Moving home can be an exciting experience. With so much to organise and sort out, it can be easy to forget to notify your suppliers of a change of address. However, this can be crucial to ensure a smooth transition to your new home.
In this guide, we’ll discuss some of the companies you should notify of your move, however please remember this is a general guide and everyone will have different providers to inform.
Utility Providers
When you move home, it’s essential to notify your utility providers to avoid any disruption to your services or unexpected bills!
Here are the different utility providers you need to contact:
Electricity and Gas
You should contact your electricity and gas companies at least 48 hours before you move (however the earlier, the better) with your new address and the date you’ll be moving.
You’ll also need to give them your final meter readings on the day you move out and keep a record of them. If you don’t agree with your final bill, you can use these readings as proof. Without final meter readings, these companies can bill you for unused energy, or even the new owner’s usage!
If you’re moving to a new area, you may need to switch to a different electricity or gas company altogether. Check which companies operate in your new area and compare prices to find the best deal. You can use comparison websites, such as Go.Compare or Uswitch, to help you find new suppliers.
Internet Providers
If you have internet services, you’ll need to notify your provider when you move home. It’s best to notify them as early as possible to avoid any disruption to your service. Keep a record of the dates and times you contacted them and the name of the person you spoke to. This will come in handy if you need to follow up on any issues.
Compared to electric and gas, internet suppliers can massively differ in speed and availability in different locations. If your current provider doesn’t operate in your new area, or their speed falls short of the competition in that location, you can switch. You’ll just have to contact them to let them know of the change.
Again, you can use comparison sites to help with your search for a new provider.
Financial Institutions
When moving home, it’s important to notify financial institutions of your change of address to avoid missing important updates and safeguard yourself against identity theft.
Here are some that you should consider contacting:
Banks & Credit Card Companies
One of the first organisations to notify when moving home is your bank and credit card company. Make sure to update your address with them so that they can send you important updates such as new cards, pin numbers, and statements.
You can do this over the phone or through your online banking account.
Insurance Companies
Your insurance companies, such as home, car, and life insurance, will need to be notified of your change of address to ensure that your policies are up to date and that you can receive any important updates.
This can be done by calling customer service or by logging into your online account.
Local Council & Government
When you move home, it’s important to notify the local council of your change of address.
Council Tax
You should inform your local council of your change of address so that they can update their records in regards to your council tax. Failure to notify them of your relocation can result in incorrect bills and a fine.
Each local council will have a different way of changing your address. However, most will allow you to change it via phone, email, or online.
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
If you have a driving licence, you need to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of your change of address so that they can update their records and send you an updated driving license.
Failure to notify the DVLA of your change of address could result in a fine, prosecution, and 6 points on your license.
Click here to find out how to notify the DVLA of your change of address.
Healthcare Providers
When moving home, it’s important to notify both your Doctor & Dentist of your change of address as your new home may be outside of the practice catchment area.
Doctors Office
Your General Practitioner (GP) is responsible for your primary healthcare needs and medical records. You should inform your GP of your change of address as soon as possible to ensure they have your up to date information. If you’ve relocated outside your original catchment area, you may have to register at a new practice.
You can do this by filling out a change of address form at your GP surgery, sending an email, or calling the practice.
Dentist
Another healthcare provider you should inform is your dentist.
If you’re moving to a new area, you may need to find a new dentist. You can search for a new dentist in Scotland on the NHS Inform website.
Subscription Services
When you move home, it’s important to update any subscriptions to ensure you don’t miss out on deliveries.
Here are some subscription services you may need to update:
Mail Subscriptions
If you subscribe to any magazines, meals, or any other mail subscriptions, you will need to update your address. This will ensure that your items are delivered to your new address, and you don’t miss out!
Changing the address should be an easy process, usually done on their website. For example, to change a HelloFresh address, you simply log into your account, locate your personal information, and amend the address.
Additionally, when you move home, you should apply for a redirection of your mail via Royal Mail. Whether you’re moving within the UK or overseas, Royal Mail’s redirection service ensures you receive all your mail.
Click here to find out more about Royal Mail’s redirection service.
Online Streaming Services
If you subscribe to any online streaming services, such as Netflix or Amazon Prime, you will need to update your address in your account settings to ensure your billing information is up to date.
Additionally, if these companies wish to send you any promotional material via the mail, having your correct address on the account will make sure you receive it.
Final Thoughts
As we all know, moving home can be a stressful time, full of change and new experiences. However, hopefully after reading our guide, you’ll find contacting your current providers much easier.
If you live in Glasgow and moving house, GTW Storage can help. We offer safe, secure and reliable self storage facilities at the best value. With a range of units from 8 sq ft to 250 sq ft, we are certain we will have a suitable space for your prized possessions.
Click here to find out more about our personal storage units.