Easy Way to Change Address When Moving

Are you preparing for a change of address? In addition to the obvious moving basics like acquiring boxes and packing supplies and renting a truck or hiring professional movers, you'll also want to make sure you're notifying the right people and places about your move. It's better to do this earlier rather than later so that you don't face potential hassles like missed bills or service lapses. Not sure where to start? This change of address checklist will help you figure out who to notify when you need to change your address.

The post office
Tax agencies
Social Security Administration
Gas and electric
Phone, cable and internet providers
Other utilities
Homeowners or renters insurance
Your employer
Your bank and credit card company
Loan providers
Insurance providers
Other financial agencies
Magazines and subscription services
Online shopping sites
Business associates
Clubs and organizations
Individual service providers
Friends and family

The post office

Start here since notifying the post office of your change of address will get any mail sent to your old place forwarded to your new one for 12 months. You can easily make the address update online and set it for a specific start date. To change your address online, go to USP.com/move and let the post office know who is moving, your old address, your new address, and whether the move is permanent or temporary. You will be charged $1.10 as an identity verification fee to prevent fraud.

Or, you can change your address by picking up a Mover's Guide packet from the post office. Inside the packet, you'll find a change of address form as well as coupons to home improvement stores and moving-related products and services. This option is free but will take longer for your change of address. Complete an online change of address at least a week before moving day — any later, and there may be a gap between when you move and when your mail forwarding can begin.

Whether you choose to change your address online or in person, be careful about how you fill out the change of address request. If you are the only one in the house moving, you can check "individual" move. However, realize that the post office will only forward mail that exactly matches your first and last name. To get mail sent to your nicknames and aliases, fill out a separate change of address form for each possibility. If multiple people with the same last name are moving, check "entire family." Each person will need to fill out the form for moves that involve multiple people with different last names.

Tax agencies

You should notify both the federal revenue agency and your state tax agency of your change of address. There are several ways to notify the IRS of your change of address. First, you can call them and provide your full name, date of birth, social security number (or ITIN or EIN), and old and new addresses. Or, you can send a signed written statement to the IRS that contains the above information. You can also download Form 8822 (plus Form 8822-B if you need to change your business address too), complete that, and submit it to the appropriate IRS office. Or, you can change it on your next tax return.

Ask your tax preparer which method is best for you. For your state tax agency, go to your specific state's government website and look for directions. In most states, you can easily handle this online or, at least, download the forms you need to complete and send to the state tax agency.

Social Security Administration

If you receive social security benefits, don't forget to let the SSA know. Log into your My SSA Account, click on your profile, and select "Update Contact Information." You can then enter your new address and select its start date. Or call the SSA at (800) 772-1213 to verbally change your address.

If you don't have a My SSA Account, you can quickly set one up and enter the correct address. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or do not have a U.S. mailing address, you will have to call the above phone number or your local SSA office.

Gas and electric

This is one you'll want to get done as soon as you know what your new address will be and the date that you'll be moving, lest you risk a day or more without heat or electricity. When transferring your electric service, arrange for shut off at your current place to happen at the end of moving day and for service at your new location to start either the morning of your move in or the evening before. That way, there will be no moving in the dark.

Not sure who the providers will be at your new property? Your Realtor or property manager should know, but you can also check your new city's (or county's) website for information on local utility providers. For more information, read our article about setting up utilities in your new home.

Phone, cable and internet

Start by finding out whether you will need to terminate services with your current provider or whether you can transfer their services to your new address. Your Realtor, property manager or landlord should be able to help with this. Depending on the provider, you will likely be able to initiate service, terminate service, and change your address with them online. If not, a quick phone call will do the trick.

Other utility companies

Depending on what utilities you're responsible for at your new home (and it may very well be all of them), you'll also need to notify the water department, sewer utility company and garbage/recycling company. Again, your Realtor, property manager or landlord should be able to tell you what other utilities you are responsible for and the available properties. Once you have this information, you can usually initiate service, terminate service, and change your address as needed.

Homeowners or renters insurance

Let your home or renters insurance agency know where they need to transfer your policy. With renters insurance, some landlords or management companies will want proof of transfer before your move-in date, so get this taken care of early. And while you've got your policy provider on the phone, ask if they cover items in transit, so you'll know if your belongings are protected during the moving process. If not, you may want to look into moving insurance.

