Moving to a new home brings excitement, new opportunities, and a long to-do list. Among those tasks, one of the most important is updating your address with key organizations and service providers. Missing this step can result in missed mail, late fees, and disruption in essential services. Luckily, we’ve got your back with this comprehensive guide on the places to change your address when moving.
Here’s everything you need to know to ensure a smooth move.
1. Start with the USPS
First things first—notify the United States Postal Service (USPS). This is your go-to for forwarding mail from your old address to your new one. The USPS will forward your mail for up to 12 months, giving you plenty of time to update everyone else. It’s quick and easy to do online or in person at your local post office, and there’s a small fee for identity verification.
Pro Tip: Do this at least a week before moving to avoid any gaps in mail delivery.
2. IRS and State Tax Agencies
Don’t let your tax documents go to your old home! You’ll need to inform both the IRS and your state tax agency of your move. For the IRS, you can complete Form 8822 or simply update your address when filing your next tax return. For state tax agencies, most have online systems that make this process super easy.
Pro Tip: Updating the IRS can prevent headaches when tax season rolls around!
3. Update Your Address with the DMV
Moving within the state or to a new one? You’re required to update your address with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This includes updating your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and title. Most states require you to do this within 30 days of your move, and you can usually handle it online.
Pro Tip: Moving to a new state? Check that state’s DMV website for details on how to get a new driver’s license and registration.
4. Notify Your Banks and Financial Institutions
Keep your finances in order by updating your address with all your banks and financial institutions. This ensures you receive important account information, credit cards, and loan statements at your new home. Many banks allow you to update your address through their mobile apps or online banking portals.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget about investment accounts, loan providers, or your PayPal address!
5. Insurance Providers
Whether it’s health insurance, auto insurance, homeowners or renters insurance, you’ll need to update your address with each provider. Updating your address ensures that your coverage continues without disruption and that you receive any important policy updates.
Pro Tip: Your auto insurance rate may change based on your new location—sometimes for better, sometimes for worse!
6. Utilities and Internet Services
One of the most important parts of moving is transferring or canceling your utility services. This includes gas, electricity, water, trash, and internet. Make sure to arrange for the disconnection of services at your old home and the connection of services at your new one. It’s best to contact your providers at least two weeks before moving.
Pro Tip: Set your utilities to turn off the day after your move and turn on at your new home the day before you move in to avoid any gaps.
7. Subscription Services
If you’re subscribed to any magazines, meal delivery services, or streaming services, don’t forget to update your address. This will ensure your favorite subscriptions arrive at your new home without delay. Most subscription services allow you to change your address easily through their websites.
Pro Tip: Forgetting to update subscriptions like Amazon, HelloFresh, or Netflix can cause hiccups in deliveries or billing—do it early!
8. Let Your Employer Know
Even if your paycheck is direct-deposited, it’s essential to let your employer know about your move. This ensures that your tax documents (like your W-2) and other important information get sent to the correct address.
Pro Tip: This is especially important if your company still sends paper pay stubs or handles benefits through postal mail.
9. Friends and Family
Of course, you’ll want to keep your friends and family in the loop about your new address. A quick group email or text message with your new address is often the easiest way to do this. For a more personal touch, consider sending out moving announcements!
Pro Tip: If you’re part of any local clubs or organizations, be sure to update your address with them as well.
10. Online Shopping Accounts
Regular online shopper? Make sure to update your shipping address on sites like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. Updating your address prevents future orders from being sent to the wrong location. This is especially important if you use any one-click checkout features, which can auto-fill old information if it’s not updated.
Pro Tip: Avoid headaches by updating these accounts immediately after your move.
By keeping this checklist of places to change address when moving in mind, you’ll avoid any unpleasant surprises after your move. Updating your address with the right services and organizations will help ensure you don’t miss a beat during this exciting transition.
FAQs
You should update your address with the postal service, banks, credit card companies, utilities, insurance providers, and your employer. Don’t forget online subscriptions, healthcare providers, and any relevant government agencies like the DMV or voter registration.
The easiest way is to file a change of address form with the USPS, which will forward your mail to the new address. Additionally, use online address update portals from your banks, insurance, and service providers to ensure all major accounts are updated at once.
Ideally, you should change your address two weeks before your move to ensure there is no interruption in receiving important mail. This allows enough time for all organizations and services to process your address change.
Don’t forget to update your address with government agencies like the DMV and IRS, and ensure your voter registration is current. Also, notify any clubs, loyalty programs, or subscriptions that send items to your old address.