Moving to a new home, while very exciting, can tax even the most organised mind. Getting your belongings from A to B is just one piece of a complicated puzzle. This guide covers the administrative and practical tasks that are easy to overlook but important to tackle early.
Set Up Your Energy as Soon as Possible
When you move into a new property, you are automatically placed on a “deemed contract” with the previous occupant’s energy supplier — usually their standard variable tariff, which is typically the most expensive option. The sooner you compare and switch, the more you will save. Take meter readings the moment you arrive and report them to both your old and new supplier on the same day.
Notify Your Local Council
Inform your new council of your move-in date so your council tax is set up correctly from day one. Contact your old council to close your account on the right date. Also register on the electoral roll at your new address — you can do this online via Gov.uk in a few minutes.
Update Your Insurance and Driving Documents
Your car insurance policy is linked to your registered address. Driving with an out-of-date address can invalidate your cover in the event of a claim. Update your car insurance and notify the DVLA of your new address — you are legally required to update both your driving licence and your vehicle’s V5C log book. Failing to update the V5C can result in a fine.
You will also need to arrange new buildings and contents insurance for your new property. Buildings insurance should be in place from exchange of contracts, not just completion.
Notify Banks and Financial Providers
Update your address with your bank, credit card providers, pension and ISA providers, and any savings or investment accounts. Most banks allow address updates through their app or online banking, though some require written confirmation. Also update any direct debits and subscriptions linked to your old address to avoid missed payments or failed deliveries.
Sort Broadband and Phone Early
Broadband installation can take two to four weeks if a new line needs to be installed. Contact your provider well in advance of moving day — if you work from home, this is especially important. Some providers transfer your existing contract to the new address; others require a new one. Check whether the new property already has a live line, which can speed up activation considerably.
Register with Local Healthcare Services
Register with a new GP and dentist in your new area as soon as possible. NHS waiting lists can be long, particularly for dentistry, so registering before you need an appointment matters. If you have children, registering them with a local GP is a priority.
Redirect Your Post
Royal Mail’s redirection service forwards post from your old address to your new one. It costs from around £33 for three months and requires at least five working days’ notice. It is a useful safety net while you work through your change-of-address list, but it is not a substitute for actually updating your records — some senders do not re-send redirected mail.
Schools
If you are moving with school-age children, contact the new local authority’s admissions team as early as possible, particularly if you are moving mid-term. In-year admissions can be competitive, and the process varies by borough. If you are moving ahead of a new school year, check the applications deadlines carefully — they are earlier than most parents expect.
Update HMRC and Your Employer
If you are employed, notify your payroll department or HR team of your new address so that your tax records, payslips, and P60 are issued correctly. If you are self-employed, update your address with HMRC through your personal tax account. Your National Insurance and tax correspondence will continue to go to your registered address, so keeping this current matters.
Water Provider
Unlike gas and electricity, water supply is not something you can switch — you are assigned to the regional provider for your area. However, you should still notify your old water supplier to close your account and contact the new one to open yours, giving them a meter reading on moving day. In some areas, water meters are mandatory; in others they are optional but can save money if your household uses less than average.
F Smith & Son handles the physical side of your move. For more advice on everything else involved in relocating, visit the F Smith & Son Advice Hub.