Updating documents after a house move can be a daunting task, with new research showing that nearly two-thirds of Brits feel overwhelmed by the number of address changes they must make.
While moving to a new home is often a time of excitement, it's also accompanied by essential administrative responsibilities. One of the most critical is updating personal details with the appropriate services and organisations to avoid missed correspondence, lost parcels, or legal issues.
To assist movers, housebuilder David Wilson Homes compiled a guide outlining the key documents that should be updated when changing address. The company also surveyed 500 homeowners to better understand public attitudes around the process of updating personal information after a move.
The findings reveal that 68% of respondents feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of updates required after changing homes. More than half (55%) say they continue to receive post intended for previous occupants, while almost two in five admit to opening mail addressed to former residents.
Parcel delivery issues are also common. The survey found that 27% of respondents have had a package delivered to an old address by mistake. A further 17% reported missing an important bill or letter due to not updating their details in time.
To understand what documents people prioritise during a move, David Wilson Homes asked survey participants which updates they considered essential.
“It's encouraging to see that Council Tax and driving licences ranked so highly in the survey, as both are essential to update as soon as you move into a new home,” explained Gavin Powell, sales director at David Wilson Homes North West. “Keeping your Council Tax details current ensures you stay on top of payments, while failing to update your driving licence could result in a fine of up to £1,000.”
Powell continued, “For drivers, it’s also important to update your vehicle’s logbook (V5C). Not only could you face a hefty fine if it’s incorrect, but you might also miss important correspondence from the DVLA, such as tax reminders or speeding notifications.
"And for pet owners, don’t forget to update the database your pet’s microchip is registered with. If your pet goes missing, having the right address on file greatly increases the chance of them being safely returned to your new home.”
What to do if a parcel is delivered to your old address
For those who forget to update their delivery address when ordering online, recovering a package sent to a previous property can be challenging.
“If you forget to update your address when placing an order and the parcel is delivered to your old home, the responsibility unfortunately lies with you, as the courier has fulfilled the delivery to the address provided,” said Powell. “That said, it’s always worth contacting the seller or retailer to explain the situation. Some may offer a goodwill replacement or refund, depending on their policy. If that’s not possible, and you feel comfortable, you can try visiting your old address to ask if the parcel was received and whether it can be returned to you.”
Documents and services that should be updated after a move
Legal and government requirements
Some address updates are legally mandated, and failing to complete them could lead to financial penalties or missed critical information. Driver’s licence and vehicle logbook (V5C): Outdated records can result in fines of up to £1,000. The survey found that nearly 1 in 10 Brits still have their old address on their licence.
HMRC: Those who are self-employed or receive tax credits must ensure details are correct to avoid payment issues.
Electoral roll: Not updating can affect credit checks, as lenders use it to verify identities.
Council Tax: Residents must register with their new local council immediately after moving to avoid late fees or even court action.
Passport: While not legally tied to an address, a lost passport may be returned to the listed location.
DWP and pension providers: It's essential to report address changes to prevent delayed or incorrect payments.
Medical services
Maintaining continuity in healthcare requires updating the following providers:
GP surgery and NHS: Essential for access to repeat prescriptions and medical history.
Dentist and optician: Ensures appointment reminders and records are transferred to local practices.
Insurance providers
Outdated addresses can impact coverage across various insurance types
Car insurance: Inaccurate details could invalidate policies and lead to denied claims.
Home insurance: As it’s linked to the property, a new policy is required at the new address.
Health insurance: Some providers use location-based networks; an outdated address may limit access.
Life insurance: Incorrect records may delay beneficiary communication during claims.
Financial institutions
While not legally enforced, failing to update financial details may result in missed notifications and statements. Common institutions to contact include:
Banks and building societies
Loan and credit card providers
Investment platforms and ISAs
Credit reference agencies
Pet services
Protecting animals requires accurate records:
Microchip registration: Crucial in the event a pet goes missing.
Pet insurance: Helps avoid claim issues linked to outdated information.
Veterinary services: Register with a local vet before moving to ensure uninterrupted care.
Employment and pensions
HR and payroll: Ensures payslips and tax documents are accurate.
Workplace pensions: Though details usually transfer, it's important to confirm with your provider.
Utilities and other essential services
Prevent service disruption by contacting the following providers ahead of your move:
Electricity and gas
Broadband providers
TV licence
