Moving to a new home is typically an exciting experience. On the downside, it might be stressful as well, as there are plenty of arrangements to complete. Failing to finalize any of these arrangements is very likely to lead to troubles you don’t need at all. Decluttering, packing your belongings, disassembling the furniture, finding a new school for your kids — this is just a small part of things to be done. In this article, we’ll focus on one of the key aspects of your move: change of address. Our change of address checklist will help you not to miss any detail and make your move less stressful.
Notify the Post Office of Your Change of Address
We want to start with the most important item on our address change checklist. First and foremost, inform the United States Postal Service (USPS) about your change of address. You need to set up your new forwarding address, and your mail will be redirected to your new home. You can set it for a specific start date and then receive your mail from the old place for the next twelve months. Our advice is to do it at least a week before you move as it might take up to ten days for a change of address. Otherwise, there might occur a gap between your actual move and the start of mail forwarding.
The change of address with USPS can be done in the following ways:
- By phone. Call 1-800-ASK-USPS and follow the instructions. Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay a $1 fee.
- On the USPS website. Go to USPS website and fill in an online form. It’s really fast and easy, yet, you’re going to be charged $1 for identity confirmation.
- At the local post office. You can personally visit your nearest USPS office and fill out a copy of Form 3575 to make your change of address.
NB: if you are a Green Card holder and aren’t a U.S. citizen, you’ll have to go through a bit of a different procedure. Although it’s still possible to register your change of address with the post office, or, as an option, filling out an online form, you’ll also have to inform the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services.
Things to Do Before You Move
We know how busy you might be on the moving day and a few days before it. That’s why we’ve made a list of the most essential change-of-address arrangements that you couldn’t do without.
Work
Notifying the company you work for of your new location is the next item on our checklist for change of address. It’s important to inform your employer about your new address so that they can update paychecks, tax forms, and other employment documents.
Utilities
You don’t want to risk moving into a new home without electricity and the internet, right? So make sure that the electric and gas services in your new home will start at least in the morning of your move. Get in touch with your phone, cable, and internet providers to notify them of your change of address. Also, don’t forget to arrange for services shut off at your current home on the day you move out.
It’s different for each case, however, you might need to notify the water department, garbage company or other organizations at your new location, so remember to check it out.
Things to Do After You Move
You’re finally in your new sweet home, all the stuff is unpacked, the utilities are up and running, you feel warm and have the internet. Yet, it’s still not the best time to relax. You have to finalize your change-of-address routine. Luckily, you can use our moving address change checklist in order not to miss any provider you need to inform about your new address.
Moving address change checklist
#1 The DMV
Changing address requires a visit to the DMV. Good news is that this can be done online in most states. According to the federal law, you have to update your address on your driver’s license after moving. The period of time given to you to get this done might differ in different states or counties, so go to your state’s DMV website to get the full information. Keep in mind that in case you don’t comply with this requirement, you will risk a fine.
#2 Tax agencies
It’s crucial to inform both the federal revenue agency and your state tax agency of your change of address. To update your address with the IRS, visit their website and fill this simple online form. For your state tax agency, find instructions on your state’s government website.
#3 Social Security
If you receive Social Security or Medicare benefits, it’s compulsory to change your address with the Social Security Administration. Great news is that it’s possible to do this online. However, you’ll need a “My Social Security” account, so if you don’t have one, you’ll have to create it to be able to update your address.
#4 Voter Registration
To be able to vote in the elections as a U.S. citizen, you need to update your address on your voter registration card. You can do it online on the USA.gov’s website.
#5 Financial Services Providers
To make sure that all the statements and bills from your bank are sent to the right place, don’t forget to inform your bank of your new address. Also, update your address with the companies where any investments lie.
Next, you need to notify your loan company about changing your address.
Although you’ve probably gone paperless billing, it’s important to notify your credit card company when you change your address in order not to miss any important notices.
#6 Insurance vendors
If you use life, health, dental or/and other types of insurance, make sure that the companies that provide insurance services receive notification of your new location. Still, if you are moving locally, this shouldn’t affect your plan. But in case you are moving to another state, you might need to take some extra steps.
#7 Subscription services
If you take out any subscriptions, it’s a no-brainer that your providers need to know your new address so you don’t miss any shipments. Luckily, today it can be easily done online.
#8 Online shopping
Don’t forget to change your address in your accounts on any retail sites.
#9 Individual services
Inform your doctor, dentist, vet, etc. of your new address. If you’re staying in the same area, they need to know it for mailing and billing purposes. On the other hand, if you’re moving out of the city, these people might help you with referrals.
#10 Family & friends
Finally, here’s the last item on our address change checklist. It goes without saying that you should tell your closest people where you are moving to. Just call them, drop a couple of lines or send a card from your new place.
The Bottom Line
As you see, there is much to complete, but if you do it step by step, you’ll avoid stress and won’t miss any detail. Hopefully, you’ll find our moving checklist address change helpful. Good luck with your move!