When you move, you can have your address forwarded to your new location for a while. But eventually, you are going to need to let a lot of places know your new addresses. Not sure where to start? We’ve compiled a list of placed and people you’ll need to notify of your big move.
Let’s start with the important changes first.
USPS (The United States Postal Service)
Forwarding your physical mail is one of the first places you want to start. The post office will forward your mail to your new located for 12 months, max. You are going to want to make the changes at least a week before your move date, otherwise you might risk missing mail. You can make an address update online and set it for a specific date.
Tax agencies
Both the federal revenue agency and your state tax agency should be notified of your change of address. The IRS provides a simple online form where you can notify them of your new address. For your state tax agency, go to your specific state’s government website and look for directions. For most states you can easily make the changes online.
Gas and electric
You are definitely going to want to make this one of your top priorities, otherwise you might risk moving in the dark! Let your utility companies know what your new address will be and when you will be moving. The sooner the better.
Phone, cable, and internet
Don’t miss a single episode of your favorite Netflix, Hulu or Amazon show! Make sure you switch over your internet to your new address before you make the move. Your landline and cable providers typically make it fairly easy to move your services to your new location. Don’t forget to let your mobile provider know as well, they’ll need to know where to send your next bill, if you aren’t signed up for e-bills.
Other utilities
Depending on what sorts of utilities you’re responsible for at your new home (and it may very well be all of them) you’ll also need to notify the water department, sewer utility company, and garbage/recycling company.
Home or renters’ insurance
Be sure to let your home or renters’ insurance agency know where they need to transfer your policy to. With renters’ insurance, some landlords or management companies will want proof of transfer prior to your move-in date, so get this taken care of early. And while you’ve got your policy provider on the phone, ask if they cover items in transit so you’ll know if your belongings are protected during the moving process.
Your employer
Even if your paychecks are directly deposited into your bank account you’ll want to let your employer know about your change of address to make sure pay stubs, tax forms, and the like go to the right place.
Your child’s school
Most likely you will be moving your child out of their school district and into a new school. So certainly make sure that you not only contact your child’s current school but also contact their new school district even before you make the move to make sure that your child has the easiest transition as possible. Read up on more tips for moving with children and moving with teenagers to help them with your family's relocation.
Your bank and credit card company
Give your bank and credit card company a call or see if you can make the change online. Don’t forget about any loyalty programs or credit cards you may have with specific stores.
Loan providers
Yes, we all wish our student loans couldn’t find us, but if you move, you have to let any loan providers know.
Insurance providers
Notify the agencies that provide you with health insurance, dental insurance, car insurance, and life insurance. If you have health insurance through the federal marketplace, visit Healthcare.gov and follow the directions for reporting a life change.
Other financial agencies
If you receive services from other financial agencies, including a credit union, a credit reporting agency, PayPal, an IRA/401k administrator, and/or an investment account holder, give them a heads up about your new address so you don’t miss anything important.
Magazines and subscription services
If you’re signed up for any magazines or other subscription boxes/services, change your address by emailing or calling their customer service department. Don’t miss out on that newest box of the hottest trends of the season.
Online shopping sites
Make a list of the online stores you shop at most frequently and take some time to go in and change your address with each of them. With sites like Amazon and eBay, it’s easy to place orders without looking closely at the shipping details, and if you fail to change your address early on you might forget to make the change during your first purchase at your new place. Save yourself the time and the headache by switching your address now.
Clubs and organizations
Notify any clubs, organizations, and charities you’re involved with of your new address so that they know where to reach you with mailers. This includes your memberships to places like Costco or Sam’s Club.
Individual service providers
Let your doctor, dentist, veterinarian, etc. know about your new address. If you’re going to be staying in the area they’ll need to know for mailing and billing purposes. If you’re moving further away, they may be able to assist you with referrals. Read up on more tips for moving abroad with your pets if you are taking them with you.
Friends and family
Don’t forget this all important group! People used to send out change of address cards, but you can just send out a mass email with your new information and BCC everyone on it.