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Moving Home Key Contacts: Who to Notify and Why It Matters

Miller Metcalfe posted on 13th June 2018

moving home dont forget your key contacts

Moving house and need to change your address? The overlooked step in moving home.

Moving home is an exciting milestone, but between packing boxes and arranging removals, it’s easy to overlook one crucial task – notifying key contacts of your new address. Forgetting to update your details can lead to missed bills, service interruptions, and security risks like identity fraud.

To help make your move stress-free, we’ve outlined exactly who you need to notify, when to do it, and why it’s essential. Our downloadable checklist ensures you don’t miss a thing – but first, here’s a closer look at the process.

Change of Address ChecklistDownload

Why Updating Your Contacts Matters

You might assume that setting up a mail redirection service is enough, but this is only a short-term solution. Here’s why it’s important to inform key organisations directly.

Avoid Missed Payments & Late Fees

If you don’t update banks and service providers, you might miss important payment reminders, leading to unnecessary fees.

Prevent Service Interruptions

Utility companies, internet providers, and insurance firms all rely on up-to-date records to maintain service.

Protect Your Personal Information

Letters containing sensitive details sent to your old address could lead to fraud or identity theft.

Ensure You Receive Government & Legal Notices

HMRC, the DVLA, and the Electoral Register all require your correct address.

By updating your details as early as possible, you can avoid unnecessary stress and ensure everything continues smoothly in your new home.

When Should You Start Notifying Key Contacts?

To keep things simple, here’s a suggested timeline for updating your details.

Start Early and Plan From Four Weeks Before Moving

Notify your bank, credit card providers, and insurance companies.
Update subscriptions and memberships (magazines, gyms, charities).
Arrange new utility contracts (electricity, water, broadband) for your new home.
Contact your employer’s payroll or HR department if your payslips are posted.

Confirm Essential Services Two Weeks Before Moving

Provide final meter readings and settle utility bills.
Confirm mail redirection with Royal Mail (this can take up to five working days to activate).
Update TV Licensing and internet/phone providers.
Arrange council tax updates for both your old and new addresses.

Final Updates in Moving Week

Notify the DVLA of your new address to update your driving licence and vehicle logbook (V5C).
Inform the local council about your move to ensure your council tax records are correct.
Update your details with your doctor, dentist, and optician.
If applicable, update the microchip details for your pets.

Double-Check Everything After Moving

Confirm that mail redirection is working and that letters aren’t still going to your old home.
Check your online accounts (Amazon, eBay, PayPal) to ensure deliveries arrive at the right place.
Ensure your home and car insurance policies reflect your new address.

Commonly Overlooked Contacts

While most people remember to notify their bank and utility providers, several important contacts often get forgotten.

Workplace & Payroll Departments

If you receive payslips or employment-related letters by post, inform your employer’s HR department. This is particularly important if they send P60s or pension statements.

Car Breakdown Cover (AA, RAC, Green Flag)

Your car recovery service may have different regional coverage, so make sure your address is correct to avoid delays in case of a breakdown.

Charities & Subscription Services

If you donate to charities, ensure they have your correct address for tax receipts. The same applies to magazine subscriptions, meal delivery kits, and loyalty schemes.

Retail & Online Accounts

Avoid missed deliveries by updating your details on all of your online shopping accounts.

Amazon
eBay
PayPal
Supermarkets (for example: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Ocado)
Clothing and homeware retailers

Pet Microchip Database

By law, dog owners in the UK must keep microchip details up to date. If your pet is chipped, update your details with a microchip registry.

Moving With Children or Pets?

If you have children or pets, extra steps are needed to ensure a smooth transition.

Schools & Childcare Providers

Notify your child’s school or nursery well in advance.
If moving out of the catchment area, apply for school transfers as soon as possible.
Update details with child benefit and student loan providers.

Pet Care

If you’re moving out of town, register with a new vet in your area and let your old vet know you’re moving.
Ensure your pet insurance provider has your updated address.
Keep familiar items (beds, toys, food) easily accessible to help your pet settle in.

Top Tip: Redirect Your Mail

Even if you update your contacts promptly, it’s wise to set up Royal Mail’s Redirection Service as a backup. There is a fee attached, but this service ensures your post is forwarded from your old address to your new home.

How to Set Up Mail Redirection

Available for 3, 6, or 12 months.
Covers letters and parcels from Royal Mail.
Prevents personal details from falling into the wrong hands.

You can set up mail redirection online via the Royal Mail website or in person at your local Post Office.

Keep a Record

To stay organised, keep a checklist of the contacts you’ve updated.

Use a notebook or spreadsheet to track changes.
Keep confirmation emails or letters from companies as proof.
Download our Moving Home Key Contacts Checklist to tick off as you go.

Make Your Move Stress-Free with Miller Metcalfe

At Miller Metcalfe, we understand that moving home involves more than just packing boxes, it’s about ensuring a smooth transition into your new property. Updating your address with key contacts might seem overwhelming, but by breaking it down into manageable steps, you can avoid unnecessary stress and disruptions.

By following this guide and using our Moving Home Key Contacts Checklist downloadable, you’ll ensure nothing is missed, allowing you to settle into your new home with ease.

For more expert moving advice, browse our latest property guides or speak to our team for personalised support throughout your move.