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Last Updated: Sep 20, 2023
Moving to a new home? Don't forget to update your change of address! In this article, we'll guide you through a comprehensive checklist to make sure you don't miss anything important.
Moving to a new home can be both exciting and stressful. But one of the most important things you need to do before you settle into your new place is to make sure your change of address is properly updated with all relevant parties.
Whether you’re moving to a new city, a new state, or just down the block, it’s essential to have a comprehensive change of address checklist.
In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about updating your address when you move, including before, during, and after the move.
In this article
The first step in updating your address is to determine when and where you need to change it. Generally, you’ll want to start the process about four weeks before you move, to ensure you have enough time to notify all relevant parties.
You should also consider updating your address a week or two before you move to ensure that all of your mail is sent to your new address as soon as possible.
If you’re moving to a new city or state, your mail delivery may be affected. For example, if you’re moving to an area with a different zip code, your mail may be delayed or sent to the wrong address.
To avoid this, you can update your address with the post office before you move, ensuring that your mail is forwarded to your new address.
One of the most important steps in updating your address is creating a comprehensive list of parties to notify. This list should include everyone from your bank and credit card companies to your friends and family.
To make this process easier, consider breaking your list into categories, such as finance, utilities, and personal contacts.
In addition to updating your address, you’ll also need to update your contact information with important organizations, such as your employer and insurance provider.
This will ensure that you receive important information in a timely manner and that your benefits and other services aren’t interrupted.
Finally, make sure to forward your mail to your new address. You can do this by visiting your local post office or updating your address online. This will ensure that any mail sent to your old address is sent to your new address instead.
One of the most important parties to notify when you move is the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You’ll need to update your driver’s license and vehicle registration to reflect your new address. This is important not only for legal reasons but also for insurance purposes.
If you’re employed, you’ll need to notify your employer of your change of address. This will ensure that your paychecks and other important work-related documents are sent to the correct address. You should also update your address with any relevant HR departments.
You’ll also need to update your address with your insurance providers, including your health insurance, car insurance, and home insurance. This will ensure that your policy documents and bills are sent to the correct address. It will also ensure that you receive any important updates or notifications about your policy.
To avoid any interruptions in your financial services, make sure to notify your bank and credit card companies of your change of address.
This will ensure that your statements, bills, and any other important financial documents are sent to the correct address. You may also want to consider updating your billing information for any recurring payments or subscriptions you have.
You’ll also need to update your address with your utility companies, including your electricity, gas, water, and internet providers. This will ensure that your bills and other important documents are sent to the correct address. It’s important to update your utility companies well in advance of your move, to ensure that your services are not interrupted.
If you have a landline, cell phone, or internet service, you’ll need to update your address with your service provider. This will ensure that your bills and other important documents are sent to the correct address.
You may also want to consider updating your contact information for any emergency services or alerts associated with your phone or internet service.
If you have any subscriptions or memberships, such as a gym membership or a magazine subscription, you’ll need to update your address with those providers. This will ensure that you continue to receive any products or services associated with those subscriptions or memberships.
While forwarding your mail is a good temporary solution, it’s important to notify the post office of your change of address. This will ensure that your mail is sent to your new address as soon as possible. You can update your address with the post office online or in person.
If you have a regular doctor or dentist, you’ll need to update your address with their office. This will ensure that you continue to receive important healthcare services and reminders.
You may also want to consider transferring your medical records to a new healthcare provider if you’re moving to a new area.
If you have children, you’ll need to update your address with their school. This will ensure that you receive any important school-related documents and updates. You should also update your address with any after-school programs or sports teams your children participate in.
If you have an accountant or financial advisor, you’ll need to update your address with their office. This will ensure that you receive any important financial documents and updates.
You may also want to consider updating your contact information for any alerts or updates associated with your accounts.
If you have a lawyer, you’ll need to update your address with their office. This will ensure that you receive any important legal documents and updates. You should also update your address with any legal services or organizations you’re associated with.
If you’re renting, you’ll need to notify your landlord or property manager of your change of address. This will ensure that any important communications, such as rent bills or lease updates, are sent to the correct address.
Finally, make sure to notify your friends and family of your change of address. This will ensure they have your updated contact information and can continue communicating with you.
After you’ve moved, it’s important to confirm that all parties have been notified of your change of address. You can do this by reviewing your comprehensive list of parties to notify and checking off each party as you receive mail or communication at your new address.
You’ll also need to update your address on any important documents, such as your will, passport, or any legal documents. This will ensure that your documents reflect your updated contact information.
If you’ve moved to a new city or state, you’ll need to register to vote at your new address. This will ensure that you’re able to vote in local and national elections.
Finally, make sure to update your address on any social media or professional profiles you have. This will ensure that your contacts and followers have updated contact information. It may also help you connect with people in your new community.
Moving can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but updating your change of address doesn’t have to be. By following this comprehensive change of address checklist, you can ensure that you’ve notified all relevant parties and have a smooth transition into your new home.
Remember to start the process early, create a comprehensive list of parties to notify, and confirm that all parties have been notified after you move. By doing so, you’ll ensure that you receive all important communications and updates at your new address.
Lily is a skilled writer with over a decade of experience in the moving industry. Having worked for several moving companies and brokers, she has gained extensive knowledge of the ins and outs of the industry. With her personal experience of moving several times, she understands the challenges that come with relocating and can provide invaluable insights to her readers. Her writing style is informative, engaging, and relatable, making her a go-to source for all things moving-related. Trust her to guide you through your next move with ease.