Are you getting ready to move to a new home? In the middle of packing, lifting, and the inevitable moving chaos, one crucial detail can easily slip through the cracks: updating your address.

Missing this step can lead to headaches. Important documents might get lost, or family members might not know where to send you things. To avoid this moving mishap, we've compiled a comprehensive checklist on where to change your address when you move.

Where to Change Your Address When You Move  

Remembering everywhere you need to change your address can feel impossible. To make this process easier on you, here’s a guide on where to change your address when you move:

Step 1: Government Agencies

• United States Postal Service (USPS): This is arguably the most important notification. The USPS offers a convenient online form or phone service to submit your change of address. Don't forget to consider a temporary mail forwarding service, especially if there are outstanding deliveries or you expect mail at your old address for a while.

• Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): Updating your driver's license and vehicle registration with your new address is essential. Requirements and procedures vary by state, so check your local DMV website for specifics.

• Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Moving doesn't change your tax obligations! Keep the IRS informed of your new address to ensure you receive tax documents and avoid any delays in refunds.

• Social Security Administration: If you’re eligible for social security benefits, updating your address ensures you receive important notifications and benefits without interruption.

• Voter Registration: Make sure your voice is heard! Update your voter registration to your new address so you can cast your vote in upcoming elections.

Step 2: Financial Services

• Banks and Investment Services: Financial institutions like banks and investment brokerages need your updated address for statements, account activity notifications, and important documents.

• Loan Issuers: Keep your loan servicers informed of your move. This ensures they have your current contact information and allows for seamless communication regarding any loan-related matters.

• Credit Card Companies and Retail Credit Accounts: Don't let important information from credit card companies or retail credit accounts fall into the wrong hands. Update your address on their websites or by contacting them directly.

• Accountants and Tax Advisors: If you work with a financial advisor, accountant, or tax professional, ensure they have your updated contact details for continued smooth communication.

Step 3: Essentials and Subscriptions

• Utilities: Don't get stuck without essentials in your new place! Contact your electricity, water, gas, trash collection, and internet service providers to schedule service termination at your old address and set up new service at your new home.

• Home or Renters Insurance: Moving often necessitates changes to your insurance coverage. Notify your insurance company about your move beforehand to ensure your new home is covered and to discuss any potential adjustments to your policy.

• Subscriptions: Whether it's your favorite magazine subscription or your monthly streaming service, update your address for these services to avoid missing out on deliveries or disruptions.

Step 4: Don't Forget These Places

• Employer: Let your employer know your new address, especially if it impacts your work commute or tax withholding.

• Friends, Family, and Personal Contacts: Spread the word! Update your address with close friends and family to stay connected and avoid missing important invitations or deliveries.

Don’t Forget to Book Your Movers

Taking the time to update your address where necessary is crucial to a smooth transition to your new home. Remember, a little planning goes a long way in avoiding the stress of misplacing important documents or missing out on essential services.  

Moving requires a lot of small steps that are sometimes easy to overlook. When you book your move with Bailey’s Moving and Storage, we take care of all the major moving tasks (packing, heavy lifting, moving, unpacking) so that you can focus on the smaller things. Now that you know where to change your address when you move, click here to get started on a quote or give us a call at (888) 260-5717