Changing Addresses: Change of Address Checklist When Moving

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Changing addresses is one of the most crucial tasks to complete before relocating.

Who are the most important people and organizations to notify when moving? An excellent question, right? When you move, it is essential to understand who should know you’re changing your address.

A change of address checklist is necessary to not forget who should know about your new location.

Moving is a process that takes a lot of time and energy. There are many things to do, especially once the moving boxes are packed, and you head to your new home.

One task that many people tend to put off is notifying everyone about the move, but it is a job that is a necessity if you want everything to go smoothly.

Knowing who should have your new mailing address can usually be done before the move gets hectic.

Taking care of all your notifications now, before you are hauling boxes up the stairs, will pave the way for a successful transition and knock one thing off that long-moving checklist.

Many people forget who should be on their checklist of address changes when moving until they realize it has become a problem.

As an agent who has been practicing real estate for the past three decades, one of the things I am constantly reminding my clients about is letting everyone know about the move. Finding a detailed checklist like this one is a valuable addition to your moving routine. From experience moving multiple

Here is a summary of who to inform of your move. You’ll also find an in-depth review of how to contact each entity.

Summary of Who Should Know About Address Changes

Employment
Friends and family
The post office
Landlord
IRS
Credit card companies
All insurance providers
Veterinarian
Government providers
Townhall
Financial institutions
Department of Motor Vehicles
Utilities
Your phone carrier
Magazine subscriptions
Medical providers
Schools
Charitable organizations
Religious organizations
Sports clubs/Gyms

Interesting Facts and Figures on Notification

1. A change of address checklist is a helpful tool to ensure a smooth transition when moving to a new residence.
2. It typically includes essential tasks like updating your address with the post office, banks, and other institutions.
3. The checklist also reminds you to change your address on official documents such as your driver’s license, passport, and voter registration.
4. It suggests notifying utility companies, internet, cable providers, and insurance companies about your new address.
5. A checklist for changing addresses encourages forwarding mail for a certain period to ensure you receive any remaining correspondence from the old address.
6. On average, individuals move to a new address approximately 11 times in their lifetime.
7. Over 80% of people forget to update their address with at least one crucial institution or service during a move.
8. The typical change of address process involves notifying around 15 different organizations and agencies.
9. Approximately 9 out of 10 people update their address with their bank within the first month of moving.
10. Studies show that people spend an average of 2 hours compiling a change of address checklist before moving.

Why Create A Checklist For Changing Addresses

The most vital reason for having a checklist for changing your address is to remember who should be notified you’re moving. Even those with superior memories will likely remember every person or group of people who should be told.

What Happens When Those On Your Change of Address Checklist Are Not Notified?

If you do not appropriately forward your mail or contact those who should be notified, your mail will go elsewhere. This can cause significant problems, especially when a crucial bill needs to be paid, or an important document is waiting.

Print this article and keep it handy so you don’t run into problems.

Keep All Contact Information Handy For The Checklist

Read on to remind all the parties that need to be informed about the move to your new place. This address checklist ensures you get everyone up to speed on where you’re headed.

When packing for your move, ensure you don’t inadvertently hide all your essential contact information to reach these parties!

Let’s dig into the change of address checklist that should make your move go much more smoothly.

Your Current Employer

When changing addresses, your boss is one of the most vital parties to notify.

Your company will want an accurate address on file, so tell the organization you work for about your move. Giving enough notice is essential if you leave the employer for another job.

Most employers expect a minimum of two weeks, but a month or more may be more appropriate if you are in a professional position.

If you are making a transfer and staying with your current company, you will still need to notify them when you are moving and check to verify that your address has changed.

Friends and Family

Chances are your close friends and relatives are aware of your upcoming move and may have even suggested some of their best moving tips, but sending out a group email or text with your new address can still be helpful so they can update your contact info.

Sometimes, people forget to tell extended family and friends about a move. If you want anyone to be able to get in touch with you – or surprise you with gifts in the mail, letting them know about your new address would be a good idea.

Family members are essential to your address change checklist because they can help you spread the word.

USPS – The United States Postal Service

When considering who to notify when moving, the local post office is one of the most important! You could create real problems for yourself if you miss vital mail pieces.

