September 5, 2022

A moving change of address checklist can be handy during the stress and chaos of a move. You’ll be chasing down tons of details, like transferring utilities when moving, and remembering who to notify of a change of address. It can be hard to keep everything straight–especially when everything is in boxes.

When moving and changing addresses, details are important. You don’t want to wait till the last minute. Your situation will dictate some of the details, but here is a list of where to update your address when moving.

Government Agencies

1. The United States Postal Service (USPS)

The process for changing your address with the USPS is simple. You can go to a post office and file a form, which is free. Alternatively, you can fill out an online form for a small fee.

2. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

The next place to update your address when moving is with the DMV. The changes here will affect everything to do with driving, such as your driver's license, ID card, registration, and vehicle title.

3. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Letting the tax authorities know you have moved can ensure you don’t miss important letters and helps prevent fraud. You can let the IRS and your state know by phone, letter, returning a form or waiting until you file your taxes.

4. Social Security

Keeping your social security and Medicare checks coming should not be forgotten when considering who to notify of a change of address. Keeping your account up to date prevents fraud.

5. Voter registration

While not strictly required, if you are eligible to vote, you can save future aggravation by registering to vote when you move. Every state has its own requirements.

Financial services

6. Banks and investment services

Near the top of any change of address checklist should be your banks and investment brokerages. They report to credit agencies, so keeping all your financial relationships aligned on your primary address is a necessity.

7. Loan issuers

As with banks, you should notify the organizations who have given you loans to prevent fraud and to make sure you don’t miss anything.

8. Credit card companies and retail credit accounts

It is very important that documents from retail credit issuers don’t fall into the wrong hands. Beyond missing a payment, you don’t want to open the door to fraud.

9. Accountants and tax advisors

Your financial advisors, accountants and tax advisors need to have your current address as soon as possible.

Utilities

10. Gas & electricity provider

You will want to make sure to put to contact your utilities to transfer services to your new address.  You don’t want to be stuck paying for energy  at your old house. You may be able to find information on how to change your energy bill’s address online from your provider and might also want to get answers for other home energy FAQs. Your choices vary, so also explore energy solutions by state for your home energy options.

11. Water

Water is essential, so you will want to ensure it flows uninterrupted in your new home and that the bills come to the right place.

12. Internet, cable & phone

Connectivity to the internet and cable is also important to remember. You might consider having internet, cable and phone at your old home and new home for a few days to ensure access to communications. Also, be sure to change your address with your cell phone carrier.

Insurance providers

13. Health, dental & life insurance

Changing your address with health, dental and life-related insurance ensures you are covered in your new home. If you change states, you may need to make changes to your health and dental coverage.

14. Car insurance

Not all car insurance companies offer policies in all states. State regulations also may require you to modify aspects of your coverage. You can check these details when you change your address.

15. Homeowners or renter’s insurance

You will want to make sure your new home, whether you own it or rent it, is covered. Check terms when you change your address.

People and animal care

16. Employer

Your employer legally needs your current address. You will want to make sure your records and benefits get updated.

17. Doctors, dentists & lawyers

Health service providers need an up-to-date billing address, whichwill need to match with your insurance, where appropriate.

18. Veterinarian

Don’t forget your pet’s health when you move. Let your veterinarian know your new address.

Online services

19. Retail websites

It is easy to forget this detail. With auto-fill addresses, it is easy to end up having your purchases ship to your old home.

20. Streaming services

This is another easy-to-overlook place when trying to remember who to notify of a change of address. If you are like many, you’ve got these on Auto Pay and rarely think about them.

21. Payment services

Because you use them online and while on the move, you might not think of changing your address on Venmo or Paypal but you should do so.

Memberships

22. Retail clubs

Update your address for clubs such as Sam’s Club or Costco so you don’t miss the sales.

23. Magazines and subscription boxes

Don’t miss issues. Update addresses with publications you may subscribe to and delivery box services like Blue Apron, Hello Fresh or Book of the Month.

24. Religious institutions

Let your church, synagogue, mosque or other religious institutions know you have moved so they don’t waste postage on mail that gets returned.

Original Post: Change of Address Checklist: Who To Notify When Moving & When To Do It