Change of Address Checklist: Who to Notify When You Move

When you’re preoccupied with important relocation-related tasks, it’s easy to forget about informing relevant people and institutions of your upcoming move and subsequent change of address.

Notifying specific organizations and individuals of your relocation is essential for ensuring a smooth moving process. Getting a jump start on who to notify when you move can also help prevent various hassles and troubles with your mail or accounts.

Here's a change of address checklist of the people and institutions you need to contact before moving day.

United States Postal Service (USPS)

At the top of the list of who to notify of your change of address is the United States Postal Service (USPS). They can forward your mail to prevent any lost letters or bills, and make sure your mail doesn’t wind up in someone else’s hands by accident.

To have your mail forwarded to your new place before you’ve updated your address with individual organizations and companies, you only need to fill out a change of address request at your local post office or at the USPS official website.

Family, friends and neighbors

While your family members may be at the top of your list, don’t forget to notify your close friends and neighbors of your change of address, too. You never know who may want to keep in touch or may even be willing to help you pack for the move. In either case, letting them know well in advance is helpful. For relatives you only hear from over the holidays, send a change of address card once you have a new, permanent address.

Employer

Even if you’re just moving across town and your job isn’t changing with the move, your employer needs to keep your records up-to-date for tax documents and insurance paperwork.

Utilities

Arrange to have the old utilities disconnected and the new ones connected on moving day to hopefully avoid a service disruption. Be sure to schedule the switch with your service providers, including:

• Electricity company
• Gas company
• Water company
• Cable and/or internet company
• Phone service
• Garbage and recycling
• Landscaping service
• Other municipal services you may need.

Moving stress is a given; knowing you’ll be able to unpack your belongings in a new place with electricity can provide some peace of mind.

Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) / Department of Public Safety (DPS)

The next place to update is either the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or depending on the state you live in, the Department of Public Safety (DPS). If you move out of state, you’ll have to transfer your driver’s license and update your vehicle’s registration. Most states require you to update these documents within a short time (10 to 30 days, depending on your new state). Even if it’s just a move across town, they will need your correct address. If you’re updating your driver’s license, some states may charge a fee. Other documents you can update while you’re at the DMV (or DPS) are your voter registration and passport. 

Government agencies

A number of federal and state government agencies should be notified when you’re moving, including the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA). The IRS offers the convenience of updating your address electronically through Form 8822. 

If you’re receiving retirement, disability, Medicare, Survivor, or Supplemental Security Income benefits from the government, you need to update your address as soon as possible to avoid a disruption. You can update your contact information through the SSA’s online form.

You’ll also want to update the state tax agency as well as your voter registration. Directions for updating both of these forms should be found on your state government’s website. 

Financial institutions

Financial institutions will all need your new address. The list may include (but is not limited to) banks, credit unions, loan providers, investments, brokerages, lenders, credit card companies, tax-related companies, and financing apps such as: PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, etc.

Insurance companies

The insurance agencies that provide your life, health, and homeowners insurance policies should have your current address on file, as should any other organizations and individuals (such as your family attorney) you do business with.

While you’re at it, learn more about how a home warranty with American Home Shield may provide you with the protection you need. 

Medical service providers

To ensure that your medical records don’t end up in the wrong hands, alert your doctors, dentists, veterinarians, and other medical service providers of your upcoming move. 

Schools

Moving with kids adds another layer of complexity no matter where you’re going. If you or your children are in school, you need to notify the school of your new address. You may need to register your children in a new district, depending on how far you’ve moved and the school service boundaries. If this is the case, notify both the current and the new school as far in advance as possible. Check in with the new school in person at least two days before your child starts to make sure they’re accounted for.

Subscription services and clubs

Last but not least, you need to update your address with any online platforms or retailers. Most online platforms have the functionality to change your address right through the app. If the retailer doesn’t have an app, changing your address through their website should take no more than a few minutes. 

You may also want to update the sports, professional, or social clubs you belong to. And while you’re at it, notify the subscriber services department of any magazines or newspapers you want to receive at your new home.

You may have to personally visit some companies or institutions to notify them of your relocation, but in most cases, you should be able to change your mailing address online or with a simple phone call. Postcards, emails, text messages, and social media announcements may also be viable methods to inform people of your new address.