The U.S. Postal Service makes it easy to change your address online or by going to a post office and filling out a change of address form. Following their step-by-step guide to changing your address is straightforward.

When you notify the USPS, it will forward your mail to the new address on your request date. You can fill out the form before your move and list whatever forwarding time you like. Keep in mind that there is a small fee for requesting forwarding online.

Please make your change of address request as soon as you have the address of your new residence. If you don’t have a new house yet, you may need to complete a temporary change of address form.

Once you have your full-time address, a permanent change of address form can be completed.

Your Current Landlord if Renting

You want to ensure that you notify your landlord of your move-in adherence to the terms of your lease. Most owners ask for 30 days’ notice and penalize you for moving before your contract ends.

If you’re moving to a new apartment, you should notify the landlord properly to get excellent tenant reviews. Also, make sure the renter’s insurance provider is informed.

The IRS

For obvious reasons, the Internal Revenue Service is a necessary party to notify when you are moving. Imagine being audited or sent a vital tax document and never receiving it. Not communicating with the IRS would almost certainly cause undue stress.

You can fill out an IRS change of address form and send it in to update your information with the tax organization. Updating makes it easy for the IRS to send you any relevant documents.

Remember that you must do this for the state and federal tax agencies. You will need to get tax forms with your current address. Correct tax information is crucial.

Credit Card Companies

Using your credit card often requires inputting your current billing address. Unless you want to remember your old address when you use a card, you should update your address with each card company.

Updating your address will also ensure that your credit card statements arrive each month, which is crucial if you do not use paperless billing.

Not missing any credit card providers will be necessary to avoid late payments. A credit card company is unlikely to have sympathy for your missed payments.

Car Insurance Provider

Your car insurance company bases your rates on the area you live in and how you store your vehicle, among other factors. If you need to file a claim, update your address with the insurer to ensure you don’t have any problems.

Home, Health, and Life Insurance Providers

Home, health, and life insurance companies are crucial parties to notify when you move so that appropriate documentation can reach you quickly.

When moving, you may want to go with local providers. Check out how bundling service providers can save money on insurance. Your Homeowner’s insurance is crucial to any change of address moving checklist.

Of course, your health insurance is also vital in getting squared away.

Your Pets Veterinarian and Kennel

If you have a pet, you must notify your veterinarian and kennel. Remember, your new health provider will need your pet’s health history. This is one of the things discussed in how to move with pets. Use these thirteen tips for moving with pets to make your life less stressful.

Government Agencies

Suppose you regularly interact with any other government agencies, like the Social Security Administration. In that case, you will want to notify them of your new address to avoid any problems with payments and documents. Missing your Social Security benefits check would not be a pleasant experience.

Getting your new social security card will also be necessary. You will also want to update your voter registration if needed.

Local Town Hall For Electoral Roll

When you get settled into your new home, one of the essential tasks will be visiting the local town hall and getting your name on the electoral roll. There may be an online form you can use, but if not, you’ll have to go in person to change addresses.

You’ll want to ensure the city or town places you in the right voting district.

Updating Voter Registration

Another critical aspect of your move involves updating your voter registration to reflect your new address. Participating in elections is a fundamental right and responsibility, and ensuring your voter registration is current is essential for having your voice heard in local, state, and national elections.

Updating your voter registration varies by state but can often be completed online, at the DMV, or by visiting your local election office. Remember, your ability to vote in upcoming elections may depend on achieving this update before state deadlines. They can vary significantly from state to state.

For more information on how to update your voter registration, visit the official website of your state’s election office or the National Mail Voter Registration Form available on the Election Assistance Commission’s website.

Updating your voter registration ensures you remain an active participant in our democracy. You can continue contributing to decisions affecting your community and nation.

Bank or Credit Union

Your bank account will need to be updated with your new home address. Any lenders you’re doing business with should be notified about your address change.

Update your location to ensure your banking documents arrive directly at your address. Remember that banks must update your new address with any debit cards. To avoid any potential identity theft issues, make sure to visit the banks in person.

Your information in the wrong hands could be financially devastating.

Other Financial Institutions

Besides notifying your local bank, don’t forget to inform any other financial services where you may have a stock portfolio, pension plans, bonds, and mutual funds such as Charles Schwab or Fidelity. Not only will you want to get your monthly statements, but you will also be even more critical in receiving any tax statements.

