It’s no secret that moving out of your home can be overwhelming. As you’re busy preparing the family for moving day, some items on your to-do list might end up on the back burner. However, there’s one step you shouldn’t neglect: dealing with the address change.
You might not realize just how many people and services are linked to your current address. To make your transition easier, you’ll need to notify them. Keep reading to learn who should know about your change of address, along with some helpful resources.
Who Should Know Your New Address
The first step of handling the address change is knowing who to notify. That’s why we’ve broken down everyone you should tell by category.
Government Organizations
- United States Postal Service: You’ll want to forward all mail to your new address.
- DMV: Whenever you move, your vehicle registration and driver’s license information need to be updated.
- IRS: Notifying the IRS of your new address is important for taxes, so be sure to submit the form 8822.
- Social security: For those who receive social security benefits, it’s important to notify the Social Security Administration of your new address.
- Voter registration: You’ll need to update your voter registration so that you can vote in the right district.
Finances, Insurance, and Expenses
- Financial Institutions: Your banks, credit card company, and IRA/401K information should be updated so that notices are sent to the right address.
- Insurance: Since policies vary by location, health, dental, car, and life insurance companies need to know your new address.
- Homeowners or renters insurance: Depending on where you move, the type and cost of your coverage might need to change.
- Utilities: You’ll want to transfer water, electric, gas, internet, and other utilities to your new address.
People
- Employer: To make sure your paycheck goes to the right place, employers should receive notice of your move.
- Doctors and dentists: Doctors, dentists, and veterinarians need your updated address to send mail to the correct location.
- Loved ones: You’ll definitely want to tell your close friends and family about the move.
Memberships
- Memberships: Clubs and religious institutions need your correct address for letters or in-store rewards at your new location.
- Subscriptions: If you receive magazines and newspapers by mail, you’ll want to change your subscription to your new address.
Resources for Staying Organized
With so many people and services to tell, you might worry about forgetting something on your list. To help you stay organized, download each of these printable resources:
- Change of address checklist: Use the list to track who you’ve notified.
- Moving notice: Send this notice to your loved ones near the week of the move.
- Moving stickers: Place these stickers on your calendar to keep track of important deadlines.
By preparing for your change of address, you can make the move with ease. Still, looking for a new home? A bit of guidance on the house or apartment search might be all you need.
