Change of address, no one missed.
Who to tell, what to switch over and what to cancel when you move, from forwarding your post to registering at the new address, in the order it matters, so nothing keeps going to the old one.
One to three months before
- When you move abroad
Tell your banks you are moving and keep one account that works abroad
about 6 weeks before you leaveCards get blocked abroad, and some banks close accounts of people who live elsewhere.
- Ask each bank about non-resident rules
- Keep one account and card that work abroad
- Order replacement cards before you go
- Contract
Cancel or move subscriptions and memberships
about 4 weeks before you leaveNotice periods apply, and some contracts can end early when you move away.
- List gym, phone, streaming and clubs
- Ask whether moving ends the contract early
Set up electricity, gas, water and internet at the new home
about 4 weeks before you leaveInternet installation can take weeks.
- Ask the landlord which utilities you must contract
- Book internet installation
Update your voter registration
about 4 weeks before you leaveRegistration has deadlines, and voting from abroad often has early ones.
- Update your address on the electoral roll
- For a move abroad, check how to vote from abroad
The last month
Book final meter readings and disconnections
about 3 weeks before you leaveWithout readings you may pay for the next tenant.
- Tell each utility your leaving date
- Photograph the meters on the last day
Make your change-of-address list
about 2 weeks before you leaveBanks, insurers, tax, pension and memberships all need the new address.
- List banks, employer, insurers, tax office, pension, benefits, child benefit and memberships
- Mark each one done as you update it
Tip: Some countries require foreign residents to report address changes within days.
Set up mail forwarding or a virtual mailbox
about 2 weeks before you leaveLetters with deadlines keep arriving at the old address for months.
- Order forwarding from the start date
- Or choose a virtual mailbox that scans letters
Moving day
- Contract
Cancel or move car insurance, toll tags and parking permits
The day you leavePolicies and tags keep charging after you sell or leave.
- Cancel from the sale or departure date
- Official step
Deregister at your old address if your country requires it
Plan for: The day you leaveSome countries require you to tell them you are leaving. The certificate also proves your move to customs and tax offices.
- Check whether deregistration applies
- Submit it close to your leaving date
The deadline is set by local rules. Read it on the official page and set the date yourself; Rootstep links that page where it has one.
The first month after you arrive
- Official step
Register your address
Plan for: about 2 weeks after you arriveMany countries require registration within days of moving in. The certificate unlocks the bank account, tax number and permits.
- Bring passports, the lease and the landlord confirmation
- Register every member of the household
- Scan the certificate into Documents
The deadline is set by local rules. Read it on the official page and set the date yourself; Rootstep links that page where it has one.
Send your new address to friends and family
about 2 weeks after you arriveSo personal post and visits reach you.
- Share the address and your time zone
Set up salary, rent and standing orders
about 3 weeks after you arriveLate rent is a bad start with a new landlord.
- Give HR the account
- Set up rent and utilities
Pay final bills and cancel direct debits you no longer need
about 4 weeks after you leaveForgotten debits and final bills turn into debt collection at an address you no longer read.
- List all direct debits
- Cancel what you no longer need
- Check the final bills
- Official step
Register for local levies such as broadcast fee or waste charges
Plan for: about 4 weeks after you arriveSome levies apply automatically to every household and run from the move-in date.
- Check which levies apply, or ask the assistant
- Register and set up payment
The deadline is set by local rules. Read it on the official page and set the date yourself; Rootstep links that page where it has one.
Later, once you've settled
- When you move to a new town
Register with a family doctor, dentist and paediatrician
about 6 weeks after you arriveWaiting lists are long in many places. Register before you are ill.
- Ask neighbours or colleagues for names
- Add them to Contacts
- When you move abroad
Update app store region, streaming and account phone numbers
about 9 weeks after you arriveServices depend on region and phone number.
- Change regions after subscriptions end
- Update phone numbers in key accounts
90-day check: mail, address changes, deposit back
about 3 months after you arriveLoose ends show up after three months: missing mail, a deposit not returned, an old bill.
- Check every address change is done
- Check the old deposit is back
- Review the budget against the plan
- Official stepIf you drive
Exchange your driving licence or update its address
Plan for: about 5 months after you arriveLicences from another country or state are often valid only for a limited time after you become resident.
- Check whether your licence can be exchanged or you must take a test
- Book the appointment early
The deadline is set by local rules. Read it on the official page and set the date yourself; Rootstep links that page where it has one.
Let the dates take care of themselves.
Rootstep keeps every change in your plan with its own date, and a check after 90 days catches what still goes to the old address. Try everything free for 9 days; your plan stays free to follow, and one payment keeps you planning.