Make any financial entity a top notification priority when moving.

The DMV

Address updates for the Department of Motor Vehicles are essential to take care of quickly. You must prioritize getting your driver’s license and vehicle registration squared away.

The DMV will want to know about your address change, even if you are not moving to a new state. It may give you a new government ID with an updated home address.

If you move out of state, you must register your vehicle. Here is a list of motor vehicle departments in every state.

Utilities/Phone/Internet

If you are moving to an address serviced by the same utility company as your previous address, you should be able to transfer service.

Even if you are not using the same provider, you should notify utility providers about your move so you don’t pay for services you aren’t using after your move.

Below, see how you can notify two of the most prominent phone/internet providers. It will be even easier if you have your cable with one of these providers.

If you are still using a home phone, advise the phone company you’re changing addresses.

Your Mobile Phone Carrier

If you have a mobile phone, an important step is to inform the provider about your new address.

Magazine Subscriptions

Some essential organizations to let know you will be changing your address are the publications you subscribe to.

If you subscribe to any magazines, newspapers, or other publications, you will surely want to inform them about your move.

While notifying the post office of relocation should help you receive your subscription services, it is always wise to inform the vendors directly.

You can avoid service lapses when this is taken care of quickly.

Online Services and Retail Websites

When planning a move, we must not overlook our digital footprint across various online services and retail websites. In today’s digital age, many have subscriptions and accounts with platforms like Amazon, eBay, Netflix, and Spotify.

Failing to update your address with these services can lead to missed deliveries and interruptions. For instance, if you’re an avid online shopper, ensuring your current shipping address is essential to prevent your orders from being sent to your old address. Similarly, some streaming services like Netflix use your location to customize content availability.

Updating your address ensures uninterrupted service tailored to your new location. I recommend you list all online services and retail websites where you have accounts. Log in to each account and update your address details in the profile or account settings section. This proactive step secures your deliveries and enhances your online experience in your new home.

Medical Care Providers

Updating your location with any medical providers, like doctors, dentists, and optometrists, is also a good idea. Updating your information can ensure that any bills or other correspondence come to your new home.

Schools

If you are going to school or you have children in school, make sure to notify them. Make sure to include local schools and colleges if your children attend them.

When you have student loans, informing them of your current location will also be essential.

Update Google Maps and Mapquest

Updating your correct address will be vital if you run a business out of your home. Your current location will be necessary for your clients to find you. The first place most folks start their search looking for a business is online.

The good news is it’s straightforward to change an address online when you move to a new area. You should consider making this change just in advance of your move. Any other online services to promote your business should also be notified.

Be sure your address information, including the zip code, is appropriately updated. Your phone number is also critical to show up correctly in Google searches. A part of the ranking factors is what’s known as your NAP – name, address, and phone number.

Other Miscellaneous People/Groups For Your Checklist of Address Changes

Religious organizations such as a church or synagogues.
Gym or sports club.
Voter registration.
Charitable organizations or memberships.
Car breakdown services such as Triple AAA should be on your list.

How to Let People Know You Are Moving

Social media channels are among the best ways to let people know you are moving.

If you are an avid user of Facebook and LinkedIn, these are great places to message friends and followers about your impending move.

A quick message giving them your new address will undoubtedly be helpful to those who will need it.

Another fantastic service is Updater, which will help notify people of your move. Updater is an excellent app for property managers, real estate agents, and moving companies.

From the founder and CEO David Greenberg about Updater, “After my last move, I knew there had to be a better way to manage the process.

It was insane – the time I spent contacting the utility companies, updating my contacts, etc. I looked for a solution online, and when I saw none existed, I knew there was a huge opportunity to build it from the ground up.”

Some people also like to use the old-fashioned way of sending change of address cards.

Final Thoughts

When moving out of state, who to notify is probably even more critical as you will be separating yourself by a greater distance.

Many items on the list will become even more critical as you settle into your new environment. Some people like to put it on their closing checklist so they don’t forget anything.

By informing everyone before you move, you will have one less thing to do during the moving process. When organizing your stuff for storage be sure you know precisely where to find all the contact information for those you need to reach.

Hopefully, changing your address will be more accessible, and this checklist has been helpful!

Checklist For Changing Your Address When Moving: Who to Tell