METCALF MOVING BLOG
Change of Address Checklist Before Your Move
In the months and weeks leading up to your household move, it’s important to let people, businesses, and agencies know about your change of location. Creating a change of address checklist makes the job more manageable and helps to ensure you don’t miss anyone.
Here are some tips to help you track important documents, ensure utilities are turned off/on, and keep your personal information safe.
Post Office
Start with the USPS because they ultimately reroute your mail. Even if you think you’ve notified everyone, you don’t want to overlook something important. Put in a change of address form with the U.S. Post Office; you can do this online. The post office will forward your mail for up to one year after you move. You’ll need to list everyone in your household individually, and if anyone has a different last name, you should file separate forms.
Utility Companies
Whether opening a new account, closing one, or transferring utility services, you must let each company know you’re moving. This way, you’ll have services turned on when you arrive at your new place. (No one wants to unpack in the dark or uncomfortable interior temperatures!)
- Electric and gas companies
- Phone, internet, and cable providers
- Water/sewage
- Trash collection
- Home security
Start planning about a month ahead so you can establish or settle utility accounts.
Employers
Your employer is another entity you’ll want to notify about your change of address. This way, your employer can forward your tax forms, HR-related details, retirement accounts, and other vital documents to your new address. Even if you change employers when you move, be sure your previous employer knows where you’re moving.
Government Entities
Inform the IRS and your state tax department about your new address. Other agencies you should notify about your address change include the Social Security Administration and your state’s DMV department. If you receive services or are connected to any other federal or state government agencies, let these know as well. Remember to fill out a voter registration too—you can often do this when you change your DMV or other government notification.
Banks and Credit Unions
In most cases, you can go online or use an app to notify any financial institutions you work with to inform them about your new address. You don’t want new owners or tenants getting your financial mailings or tax information after moving. Alert the following:
- Bank or credit union
- PayPal, Venmo, Stripe, or other online entities
- Credit card companies
- Loan companies
- Investment accounts
- Retirement accounts
If you don’t see a way to change your address online or are uncomfortable doing so, call your financial institutions and ask what the next best way to change your address is.
Insurance Companies
Chances are you have multiple insurance policies, and one you’ll need to contact immediately is the company that covers your home or rental insurance. In addition, you’ll need to update your auto, life, and healthcare policies. Keep in mind these may be with one primary company, or you may use several companies as your providers.
Ready to Plan Your Move?
If you’re changing your address, this means your move is around the corner. Remember, in addition to the above, change your address with any company you receive deliveries from, including eBay, Amazon, Etsy, newspapers, magazines, food delivery services, etc., along with your healthcare providers.
Working with a mover can make your relocation transition easier. To obtain a free quote, contact us today!
