Address Change Checklist: Who to Notify When You Move

Planning to move? While there are tons of things to do before moving day, part of that process is notifying the proper places and people of your address change. Whether you're moving out of state or just a short distance, here's a helpful checklist for changing your address!

Government Agencies

As soon as you know your new address and moving dates, you should let important government agencies know you're moving. In the process of changing your postal address, the USPS allows you to forward your mail for the entire family from your old address to your new one for six to 18 months, so you don't miss anything that gets sent to your previous home. For an IRS change of address, you'll want to fill out Form 8822 to ensure your taxes are correct. When changing your address with the DMV, call the closest DMV to your current residence as well as the one closest to your new address to see what they need from you, as different areas have different requirements. Here's the list of the crucial government agencies you need to change your address with:

• United States Postal Service (USPS)

• Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

• Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

• Any driver's licenses

• Vehicle registrations

• Voter registration

Benefits

Next on your change of address checklist should be any organization from which you receive benefits. Some of these establishments specifically state you'll stop getting your benefits if they can't contact you by mail, so let them know right away! When you change your address for Social Security, they have a free form allowing you to easily update your contact information in one go for all the Social Security benefits you receive. Here are some of the main organizations people receive benefits from that need your change of address when moving:

• Social Security Administration (SSA)

• Social Security retirement

• Social Security disability

• Social Security survivor benefits

• Your retirement or pension company

• Medicare

• Veterans Benefits Administration

Financial Institutions

At least a few weeks before your move, communicate your change of address to any financial institutions or services you're involved with. Many allow you to instantly change your address online—just input your moving date so you continue to receive their services at your current residence in the meantime. Mail theft is a common way identities are stolen, so correctly filing your address change when moving can help protect you—especially if you receive physical mail from any of your financial companies. Make sure you contact these institutions when you plan to change your address:

• Your bank

• Credit card companies

• Store credit accounts like Target Circle and Lowe's Rewards

• Any lenders, including the creditors of student loans

• Tax prep services

• Investment services

• Your accountant

• Payment services like Venmo and PayPal

Insurance Companies

Your change of address checklist when moving should also include all your insurance companies. Connect with them as soon as you know your moving dates—if you fail to notify them of your address change, they can void your policies. If you have renters' insurance, some landlords and management companies require proof of transfer before your move-in date, so you should take care of that one first. Below are the typical types of insurance companies that you'll need to notify of an address change:

• Home or rental

• Car

• Health

• Dental

• Vision

• Life

Utility Providers

Disclose the fact that you're moving to your utility providers about two to four weeks ahead of moving day. If you're moving to another address nearby, your utility company may be able to simply turn things off at one house and on at another on the right day—but if you're moving further away, you'll probably have to end services with one provider and begin them with another in your new area. Some services like your cable provider might need to visit your new residence to set up your service, so set up appointments with those providers before you move so you won't be without those utilities. If you're unsure what utility providers exist in your new home's area, your real estate agent or property manager can point you in the right direction. The following are the most common utilities people have to contact when moving:

• Electricity

• Gas

• Water

• Garbage collection

• Recycling collection

• Sewage

• Home security company

• Cable provider

• Internet provider

• Landline and cell phone services

• Solar panel services

Health & Legal Practitioners

It's best to inform doctors and legal professionals that you're planning a move at least two weeks before the date. For doctors, this is necessary for insurance purposes and sending your medical records to new doctors, if needed. If you're moving to a different area and will require a new doctor, ask for referrals in your new town—it's commonplace for medical professionals to have contacts in different areas, and your current physician may know another doctor they trust near your new residence! Included on your checklist for an address change should be:

• Your family's primary care physicians

• Dentists

• Eye doctors

• Psychology specialists

• Any other medical specialists

• Veterinarian

• Your pharmacy

• Your lawyer/attorney

Employer

Your address change checklist should also include telling your employer a few weeks ahead of time. Your current and new employer (if applicable), need to know your change of address for tax purposes—plus, a move might affect your work hours or schedule, at least for a little while. Certain coworkers, business associates, and vendors also need to know your new address and phone number (if applicable) so they don't try to send you things or call your old home.

Groups & Organizations

Some organizations probably won't need to know when you change your address, but it's good to ask so you can cover all your bases. If the company or institution is important in your life, you should tell them at least a couple of weeks before you move, in case there's something you need to fill out, or they need the information for their records. Think about the various organizations in your life and make a list of them to inform that you're moving, such as:

• Your children's schools

• Your childcare providers

• Your religious institutions

• Your gym

• Charities where you volunteer

• Clubs and community groups

• Sports teams and other activities

• Memberships like Costco and Sam's Club

Subscription Services

Some subscriptions need to know your address is changing up to eight weeks ahead of time to ensure you don't miss an issue or box they're sending you—however, most only need a couple of weeks. The majority of subscription services allow you to simply change your address on their websites. You may have some of these subscriptions on autopay, making them easy to forget, so double-check you've changed your address with them all. The subscriptions and media you may pay for are vast, but this is a list of frequent ones:

• E-commerce companies like Amazon and eBay

• Subscription box services like HelloFresh and Dollar Shave Club

• Streaming services like Netflix and Disney+

• Print media like newspapers and magazines

• Apps that need your address like Uber and DoorDash

Family & Friends

Finally, remember to announce you're planning a move to those you're closest to! Though there's no set date when you need to tell the people in your life, a few months in advance is normal. If you can't get together with them all in person, send out text messages or a mass email so everyone who's important to you will know. Remember to touch base with your neighbors, as well—they can help keep an eye out for any packages accidentally not re-routed to your new address.

***

Moving soon? Find helpful tools and guides for a stress-free relocation on our Moving Hub. And if you need self storage along the way, Extra Space Storage has facilities across the U.S. to help make your transition easier. Find a storage unit near you!