Changing address is very common. Research shows that we change address (or move home) an average of 8 times in our life. Today we’re going to cover everything you need to know about changing address. We will look at how to do it effectively, how to save time and what sorts of pitfalls you should avoid. This will involve looking at how you can avoid mail fraud and potentially save money during the whole home-moving process.

Update Your Address Online

When it comes to changing address, you can actually update your address online. There are many reasons why you would want to use an online change of address service. The way we normally move home involves having the same address-change conversations with over 20 different providers. However, this way you can actually update your address across all accounts using one form. This even includes things like a TV Licence change of address, for instance.

In addition to this, as we’re human we have the tendency to forget. And we can forget a lot. When moving home it is difficult to remember who you need to inform about your address change, or even everything that you need to do in general! For this it’s good practice to pick-up a good moving home checklist to keep track of everything. This will enable you to make sure you remain in control throughout the entire home move.

Avoiding Mail Fraud

In 2019 Mail Fraud cost home movers in the UK over £504 Million. Some of that will include what are known as ‘phishing letters’ in which poorly-intentioned agents will pretend to be legitimate. The user will then interact with that company, eventually sending them money or providing them enough information to commit identity fraud.

Another way we are usually scammed comes from our own mail going to the wrong address. As you can imagine, this tends to happen when we move home and don’t inform everyone that we’ve changed address. And that’s easily done as there are a lot of companies to inform. In the UK, one of the options you have is to enlist a Royal Mail Re-direction service. Enabling that will mean that Royal Mail will prevent any letters being sent to that address under your name. They will then redirect them to you designated address of choice. You may also wish to use an address-changing service in addition to this to make sure you’re covered from all angles.

Reduce your costs

Moving home can quite often be expensive. You have lots of things to set-up and buy. Most home movers need to pay for removals, storage, buying new furniture etc… This is why it is especially important to remain vigilant around what you’re paying for. When you’re taking out contracts for your home insurance and energy be sure to shop around and make sure you get yourself onto the best deal on the market.

Your Move

Now, the next time you change address you will have all the tools at your disposal to reduce the amount of time you’re spending, avoid the risks of mail fraud and also being diligent with your spending. Hopefully you found this article helpful and the best of luck on your next move!