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Change Of Address Checklist: Who To Notify When Moving

3 January 2022

Moving can be challenging and there are so many things to remember. There is packing , organising the removalist , organising for your electricity and internet to be connected and so much more.
In the rush of things, it can be easy to forget to have your address changed with various agencies - but this is a highly important process and should be high on your list of priorities. Here are the different people and agencies you should notify when you are moving house:

Update Your Licence With Service NSW

This goes at the top of the list because it is actually an offence to not update your details if anything changes in New South Wales. You have 14 days to notify Service NSW and show proof of your new address, so this should be the first organisation you contact so you don't get fined. This can be done online, by phone or at any service centre.

Utility Companies

This is the second most important because a lot of people leave this until too late. It can sometimes take weeks for your electricity, internet, pay television service or other utilities to be connected, especially if there are any complications. Moving into a new home with no power or no internet can be highly inconvenient, so give your utility companies plenty of advance notice. They won't disconnect your previous address until an agreed date.

The Post Office

Most of our communication is done electronically these days, but there is more than one reason why your regular mail is important. You don't want to miss urgent communications or have your utilities turned off because you didn't receive the bill. Identity theft is also a very real issue. With enough identification from your mail, a fraudster could easily assume your identity to drain your bank accounts and rack up enormous amounts of debt.

Government Agencies

Alerting the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) and Australian Tax Office (ATO) only takes a few minutes online. If you forget, it can result in fines at election time or missing out on crucial government information that could prove costly as well. Medicare and Centrelink are also agencies that often get forgotten and your details can quickly and easily be updated at the MyGov website.

Insurance Providers

This is not only important to receive vital communications but to ensure you are properly covered. Depending on your insurance policy and company, having incorrect details on file may void your coverage if you need to file a claim.

Schools And Childcare Services

It doesn’t matter if your children are changing school, kindy or daycare, you will need to provide updated contact details. This is so important messages regarding your child can reach you.

Your Financial Institutions

Just like insurance companies, your bank may void your loan application if your contact details are not correct. Additionally, banks may send out debit or credit cards that could fall into the wrong hands if they are sent to the wrong address.

Pet Registration

This is another one that is commonly overlooked. Your pet's registration can be updated online and can save a lot of heartache down the line. This is the information encoded into your pet's microchip so it will be essential if your cat or dog is lost or hurt. Vets will scan this chip and will need access to the right information to be able to contact you.

Friends And Family

This is more of a courtesy than an essential item on the list. But you don't want to miss out on Christmas cards, gifts, invites to anniversaries, birthdays and weddings or other thoughtful items that are often sent through the mail.