The change of Address Notification

If you’ve recently moved home, or if you’re about to, then you might be sending out a lot of change of address notes this year. But it’s not just friends and family that you need to tell about your change of circumstance.

Suppliers & Utilities

First and foremost, you are probably going to want to make sure that you’re comfortable in your new home - so somewhere at the top of the list for notifications will be your gas and electricity suppliers.  After that, depending on your priorities of course, will be telephone (land line and mobile), internet, and television licence.  That’s pretty much everything you need for a quiet night in – so to make sure that it’s protected, you might also want to contact your insurance company.

Local Council

Updating the electoral roll will not only ensure your right to vote, but it’s also important when it comes to things like your credit rating.  You’ll also need to speak to your local council and benefits office if you’re in receipt of things like a Blue Badge or housing benefit, and to make arrangements with regard to your council tax bill.

Health

Registering with a new GP and dentist will be especially important if you’re moving a long way; but even if you’re only moving to a different part of the same city you may wish to consider it – just think about how far you want to have to travel when you’re not feeling well!  If you’re moving with pets, then do also think about the nearest local vet.

Money Matters

If you’re arranging a mortgage through your own bank then it’s entirely likely that they already know that you’ve moved.  However, if you hold ISAs, credit cards or other financial products elsewhere then they will need to know too – and don’t forget about people like the Student Loan Company!  When it comes to Income Tax and National Insurance then HM Revenue & Customs will want to hear from you, and the Department of Work and Pensions may also need to be notified if you’re in receipt of Disability Living Allowance, Winter Fuel Payments or State Pensions (for example).  Of course if you’re in employment, don’t forget to tell your employer, who will want to update your personal details!

Other mailings

One of the unexpected benefits of moving house can be a clean slate when it comes to junk mail – but don’t lose touch with those organisations and companies from whom you do want to hear.  If you’re a regular supporter of a particular charity, for example, or if you subscribe to one of more magazines, make sure that you let them know.

There’s no denying that the notification process can get very complicated – however, there are a few very helpful resources out there.  You can find a printable checklist of people to notify here and you might also want to use something like the “I am moving” service.

Good luck and happy moving! 


Hunters Estate Agents are a nationwide UK estate agency. With our head York Estate Agents office, we have 90 further branches nationwide.


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Moving House with Pets

Moving house is an exciting time and process; after finding your perfect new property for sale, you can’t wait to get moved in and settled.  You’ll want to make sure everything’s planned ahead so that it all runs smoothly on the day.

Pets can find the process of moving house somewhat stressful, so here are a few top tips for keeping your furry friends happy when you decide to up sticks and shift postcode:

Prepare for moving day

If there’s going to be any sort of journey involved, then have a think about how your pet is going to make that journey.  For example, if your cat is going to spend a good few hours in a carrier, then it might be an idea to let them get used to it first.  Knowing how suspicious our feline friends can be, it might be an idea to place the carrier in a familiar or favourite place and let them get used to it at least a week before moving day.  The more comfortable they are, the less stressful moving day will be for everyone.

Make moving day as easy as possible

There’s going to be a lot of noise, movement, and unfamiliar people in your home when it comes to moving the boxes into the van.  Minimise this disruption for your pets by limiting them to one room in the house, in which you’ve placed familiar items – toys, blankets etc.  Depending on the animal involved, you might find it useful to notify the movers / family members that the pets’ room is not to be disturbed, so as ensure as smooth a day as possible for everyone involved.

Make preparations at the other end

As you have a room at the start of the journey, have a room at the end.  Your pets will take a few days to adjust to new and unfamiliar surroundings, so you may want to section off a small area of your new home where they can get their bearings and figure out their new home, with all of its new sounds and smells.  You’ll find it strange waking up in a new bed – and so will your animals!

In the event of an emergency

Most people when moving house plan for moving their electricity and gas suppliers, their newspaper, broadband and television subscriptions.  But have you thought about the nearest vet?  Even if your pet doesn’t have any current health issues, it’s a good idea to add the nearest emergency vet to the “need to know” numbers for your new home.

Get to know your neighbours

This is good advice for everyone, but especially your furry or four-legged friends.  If you’re a dog owner, then perhaps your fellow dog-walkers might be able to suggest a good local route?  If you’ve got a rabbit, perhaps your next door neighbours might be able to advise on the presence of foxes in the area?  Quite apart from investigating the possibilities of cat-sitters, using your animals to get to know your neighbours can be an easy way to introduce yourself to the locals.  


Hunters are an independent UK Estate Agents with properties for sale and for rent nationwide.