Moving Day Mistakes Could Cost Brits Over £1,400, Expert Warns

29 August 2025 is set to be the busiest moving day of the year – but while homeowners and renters across the UK prepare for a day of packing boxes and removal vans, an expert has warned that a string of ‘silent admin mistakes’ could end up costing movers thousands.

“The adrenaline of moving day can make us forget the crucial ‘silent admin’ that happens behind the scenes. Missing one of these simple steps can lead to a domino effect of fines, lost goods, and damaged credit scores,” explained Maureen Bennett, Director of Bennett Removals.

Her warning comes as new research from David Wilson Homes revealed that more than half (55%) of Brits still receive post intended for a previous owner or tenant — highlighting just how many people fail to keep up with essential address changes.

How the Costs Add Up

Bennett has highlighted the biggest hidden charges movers face if they forget key admin tasks:

• DVLA Fine – £1,000
  Failing to update your address with the DVLA is a prosecutable offence and could invalidate your car insurance.

• Unswitched Utilities & Broadband – £200+
  Not informing providers risks being billed for the previous occupant’s usage or charged early termination fees.

• Uncancelled Memberships – £140+
  Gyms, clubs, and subscriptions can auto-renew — a few months of missed cancellations quickly add up.

• Lost Parcels & Deliveries – £130+
  If you forget to update addresses with retailers like Amazon, ASOS, or Uber Eats, parcels may be sent to your old property, often without refund rights.

• Missed Bills & Late Fees – £50+
  Without Royal Mail’s redirection service, important letters from HMRC, banks or councils may go astray, leading to fees and damaged credit scores.

Total potential cost: £1,400+.

The ‘Silent Admin’ Checklist

With nearly two-thirds (68%) of Brits saying they feel overwhelmed by the number of documents to update when moving, Bennett Removals recommends following a simple checklist:

Expert Advice

“You can’t always control how stressful moving day will be,” Bennett said, “but you can control whether or not you get stung by silent admin mistakes. A checklist takes ten minutes to write and could save you well over a thousand pounds.”

Founded in 1989, Bennett Removals is a family-run company with over three decades of experience helping households and businesses move across England and Ireland.