Changing your address with the government and service providers helps ensure you continue to get mail and bills after your move
Taking the time to change your address is a big part of the moving process that homeowners sometimes forget. After all, there’s sorting, packing, and so much more to handle when you’re moving to a new home. That’s why our handy change of address checklist will save you time (and stress) since you’ll know exactly who to contact about your new address and when.
Using a change of address checklist before a move into your new home will keep you organized every step along the way. Start with high-priority address changes like the post office and utilities and then work your way through the changes that can wait a couple of weeks after moving in, like your dentist or veterinarian.
Also, don’t forget to double-check that your local moving company has the correct addresses for pickup and delivery.
Here’s a checklist for change of address updates you should make 2 to 3 weeks prior to your move:
The United States Postal Service (USPS): The post office should be the first to know of your upcoming new address. Head to the Change-of-Address page of the USPS website to update your new address, hold, and automatically forward your mail for up to 18 months.
Utilities: Be careful when you schedule your address change, especially if moving out of state. Each utility (cable, internet, electricity, water, garbage, sewer) has different guidelines. You don’t want to sweat in the dark on move-out day, so carefully coordinate your shut off/turn on dates.
Government Offices: Contact the DMV. It’s one of the most important address changes because you might need a new license and vehicle registration if you move out of the city or state. You’ll also want to contact government agencies you interact with often (don’t count on the fact they’ll find you), like social security, IRS, veterans affairs, voter registration, and pension-related offices.
Home Services: Notify your current home service professionals if you want them to carry pool, lawn, housekeeping, and pest control maintenance over to your new address.
Insurance: Don’t get stuck in a coverage gap and worry about paying for treatment or adequate coverage—update health, dental, life, auto, disability, and especially homeowners or renters insurance. You’ll want coverage if items are damaged when moving.
Banks and Financial Institutions: You’ll have to remember all of the banking outlets you use, from credit unions to PayPal accounts and everything in between. Change your address on credit cards, car, mortgage and student loans, tax professionals, and investment managers.
On and Offline Memberships and Subscriptions: What’s life without on-demand ordering and entertainment at your fingertips? Update your address with Amazon, Netflix, Costco, subscription boxes, and magazines to make your new house a home that much faster.
After you’ve caught your breath and unpacked a functioning kitchen, it's time to finish up the last change of address details.
Here’s a checklist for change of address updates you should make 1 to 3 weeks after your move:
Employer: A quick note to HR keeps all of your payment and tax records straight.
Personal Services: These services make your life better, so update your doctors, dentist, lawyer, tax preparers and accountants, veterinarian, daycare, community organizations, kids’ sport, and activities as well as church and school.
Apps: Help cut your moving costs by updating your address with Lyft or Uber; the wrong address will cost you extra money. While you’re at it, getting around town is so much easier if your Google, Apple, and Waze map apps know the correct address. Smart home apps that control lights and thermostats need the update too.
