Moving to a new house is an exciting but often overwhelming experience. Amidst the logistics of packing, planning, arranging movers and more, it can be easy to sideline other important tasks such as updating your home address and contact details. 

Often left to the last minute or well after moving day, failing to prioritise this item on your checklist can see you dealing with missed communications and interruptions to essential services among other issues. 

To help you avoid these moving pitfalls, we have prepared this comprehensive guide covering everywhere you might need to update your address and contact information and how to go about this. 

 

What To Update & Who With

In this section, we take a detailed look at who you may need to contact regarding updating your address when moving and the best or most efficient way to go about this. 

Government Agencies

Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)

Updating your electoral roll address is mandatory and must be done with the AEC as early as possible when moving to ensure your electoral details are current. This can be easily done online through the AEC website.

Department of Transport

No matter which state or territory you reside in or are moving to, updating your address on your driver’s licence and vehicle registration is legally required. Fines may apply where this is not done within the required timeframe which is typically around 14 days from the date of moving. 

As every state and territory in Australia has its own process and requirements for updating address information, we have listed the point of contact for this for each of them. 

• New South Wales: Service NSW
• Victoria: VicRoads
• Queensland: Department of Transport and Main Roads
• Western Australia: Department of Transport
• South Australia: SA.GOV.AU
• Tasmania: Service Tasmania
• Northern Territory: NT Government
• Australian Capital Territory: Access Canberra

To facilitate quick and easy updating of drivers’ licence address details and registration information, each of the above offers changes via their website or through their dedicated mobile app. 

Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

Update your address with the ATO to ensure you receive important tax information. This can be done through your online myGov account linked to the ATO.

Medicare

Update your address with Medicare via your online myGov account, Medicare app or by visiting a Medicare office.

Centrelink

If you receive benefits or services from Centrelink, update your address through your myGov account online. 

Financial Institutions

Banks, Credit Unions & Credit Card Providers

Notify your bank, credit union or credit card providers of your new address to ensure your mailing address is updated for any statements or new cards that are sent out. This can usually be done online through your chosen provider’s banking app, visiting a branch or giving them a call. 

Insurance Companies

It is vital to contact your home, car, health, and any other insurance providers to update your address as soon as possible. This ensures your policies remain valid and that there is no lapse in coverage, additional premiums may need to be paid for vehicles with some insurers depending on their terms and conditions. 

Superannuation Funds

Frequently overlooked, you should also notify your superannuation fund of your new address to keep your account details up to date. This is usually an easy and quick process that can be done online. 

Utilities And Services

Electricity & Gas Providers

Inform your electricity and gas providers of your move to ensure your services are transferred to your new address on-time with no lapse in service or to settle any final bills if changing providers. 

Water Supplier

While your solicitor or conveyancer may handle this during settlement, it is still wise to check that your water supplier has been updated with your address and contact information. 

Internet & Phone Providers

Notify your internet and phone service providers to transfer or set up services at your new address as early as you can. Often this requires a technician to visit, so booking ahead is essential. 

Postal Services

Australia Post

You may like to set up mail redirection with Australia Post to ensure all your mail is forwarded to your new address. This service can be set up online and can be arranged for various durations, depending on your needs.

Healthcare Providers

General Practitioner (GP)

Inform your GP and any specialists you see regularly of your new address to keep your medical records up to date. You’ll need to call, email or visit to do this in most cases. 

Dentists & Other Health Professionals

Notify your dentist, optometrist, and other health professionals of your new address to ensure any reminders or other correspondence are not missed. This will usually mean phoning each provider or visiting their premises. 

Pharmacy

If you have scripts delivered, be sure to advise the pharmacy of your new address. 

Educational Institutions

Schools, Universities & Childcare Providers

If you or your children are enrolled in school or university or you have children in childcare you’ll need to inform them of your new address by phone, email or in-person. If receiving funding support, your details must match with Centrelink or there is a risk of suspension of funds.  

Employers & Clients

Employer

Inform your employer of your new address to ensure your employment records and payroll information are updated. You may need to log into an employee platform to do this. 

Clients

If you are self-employed, work from home and regularly have clients come to you, be sure to let them know your new address. Creating an email to send to a specific mailing list can simplify this process. 

Subscription & Online Shopping Services

Magazines & Newspapers

Notify any magazine or newspaper subscriptions of your new address to avoid disruption in delivery. 

Online Shopping Accounts

Update your address in your online shopping accounts, such as Amazon, eBay, and other frequently used services. Any online services and apps you use regularly, such as food delivery apps, ride-sharing services or similar should also be notified via their apps. 

 

Friends And Family

Sending out a moving announcement card or an email can be a nice and efficient way to inform friends and family of your new address. 

Make This Move Your Last

Updating your address and contact information when moving house can take time and dedication, but is absolutely essential. By following this comprehensive guide you can make your transition to your new home as smooth and stress-free as possible. 

To avoid the stress of moving in future and all of the admin associated, why not consider building your dream home with one of our quality house and land packages? Discover how we can assist you in becoming a homeowner sooner with a brand new build in your preferred area, book your obligation-free consultation today.