Cheap Removals Companies

What Happens If You Forget?

When you’re planning a move, most of the focus tends to fall on the big stuff — hiring a removal company, packing, and trying not to forget your kettle. But once the boxes are loaded and the van’s pulling away, there’s still one task that can cause a surprising amount of stress if left too late: updating your address across every UK service you use.

It might not seem like a priority when you’re dealing with furniture, internet installation, or handing over keys. But forgetting to change your address can lead to missed bills, delivery delays, service issues, or even identity fraud.

That’s why, alongside finding reliable and cheap-removal-companies, creating a plan to update your address is one of the smartest things you can do. It’s not exciting, but it’s vital — and doing it the right way saves you from all kinds of avoidable problems later on.

What Happens If You Forget?

You’d be surprised how many people move home and forget to tell their energy company. Or their mobile provider. Or even their bank. And yes, most of the time it works out — but not always.

Some of the most common issues that happen when you don’t update your address include:

• Missed bills or late fees from banks, credit cards, and utilities
• Failed deliveries for online orders, repeat prescriptions, or parcels
• Insurance becoming invalid if your policy no longer reflects your real home
• Loss of privacy, as your personal details and post go to the new occupants of your old house
• Credit score impact, if a late payment is registered against your name

Worst case? You find out your name is still being used at a property you left months ago, and someone’s opened accounts using your details. It’s rare, but it does happen — and it all starts with not updating records properly.

Planning Ahead Can Save You Hours Later

The good news is: changing your address doesn’t have to be hard. Most organisations now let you do it online or over the phone in just a few minutes. The hard bit is remembering who you need to notify — and when.

Start early. Ideally, 2–4 weeks before your move, begin compiling a list of services you use regularly. Think about:

Online shops where you order frequently

Utilities and energy suppliers

Banks and lenders

Insurance providers (home, car, life)

TV licences, broadband and streaming services

Government bodies like HMRC, DVLA, DWP

Healthcare providers

Subscription boxes and memberships

Loyalty schemes or reward cards

Work Smarter, Not Harder

If you’re using one of the more established cheap-removal-companies, like Moving Circle Removals & Storage, some may even provide a checklist or tool to help with address updates. Ask your mover if they offer this — it’s a small touch, but it can make life easier.

You can also use Royal Mail’s Redirection Service as a backup. It forwards your post from your old address to your new one for up to 12 months — giving you time to catch any services you might’ve missed. It’s not a substitute for updating records, but it’s a helpful safety net.

Don’t Let Admin Become a Headache Later

It’s easy to say “I’ll do it after I move.” But most people get so caught up with the move itself that these updates slip down the list — until a bill gets missed or a delivery shows up at your old front door.

Treat updating your address like part of the move — just as important as hiring cheap-removal-companies or bubble wrapping your dishes. The sooner you get it done, the sooner you can relax and settle into your new home without worrying about what’s gone where.

Who to Notify: Your Full UK Address Change Checklist

Now that you understand why updating your address is so important, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get it done. Below is a detailed list of UK service providers you should contact either before or immediately after your move.

If you’re working with experienced yet cheap-removal-companies, you might already have some of this listed — but it’s always smart to double-check.

🏡 Utility Providers (Gas, Electric, Water)

Let your energy providers know at least 48 hours before your move. Provide final meter readings and confirm when to end service at your old address (or transfer it). You’ll also need to open a new account for your new property.

Don’t forget your water company — it’s separate and based on region. They’ll usually need your move date and new postcode.

💡 Broadband, Landline, and TV

Most providers like BT, Virgin, or Sky need two weeks’ notice to transfer or cancel services. Be aware that you may be tied into a contract — ask if there’s a moving option.

If you’re switching providers, book the install at your new home early. These slots go fast!

💳 Banks, Credit Cards, and Loan Providers

All your financial providers — from bank accounts to credit cards and loans — need your new address as soon as you move. This is one of the most important updates for fraud prevention.

Many banks allow you to do this online or via their mobile app in minutes. It’s a quick task that can avoid long-term issues.

🚗 Car-Related Services: DVLA, Car Insurance, Breakdown Cover

• Update your driving licence and logbook (V5C) with the DVLA
• Change your car insurance address (it affects your premium!)
• Notify breakdown cover providers like the AA or RAC

Driving with the wrong address could be considered illegal or invalidate your insurance — so don’t skip it.

💼 HMRC, Council Tax, and Benefits

• Let HMRC know so your tax records stay accurate
• Update your local council for council tax billing
• Inform DWP if you get any benefits, pensions, or Universal Credit

These changes are essential — especially if you’re moving to a new council area with different tax bands.

📬 Royal Mail Redirection

Use Royal Mail’s Redirection Service to catch any mail from companies you forgot to tell. It’s not free, but it’s worth the peace of mind.

Choose 3, 6, or 12 months of redirection — and use that time to track down anything you missed.