Change of Address Checklist: Who to Notify When You Move

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 U.S. Postal Service
• Tax agencies
• Social Security Administration
• Department of motor vehicles
• Gas and electric companies
• 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

Do I need to notify the postal service when I move?

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 for 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 the “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 the “entire family.” Each person will need to fill out the form for moves that involve multiple people with different last names.

Should I notify both federal and state tax agencies when I move?

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.

How do I let the Social Security Administration know my new address?

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.

Do I need to let the Department of Motor Vehicles know when I move?

If you’re moving to a new state, you’ll be required to get your change of address forms in order before you can truly settle in as a resident. This includes the address on your driver’s license and your vehicle’s registration, if applicable. We have several guides to help you through this process. So whether you’re moving from New York to Texas, we’ve got you covered.

How soon should I let gas and electric companies know that I’m moving?

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.

When do I start switching phone, cable and internet services?

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.

What other utility companies do I need to contact before I move?

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.

How soon do I need to transfer my homeowners or renters insurance policies before I move?

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.

Why should I let my employer know that I am moving?

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.

Do I need to let my bank and credit card companies know when I move?

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.

How do I let my loan providers know that I am moving?

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.”

What insurance providers should I notify that I have a new address?

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.

What other financial agencies should I notify of my move?

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.

How do I let magazines and subscription services know I’m moving?

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.

How do I update my address on 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.

How do I let my delivery vendors know I’m moving?

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.

What’s the best way to update club and organization memberships with my new address?

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.

What individual service providers do I notify of my new address?

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.

What’s the quickest way to tell friends and family I am moving?

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.