12-Step checklist for changing your address when relocating

Changing your address isn’t just about packing boxes and booking a moving truck—there’s a bit of admin involved too. From redirecting your mail to updating your driver’s licence and letting your bank, utilities, and service providers know where you’ve moved, there are a few key steps to tick off. This guide walks you through everything you need to do to stay organised, avoid missed bills, and make sure nothing slips through the cracks during your move.

Contents

• Redirect your mail with Australia Post
• Update your driver’s licence and car registration
• Notify your bank and financial institutions
• Let utility providers know (electricity, gas, water)
• Update your internet and phone services
• Inform all relevant government agencies (medicare, ATO etc)
• Contact your employer, school or university
• Update your address for subscriptions and memberships
• Let your healthcare providers know
• Update any insurance policies (home, contents, car)
• Check in with your new local council
• Create your own personal checklist

1. Redirect your mail with Australia Post

One of the easiest ways to stay on top of your change of address is by setting up mail redirection. It gives you a bit of breathing room while you update your details with everyone else. You can do it at Australia Post online or pop into your local post office. Choose a timeframe that suits you—one, three, six or 12 months—and you can even have your new address shared with selected businesses through the service.

2. Update your driver’s licence and car registration

Each state and territory has its own rules, but most give you about two weeks to update your licence and rego after moving. It’s usually a quick job online through your local transport authority. Staying up to date means no fines and no missed paperwork.

3. Notify your bank and financial institutions

Your bank, super fund, and insurance providers all need to know your new address. Most let you update your details through their app or website, which is handy. It’s a small task that helps avoid missed bills or policy issues down the track.

4. Let utility providers know (electricity, gas, water)

Let your energy and water providers know when you're moving so they can switch off the old place and set up the new one. Giving about a week’s notice is a good idea. Don’t forget to take a final meter reading so you’re not charged for anything after you leave.

5. Update your internet and phone services

Moving your internet or phone plan? Be sure to give your provider a heads-up of at least a few days in advance. Some plans might need equipment returned or a technician visit. Check if there are any fees or changes, especially if you're mid-contract.

Tip: Cancel your service at the end of your last full billing cycle before you move. If it rolls into a new cycle, you’ll likely have to pay for the rest of the month—even if you’re no longer using it.

6. Inform all relevant government agencies

It’s important to update key government departments with your change of address. This includes Medicare, Centrelink, the ATO, and the Australian Electoral Commission. If you have a MyGov account, most updates can be done online, ensuring you keep receiving the correct information and services.

7. Contact your employer, school or university

Let your workplace know your new address so they can send payslips and tax documents. If you or someone in your household is studying, update the school or university as well. This ensures their records are accurate and that you don’t miss any important correspondence.

8. Update your address for subscriptions and memberships

From streaming services to online shopping accounts, loyalty programs, and subscription boxes—there are quite a few places to update. Take a moment to work through them and update your change of address to keep things running smoothly.

9. Let your healthcare providers know

It’s a good idea to let your GP, dentist, and any specialists you regularly see know about your new address. If you have pets, inform your vet too. That way, any test results, reminders, or medical records go to the right place.

10. Update any insurance policies (home, contents, car)

A change of address can impact your insurance premiums or coverage, especially for home and contents insurance. Notify your insurer about your new place and check if your policies need to be updated or reviewed.

11. Check in with your new local council

If you’ve moved to a new area, be sure to contact your local council. You may need to update your details for rates, register pets, or apply for resident parking permits. Some councils also offer bin services or local alerts, which are worth signing up for.

12. Create your own personal checklist

Everyone’s situation is different, so make a list of who you need to notify about your change of address. Think about sports clubs, professional associations, alumni groups—anything that’s important to you. A great idea is to print out the steps above and add your own to the list. Having it written down will help you stay on top of everything.

Your move made even easier

Changing your address can feel like a big task, but breaking it down into these manageable steps will help you stay organised and avoid unnecessary stress. Whether you’re moving across the street or to a new city, taking the time to update your details with the right people ensures a smooth transition.

And if you're looking for help with your move, Upmove makes it easy to find & book local, affordable, and reliable removalists across Australia. We’re here to connect you with the professionals who can make your move as stress-free as possible.