How To Change Your Address Everywhere Before You Move
Posted in: I'm Moving, Moving Advice, Moving Checklists & PlanningDuring the hustle and bustle of moving, it can be easy to let random tasks fall through the cracks. One of the most important ones that can get lost in the shuffle is changing your address… literally everywhere.
You might have already filled out a change of address form with the U.S. Postal Service, but you might not realize that your mail will only be forwarded for 12 months. After that, letters could get lost if they’re sent to your old address. (Not to mention that packages typically don’t get forwarded at all.)
That’s why it’s crucial to update your address with every organization individually. Sound daunting? Don’t worry — we’ve got a list of all the essential places where you need to update your address before you move.
The 2022 Change of Address Checklist
Below is a list of all the addresses you’ll need to update before you move. To make the process as smooth as possible, be sure you have your new complete address on hand and double-check that it’s accurate before you start making changes.
Forward Your Mail First
USPS
Your first step when you’re a couple weeks out from moving should be to notify the post office. You can submit an official change of address form online.
Mail will begin forwarding to your new address within three business days, but the U.S. Postal Service recommends you fill out the paperwork to forward your mail up to two weeks in advance.
Most mail is forwarded for free, but some types, like packages, won’t automatically forward and might require a fee to be transferred.
[CLICK HERE TO FORWARD YOUR MAIL TO YOUR NEW ADDRESS]
Important Government Agencies
Department of Motor Vehicles
The DMV should also be at the top of your change of address checklist. Some of the documents you need to update through the DMV include your:
- Physical driver’s license
- Passport
- Vehicle registration
- Voter registration
The DMV is notorious for long wait times, so it’s a good idea to make an appointment and prepare all your necessary paperwork ahead of time.
(all info above taken from usa.gov )
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
It’s important to notify the IRS if your address has changed so you continue receiving tax refunds and other important correspondence. You can update your address when filing your taxes, or file a Form 8822.
[FILL OUT THIS IRS FORM]
Social Security Administration (Disability, Medicare, Benefits, etc.)
If you receive Social Security, disability, medicare, supplemental security income (or any other government benefits), you’ll need to update your address with the Social Security Administration (SSA) so you keep receiving those funds.
Even if you get a direct deposit, the SSA may stop your benefits if they can’t contact you via U.S. mail. There’s a free change of address form you can access online.
[CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS WITH SSA]
Your Employer(s)
These days, many people work remotely or on a flexible schedule, so you might not think it’s that important to give your boss a heads up about your new address. However, you should change your address on file with HR right away; many important tax and payroll forms require a current address. Plus, some employers base salary and benefits on your location!
This may be as easy as logging into a portal on a platform like ADP, but the process varies from company to company. Make sure you contact your HR and payroll as soon as you’re able.
Utility Companies
Electricity, gas, trash, water
If you’re moving to a nearby town, you might be able to call up your utility providers and have them transferred to your new address. However, if you’re moving long-distance, you may need to cancel your current services and start new accounts at your new address.
Be sure to research which companies operate in the area of your new home before you move. There are sites that use your ZIP Code to tell you what utilities are available near you. Doing it this way might even let you compare services and shop around for a better deal on your bill!
Phone, internet, cable
Phone and internet services are often bundled together under one provider, which makes updating your address with all of them a breeze. If they’re not, however, you’ll need to change your address with each company so your service isn’t potentially interrupted.
While your cell phone service proooobably won’t be affected, your cable or internet provider may need to change based on your new location. Luckily, many of the largest cable and internet providers have processes dedicated to helping you move your service, including changing your address on your account.
Below are a few of the more common internet and cable companies.
[AT&T] [Verizon] [Comcast Xfinity] [Spectrum]
Miscellaneous (e.g., recycling, sewer, etc.)
Depending on where you live, you might be responsible for other utilities. For example, you might pay for your own recycling or sewer service. If that’s the case, don’t forget to change your address with these companies and cancel service if you’re moving to a new area where they don’t operate.
Protip: Simply Google each utility type + your new city name, and you’ll probably find the right website to update your info.
Financial Institutions
Banks
Make a list of all the places where you have:
- Checking and savings accounts
- Safe deposit boxes
- Investment portfolios
- Other banking products
You’ll need to let these financial institutions know that you’re moving. Even if you have online bank accounts or e-statements, it’s important to have your current address on file in case there are certain communications (or checks!) that need to come through snail mail.
Credit card issuers
The same goes for any credit card companies you work with. Pull out all the plastic in your wallet and call the customer service number on the back of each card. You can also log into the card’s online portal to update your address there.
Insurance providers
Be sure your insurance companies know your new address. These include (but are not limited to):
- Auto insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
Forgetting to change your address with insurance companies could cause your policy to lapse. With health insurance, claims can be denied if there’s an error in your billing address. For car insurance, you should also find out if you need to update your coverage according to state law, depending on where you relocate.
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Financial and legal professionals
Maybe you work with a financial planner or have a trusted accountant. Maybe you’ve been working with an estate planner or attorney. Often, these professionals can provide their services virtually, so you can continue your relationship even after you move. Just be sure to provide your new address in case any important documents need to be shared.
“If your pet is microchipped, be absolutely sure to update the associated address—you don’t want to deal with the confusion of different addresses if the worst happens and they go missing.”
Lenders
If you owe any money, including a car loan or any student loans, it’s important to change your address with the lenders so you receive important information and updates.
Brokerage/investment accounts
Finally, change your address with any investment or brokerage companies you have accounts with. You’ll want a reliable way to receive statements and tax forms aside from email.
Health Providers
Doctor + dentist
Make sure your doctor and dentist offices have your new address, or else you’ll miss reminders for upcoming appointments and bills for any outstanding balances.
Optometrist
If you wear glasses or contacts, you’ll need a current address on file to get appointment reminders, prescriptions, and more.
“Forgetting to change your address with insurance companies could cause your policy to lapse.”
Veterinarian
Don’t forget about your fur babies! Make sure their vet has your updated address on file. If your pet is microchipped, be absolutely sure to update the associated address — you don’t want to deal with the confusion of different addresses if the worst happens and they go missing. If you use traditional collar tags for more than just your pet’s name, be sure to remember to change the engraving there too.
Memberships and Subscriptions
Newspapers and Magazines 
Subscribe to a newspaper or magazine? You’ll need to contact the publication and give them your new address so you don’t miss the latest issue.
Streaming services
Platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, Apple Music and other streaming services require an updated address for billing (or they will probably stop working right in the middle of your binge).
Subscription boxes
If your Hello Fresh or Stitch Fix box go to the wrong house, that’s cool for the new residents, but not so much for you. Be sure to change your address with these types of scheduled subscriptions (and double-check that your new area is still within their delivery areas).
Retail clubs
If you belong to Costco, Sam’s Club, or similar membership-based retailers, you’ll need to update your address with them as well.
“Mail will begin forwarding to your new address within three business days, but the U.S. Postal Service recommends you fill out the paperwork to forward your mail up to two weeks in advance.”
Organizational Affiliations
Take stock of all the organizations you belong to and ensure your new address is on file. Common memberships may include:
- AAA
- AARP
- Alumni group
- Charity
- Children’s clubs
- Civic clubs
- Country or social club
- Neighborhood association
- PTA
- Professional memberships
Religious institutions
If you belong to a church, temple, synagogue, etc., contact them to change your address and stay in touch from your new city. Your religious leaders may also be able to direct you to a place of worship near wherever your new home is located.