Although you can usually change your address online, don't use this as a way to bypass talking to your agent or agent's representative directly. Simply changing your address doesn't change your coverage. Make sure your policy covers you in your new home.

Your employer

Even if your paychecks are directly deposited into your bank account, you'll want to let your employer know about your change of address to make sure pay stubs, tax forms, and the like go to the right place. It is also important to let your employer know of a change of address to help them notify your loved ones in an emergency when they can't be reached any other way.

Your bank and credit card company

You'll need to provide your bank and credit card company with your new address so they can send you information about your account, statements and new cards. Usually, you can do this by updating your profile information on your bank or credit card company's website. Some banks also allow you to update your address through their apps. Or, you can always call and speak to someone directly. Don't forget about any loyalty programs or credit cards you may have with specific stores.

Loan providers

Yes, we all wish our student loans couldn't find us, but you have to let any loan providers know if you move. This involves going to the loan provider's website and updating your mailing address most of the time. You can also call the provider's customer service number and ask to have your address changed. If you have a Sallie Mae or Freddie Mac loan, you should be able to change your address by logging into your account and selecting "Settings," then "Account Settings," and, finally, "Edit Address."

Insurance providers

Notify the agencies that provide you with health insurance, dental insurance, car insurance and life insurance. You should be able to do this online, although you can always call a customer service representative or your local agent's office. If you have health insurance through the federal marketplace, visit Healthcare.gov and follow the directions for reporting a life change.

Take note. Your car insurance can increase or decrease based on your new address and the risks associated with driving in that new area, such as increased traffic. While you may be tempted to avoid notifying your car insurance provider, be sure you do. Failure to report a change of address could result in any claim being denied and possible fraud charges.

Other financial agencies

If you receive services from other financial agencies, including a credit union, a credit reporting agency, PayPal, an IRA/401k administrator, and/or an investment account holder, give them a heads up about your new address, so you don't miss anything important. You may be able to do this online with entities such as PayPal or Charles Schwab. However, you will likely have to call your accountant and financial advisor.

Magazines and subscription services

If you're signed up for any magazines or other subscription boxes/services, change your address by emailing or calling their customer service department. This includes meal services like Hello Fresh, recurring product deliveries like razors from Dollar Shave, and even your favorite bacon-of-the-month club.

Online shopping sites

Make a list of the online stores you shop at most frequently and take some time to go in and change your address with each of them. With sites like Amazon and eBay, it's easy to place orders without looking closely at the shipping details, and if you fail to change your address early on, you might forget to make the change during your first purchase at your new place. Save yourself the time and the headache of tracking down a package sent to your old home by switching your address now.

Business associates

If you work from home and receive deliveries from vendors, contact them to change your address. You may need to call the vendors who ship to you, or you may be able to change your mailing address the next time you place an order. If you have accounts with services like FedEx, log into your account and update your mailing address.

Clubs and organizations

Notify any clubs, organizations and charities you're involved with of your new address so that they know where to reach you with mailers. This includes your memberships to places like Costco or Sam's Club.

Individual service providers

Let your doctor, dentist, veterinarian and other service providers know about your new address. If you're staying in the area, they'll need to know for mailing and billing purposes. If you're moving further away, they may be able to assist you with referrals.

Friends and family

Don't forget this all-important group! People used to send out change of address cards, but you can just send out a mass email with your new information and BCC everyone on it.

Changing your address does take time, but it's much easier to take care of it before any problems arise from missing mail. Keep in mind that once you change your address with your bank, you'll also need to update your billing address for any stores or services that bill you through that account. And remember: While it is work to change your address everywhere, it's even more work to track down lost items.

Getting ready to move?

Moving can be overwhelming, especially when you add all of the extra tasks, like changing your address, into the mix. Make your next move easier. We can help you find moving companies to pack, lift, and unpack your belongings. All movers in our network are reputable, reliable, licensed and insured, so you can rest assured your move will be in good hands.

Sources

https://www.usa.gov/post-office
https://www.irs.gov/faqs/irs-procedures/address-changes/address-changes

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