changing schools, arrange the necessary admissions or transfer paperwork.

Finally, remember friends, family, professional memberships and any charities or organisations that regularly contact you.

When Should You Start Preparing to Move House?

Leaving everything until the final week makes moving more stressful than it needs to be.

A practical moving house timeline helps spread the work over several weeks.

Four Weeks Before Moving

Once your moving date is reasonably certain, begin organising the bigger tasks.

• Compare removal company quotes and check availability.

• Declutter and decide what to sell, donate or recycle.

• Start collecting packing boxes and materials.

• Check broadband availability at your new address.

• Review your home insurance arrangements.

• Request time off work if necessary.

• Create a list of organisations that need your new address.

If you're selling a property, keep in touch with your solicitor or conveyancer about the expected completion date. Avoid making expensive, non-refundable arrangements until you're confident about the timing.

You can also use YooSell's seller paperwork checklist to check which documents you may need before completing your sale.

Two Weeks Before Moving

This is a good time to begin contacting service providers and dealing with everyday arrangements.

• Inform utility suppliers about your expected move.

• Arrange Royal Mail postal redirection.

• Confirm your removal booking.

• Begin packing items you rarely use.

• Update suitable subscriptions and delivery services.

• Arrange childcare or pet care for moving day.

• Check access and parking arrangements for the removal van.

Royal Mail offers a paid redirection service that can forward eligible post to your new address. It's useful for catching letters from organisations you may have forgotten, but it shouldn't replace updating your address directly.

One Week Before Moving

Focus on the final details.

Confirm your moving arrangements, label your boxes and separate anything you'll need immediately after arriving.

Keep passports, bank cards, medication, chargers, keys and important property documents together.

If you're moving out of a property you've sold, confirm which fixtures and fittings are included in the sale. Don't accidentally remove something you've agreed to leave behind.

It's also worth preparing a small essentials bag containing toiletries, clothes, basic kitchen items and anything children or pets might need.

Moving Day Checklist: What Should You Do?

Moving day can be hectic, especially if you're completing a property purchase and sale on the same day.

Before leaving your old home, take final gas, electricity and water meter readings where applicable. Photograph them and keep the records until your closing bills arrive.

Walk through every room, including the loft, garage, garden and storage cupboards. Check that nothing has been left behind.

Clean the property, collect all the keys and follow the agreed arrangements for handing them over.

If you're selling, wait for confirmation from your solicitor or conveyancer that completion has taken place before releasing the keys.

When you reach your new home, take opening meter readings before using significant amounts of energy or water.

Check the heating, water supply, electricity, smoke alarms and door locks. If anything appears unsafe, arrange for a qualified professional to inspect it.

You don't have to unpack everything immediately. Getting the beds ready, finding the kettle and making sure everyone has somewhere comfortable to sleep is a good start.

What Should You Do After Moving House?

Even after you've unpacked, a few important jobs remain.

Check that your address has been updated with your bank, insurers and government services. Register to vote again and make sure any outstanding utility bills from your previous home have been settled correctly.

If you have pets, update their microchip registration details and register with a local vet if necessary.

Find out when your new council collects rubbish and recycling. It's also sensible to locate your stopcock, fuse box and heating controls before you need them in an emergency.

Keep copies of completion documents, insurance policies and appliance instructions somewhere safe.

For extra peace of mind, consider changing the external door locks. You may not know how many spare keys previous occupants handed out.

Common Moving House Mistakes to Avoid

Most moving problems aren't caused by one major mistake. They're usually several small things that have been forgotten.

One common issue is arranging broadband too late. Another is failing to take meter readings, which can lead to disputes over final bills.

People also forget to update delivery addresses, leaving parcels heading to their previous home.

Don't assume Royal Mail redirection updates your address with banks or government departments. It simply redirects eligible post for the period you've purchased.

And if you're selling your property, make sure you understand when legal completion takes place. Moving arrangements should be coordinated with your conveyancer so you don't hand over keys too early.

Final Thoughts

Moving house doesn't have to mean weeks of confusion and last-minute phone calls. Most of the work becomes manageable when you know who needs your new address and when to contact them.

Start with the essential services, give yourself enough time to organise removals and keep a checklist you can work through gradually.

If you're planning to sell before your next move, YooSell gives UK homeowners a way to manage their property sale directly, from listing and viewings to receiving offers, without traditional estate agent commission.