The Ultimate Change of Address List When You're Moving

Photo: iStock.com/Dean Mitchell

Moving to a new home is an exciting event, but along with it comes the unpleasant task of having to alert family, friends, businesses and many other places about your new address. Going into the process without a plan will certainly lead to some inconveniences in your future, so if you’re moving sometime soon, refer to this list of all the places you should contact to update your address!

  1. The United States Postal Service – This one is probably the most important, and can also be one of the most helpful! To do so online will cost you $1.05, but you’ll be able to inform the post office of your specific move date, whether the move is temporary or permanent and also get access to special “mover’s” coupons and savings from popular stores.
  2. The DMV for your new state – Depending on what state you are moving to (or if you’re staying within the same state), a trip to the DMV might be in order to update your license and registration. You’re legally required to change it, so you’ll, unfortunately, have to do it sooner or later! Some states allow to do this online, so be sure to check with yours.
  3. The IRS – To make sure your tax information is correct and arrives at the right address, you’ll need to fill out a short form and mail it to the IRS. No payment required!
  4. Social Security – If you are a recipient of Social Security or Medicare benefits, you’ll want to alert them of your new address. If you aren’t receiving either of those, you can go ahead and skip this one – hoorah!
  5. Voter Registration – This will sometimes automatically change once you change your address with the post office, but if not, you’ll want to make sure to change it so you receive voting information for the correct location.
  6. Employer – Should you be keeping your job, you need to let your current employer know your new address for business and tax purposes. If you’re taking a new job, you’ll still want to tell them so that your forms come to the right place come tax time.
  7. Doctors and Other Medical or Professional Providers – To make sure there are no interruptions to your healthcare or your billing, make sure to contact all providers for you, your spouse and your children, if necessary. If you work with a lawyer or any other professional service, notify them as well. Pro tip: Set up your new healthcare providers before you move so that you can seamlessly have your records sent on.
  8. Veterinarian – If your pet is a regular patient of a veterinarian, make sure to let them know the new address they can find you at. If your pet is microchipped, make sure to also update the appropriate registry in the unfortunate event that your pet ever comes lost.
  9. Banks and Other Financial Services – Even if you receive bills or financial documents electronically, you’ll still want to update your bank with your new address. While you’re at, update any investment companies you work with, your 401k plan provider, your accountant, and any other financial services or professionals. Pro tip: While you’re at it, order some new checks with your updated address!
  10. Loan Issuers – Whether it be for a home, a car, tuition or other loans, make sure they are all aware of your new place of residence.
  11. Credit Card Companies – If you have credit cards issued by companies as opposed to a bank, make sure to alert them of your change of address. A late payment fee because you forgot to change your address is not worth it!
  12. Utilities – Whether you are utilizing the same utility companies or new ones, you’ll want them all to be aware of your new residence. If possible, give these companies a few weeks heads up so your services are all ready and waiting for you when you arrive.
  13. Insurance Agencies – Everyone from your health insurance to car insurance and homeowner’s insurance will want to know that you’ve moved, so make sure to keep them in the loop. In some cases you may have to change carriers for your new location, so explore this one early in the moving process.
  14. Retail Websites, Streaming Services, Club Stores and Subscription Services – These aren’t priority #1 to change, but make sure to do so at some point. You don’t want to miss out on your favorite monthly magazine or warehouse store super sale because you forgot to!
  15. Airlines and Other Loyalty Providers – If you’re a member of any travel loyalty groups, TSA Pre-Check or other providers, let them know of your new address so your bonuses and perks can keep on coming!
  16. Religious Institutions – If you are a member of a religious institution or group, update them of your new address.
  17. Schools – Depending on if you have children or not, this might include your college for alumni news, your children’s school, daycare services, after school activities, etc.
  18. Friends and Family – To make this one easy, order up a set of customized change of address cards that you can mail out to everyone in your address book. They do the job easily and are a nice greeting to receive in the mail, too!

One thing you can’t forget when you move is to change your address. It’s no doubt a daunting task when you think about it, but if you follow this checklist you’re sure to tackle it with ease. Want to make it a little easier? As soon as you know your new address, start the process of changing it. If you do a few changes every so often it won’t feel nearly as daunting when moving day does come. Do you have any other tips and tricks for changing your address? Share them in the comments below!