Keeping a mental list of the people you need to inform about moving house is a tall ask. With all that you need to concentrate on right now, avoid adding more to your plate. The Man has moved countless Melbournians from suburb to suburb and has seen his fair share of moves.
Follow his checklist below and keep track of who needs to know you’ve moved.
Australia Post (mail)
Don't end up with your mail piling up somewhere else - boy, that's inconvenient.
Notify the post office that you’ve moved and where all your packages bought online, your bills, mail, and favourite magazine subscriptions can be sent now. Redirect your mail with Australia Post here.
Australian Electoral Commission
A quick and easy process, we’d recommend changing this as soon as you’ve moved.
You really don’t want an election period rolling around with you unprepared, and registered for another area. The fine can sting even harder when you know it was avoidable. Update your details on the electoral roll here.
Australian Tax Office
Ahh, the taxman. It's very important he’s aware of where you live - the ATO keeps the residential details of everyone so the economic machine moves along smoother, and there are no complications in time. You can do this in multiple ways - Change your details with the Australian Tax Office here, or even use your MyGov account.
Drivers Licence / VicRoads & Vehicle Registration
Earlier you sort your driver's licence out, the better. VicRoads will understand that it's sometimes difficult to do this straight away, so there is a time window allowed before you have to change both your driver's licence and where your vehicle is registered. Not handling the update during this period but continuing to use your car is actually against the law.
Moving from interstate? Again, the earlier the better. If earlier is a bit of a challenge, you have a three-month window to update your details to Victoria.
Update your address with VicRoads here.
Local Council
This is potentially easy to forget, but make sure you do let your council know. You don’t want to be stuck paying rates after you’re no longer in the same property.
It’s also great to know what calendar your new local council provides its services, like hard rubbish removal, which day to take your bin out, and what recycling locations are nearby. These are all pretty important things during the move - you can update your details on your MyGov account.
Insurance Provider
Updating your address for your insurance isn’t just important so your insurer can contact you, it’s also important because having the wrong address on your insurance could invalidate future claims. Insurers may charge different premiums and require different levels of cover at your new address, so it’s important you let your insurers know about any changes.
Bank
With many people opting to do their banking online, it can be easy to forget that banks need your address. But as Westpac advises, informing your bank of any address changes is an important part of keeping you safe online and less vulnerable to fraud. Plus, you don’t want your new credit cards getting sent to your old address!
Schools
If you have kids, be sure to let their schools know that your address will be changing. Visit your school's website for contact details and discuss with their head office.
Moving with kids? Check out the Man's moving tips when you have little ones here.
GP, Dentist and Other Healthcare Providers
If you’re moving house, it’s best to let any healthcare providers you use know about your change of address.
A house move is a good time to consider whether you’ll stay with the same providers. You may love your current dentist and be happy to trek back to your old suburb to see them, or an interstate move could see an end to the relationship. Whichever scenario you find yourself in, it’s best to let dentists, GPs and physios know that you’re no longer at your old address.
Utilities: Phone, Internet, Gas, Water and Electric
Your utilities providers should often be the first people you contact, especially if you want to move your account from your current address to your new address.
Superannuation Fund
To ensure you don’t miss any important letters about your Super, be sure to contact your Superannuation fund and let them know you’ve moved to a new address.
Other important organisations to update your details with
While this checklist has been pretty exhaustive, you should also consider contacting:
- Any subscriptions or loyalty programs you’re part of
- Your employer
- Extracurricular activities
Family and friends
Finally, remember to tell your family and friends about the move! After working through a large list of official organisations, it can be easy to forget your nearest and dearest.
Be sure to get your friends and family to update their address books to avoid your old address piling up with birthday cards and christmas cards!
Got a big move coming up? Book Man With a Van: Melbourne’s most-trusted removalist service since 2001.
More of
Wheels
Check out our three handy vehicle sizes, from the nifty M truck to the XL behemoth. We keep them clean and fully-stocked with all the equipment for a smooth move.
Read more
How To Move Out Of Your Share House Without Conflict
Leaving your share house? Here’s how to move out amicably regardless of whether you’re still mates or not.
Read more
How To Get Your Rental Property Bond Back
Moving out? A little elbow grease before you depart could save you big-time - trust us. Check out our list of must-dos for the best shot at a full bond refund.
Read more