When you move, you want all your mail and packages to move with you. That's why you need to notify important people and organizations about your change of address. Missing a bill could cause trouble from delayed payments, and even in this electronic age, there are still all kinds of important mail you don't want to miss—think personal correspondence, appointment reminders from your doctor, recall notices from your car manufacturer or issues of your favorite magazines. Use this checklist to make sure you cover all your bases during your move.
1. The Post Office
If you only have time to notify one organization before you move, make it the post office. When you submit a change of address (COA) request, the post office will redirect all your mail to your new address. You can set up mail forwarding as early as 90 days ahead and indicate the day you want the change to take effect.
While you may submit your COA request up to 30 days after moving, you run the risk of missing mail: Any mail already delivered to your old address after you moved will not be redelivered.
Submit your request on the USPS website using a credit card or in person at the post office with an official ID that shows your old address. There's a nominal charge for doing it online and no fee in person.
Consider your timing! Since it can take seven to 10 business days for forwarding to start, it's smart to set your start date a bit early so you don't lose anything in the transition. Most mail will be forwarded for up to 12 months, depending on the mail class. Any mail sent to your old address after that will be returned to the sender.
2. Government Agencies
Whether your area calls it the DMV, the MVD, the BMV or something similar, you'll need to get in touch with your state's agency for motor vehicle registration to update your driver's license or other state identification. In many states, you can make the change easily online, but there may be cases when you need to go in person. Be sure to plan ahead—make an appointment in advance if available. Because of the Motor Voter Law, you may be prompted to update your voter registration at the same time you update or renew your driver's license.
If you receive Social Security benefits, be sure to update your address with the Social Security Administration. The easiest way is to create or update your online Social Security account, but you can also make the change by phone. Note that if you are not currently receiving benefits, you do not need to notify this agency.
To ensure that you receive tax-related communications on time, it's a good idea to notify the IRS of your change of address. You can do it by phone or print and fill out Form 8822 from the IRS website. You can also simply use your updated address on the next taxes you file.
3. Utility Companies
Arrange to stop utility services at your old address and start them at your new one. If you're moving within the same service area, this might be as simple as requesting an address transfer. For longer-distance moves, you may need to cancel existing accounts and set up new ones with different providers. Reach out to providers for electricity, water, gas, internet, and trash collection, as well as any additional services like home water softening or solar power.
Have both your current and new address details on hand, along with your account numbers, to make the process smoother. Managing this well in advance can help you avoid service interruptions and extra fees.
4. Financial Institutions
Ensure that all your financial institutions have your updated contact information. Most banks and lenders allow you to update your address online by editing your profile or account settings. If you use paper checks, remember to reorder them with your new address. Be sure to update your information with credit card companies and any other lenders, such as those for mortgages, car loans or student loans. This helps prevent fraud and ensures you continue receiving statements on time, keeping your accounts and payments up to date.
Don't overlook digital-only accounts like PayPal, Venmo and other online payment systems, especially if you use them for online shopping. Updating these accounts promptly helps avoid accidentally sending packages to your old address.
5. Insurance Providers
Notify all your insurance providers of your change of address. This includes health, auto, business and life insurance for yourself and any family members. Most of these updates can be made easily through your online account or by calling the customer service number on your statement. If you have homeowner's insurance, you may need to secure a new policy before closing on a home purchase, so updating your address is likely already part of your moving process. For renters moving to a new property, be sure to update your rental insurance policy promptly after settling in.
READ MORE: 5 Types of Insurance to Help Protect Your Wealth
6. Employer and Payroll Services
Notify your HR department of your upcoming move so they can update payroll, benefits and tax information, helping avoid any delays in communication. If you're a contractor or self-employed, inform your clients and customers of your new address to ensure they can reach you for professional correspondence and send year-end tax documents accurately.
7. Subscription Services
Make a note of all the magazines, newspapers and other subscriptions you receive. It can be hard to keep track of subscriptions, so keep a running list you can refer to. Add periodicals or subscription-box items to the list as you receive them in the weeks before your move.
You certainly don't want to be half-settled into your new place waiting for a meal kit to arrive, only to realize it's been delivered to your old address. Updating your subscriptions in advance will help avoid unnecessary costs, frustration and hunger.
8. Healthcare Providers
You definitely don't want to leave out your healthcare providers. Notify your doctor, dentist and any specialists you see—think physical therapists, acupuncturists, the kids' orthodontist—to ensure they have updated contact information for billing and appointment reminders.
Make sure to tell your pharmacy too, particularly if you use prescription mail services or get a regular supply of contact lenses or pharmaceuticals.
9. Friends and Family
Don't forget to let your friends and family know about your move. Send a personal email or text to your closest contacts, and for everyone else, consider a casual email blast with recipients in bcc. Alternatively, you can send custom change of address cards or take a modern approach by sharing an attractive e-card with your new details and a photo.
Get Moving Before the Big Move!
Moving involves a lot of tasks all at once. Updating your address is something you can tackle early on, before things get too hectic. To ensure you don't miss anyone, start by creating a checklist. Use this post as a guide, and tailor it to your specific needs. Having everything organized in one place will be a lifesaver when the chaos of moving sets in. And don't forget to make a moving budget!
For more help organizing all aspects of your move, check out Mover Hub by Synchrony HOME. Whether you're moving from one apartment to another, buying your dream house or turning a fixer-upper into your forever home, you'll find information to streamline your move. You'll also find tips and tools to budget, plan and pay for moving expenses.
Final tip: Don't stress too much—if you have mail forwarding set up with the post office, you'll be covered even if you don't notify everyone right away. Whenever you receive mail with a yellow "forwarded" label, set it aside and be sure to update that sender with your new address.
READ MORE: 5 Steps to a Successful Move for Couples
