Moving can be stressful for a plethora of reasons; there are so many intricate moving parts that need to fit together to be comfortable in your new home. The trick to staying sane (and not pulling out your hair) is staying organized, as the list of to-do’s can easily become overwhelming.
If you recently moved or are planning to move into a new home or apartment soon, our free PDF download ensures you notify all the right people. This could prevent your identity from being stolen!
Below are the people and institutions you should notify when changing addresses:
1. The USPS
The only way to officially ensure your mail reaches you at your new address is to set up a mail forward through the USPS. Cross out this task in minutes by filling out a change of address form online! This will forward your mail from your old address to your new address for six months to a year.
2. Your Insurance Company
It’s imperative to notify your home or renters insurance company before moving so your coverage will kick in when you complete your move. Remember that you’ll likely need to purchase separate insurance for your move itself, as your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance may not cover damages resulting from a move or a moving company.
Here is a list of policy holders you’ll need to notify when moving:
- Homeowners/renters insurance
- Car insurance
- Life insurance
- Medical insurance
Forgetting to change your address with insurance companies can result in a voided policy – in more extreme cases – insurance fraud charges.
3. The IRS
How will you receive your stimulus check or tax return if the IRS doesn’t have an updated address on file? Updating your address can be done electronically by filling out Form 8822! If your bank account isn’t linked to your tax return, take this time to link them so you can receive money from the IRS direct deposited into your bank account.
4. Your Employer
If you are moving for a new job, notify both your previous and new employer of your new address two weeks before you move. Your previous employer may have important tax documents and other information to mail to you after you’ve been offboarded.
5. Financial Institutions
These are one of the most important institutions to notify to protect yourself from identity theft. Mail theft is one of the most common ways identity theft occurs, so the best way to prevent sensitive information from being exposed through the mail update your new address.
Below are some common financial institutions:
- Banks
- Credit card companies
- Lenders
- Investments
- Tax preparation services
Many of these institutions allow quick and easy address changes via their websites.
6. DMV
In most states, you must update the DMV of an address change within 30 days of the move, even if you’re moving within city limits. If you are moving out of state lines with a licensed vehicle typically a vehicle registration update is also required.
Below are documents you should update while you’re at the DMV
- Drivers license
- Vehicle registration
- Voters registration
- Passport
Save time by making an appointment and brining the required documents with you.
7. Social Security and Other Benefits
If you receive government benefits, such as Social Security, it is important to update your address to continue to receive payments. The Social Security Administration offers an online portal to change your mailing address.
If you receive any of the following you’ll need to update your address on file:
- Retirement
- Disability
- Medicate
- Survivor Benefits
- Supplemental Security Income
8. Utilities
You will need to change your address with all of your utility providers especially water and electricity providers so you don’t have to unpack in the dark. You should do this at least one month before a move to ensure a smooth transition.
Common utility providers:
- Home Security
- Water
- Electricity
- Gas
- Sewage
- Garbage
- Phone / Internet
Most utility companies offer convenient address change via the internet or phone. If you are moving across city or state lines, you may need to cancel services and open a new account with a local provider.
9. Subscription Services
Update your mailing address for subscription services as soon as you move so they don’t end up at the wrong mailbox.
Popular subscriptions include:
- Ecommerce: Amazon Prime
- Subscription Boxes: Bespoke Post, HelloFresh, Dollar Shave Club
- Print Subscriptions: Magazines, Newspapers
Most changes can be done online, but you can always call the vendor and make a request.
10. Apps
Prevent Siri from taking you to the wrong “home,” or Uber Eats delivering to the wrong house. Be sure to update your address for your most-used apps.
Popular apps:
- Maps: Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze
- Transportation: Uber, Lyft
- Food: Uber Eats, Grub Hub, Door Dash
11. Doctors and Dentists
Many doctors and dentists mail out reminders about semi-annuals and checkups, in order to continue to receive them, you need to provide the offices with your new home address. You should also notify any specialty doctors or individual providers you meet with once a year or more. If you have any furry friends, make sure you contact your veterinarian.
Free Download
Download our free printable checklist to make your move easier!
