Address Change: How to Do It, Who to Tell

When it comes to moving, remember: you DO still get some important snail mail, even if most of your communications are digital. Adding an address change to your long to-do doesn’t have to be frustrating. Rest assured, it’s pretty simple. Here’s how it works, and who needs to know you’re moving.

Start at the Post Office

The Post Office (USPS) is always the first place to to go when your address changes. They can also walk you through how to change your address. The first step is forwarding your mail. This is an easy-to-fill-out form and can also be done online. All mail addressed to to you will be re-directed to your new address for a fixed amount of time (typically a few months).

You still need to let other important people and organizations know of your address change, though, since your mail forward is only temporary.

Utility Companies

This one can be easy to forget, especially during the hustle and bustle of your move. However, it’s important to let utility companies know you are moving. They will need to send you a final bill or change your account information.

Department of Motor Vehicles

If you just moved across town, you don’t have make a special trip down to the DMV.  You can change your address online once the dust settles from your move. You typically have between 30-60 days (depending on your state) to let the DMV know of your address change. You don’t want to be late on this, so you are not subject to fines.

Your Bank, Broker & Credit Cards

When you have to make a withdrawal, the bank will want to see your ID. If your address doesn’t match their records, it may be more difficult for you to access your funds. Checks are not nearly as popular as they once were, but if you use them, those need to be updated too. Use the 800 number on the back of your credit cards and call to report your address change. They’ll mail you a confirmation of the change.

Be sure to tell your investment broker you’ve moved, especially if your monthly statements are mailed to you. This is sensitive information.

Your Employer

Even if your paychecks are direct deposit, your work still needs to know your new address. When tax season rolls around, most employers mail out tax forms. If you have a 401K or employer stock options, that information gets mailed too.

Your Doctors

Even if you haven’t been to the doctor in long time, this one still makes the list. Sometimes it can take a long time to process billing (it can be over a year). You want to make sure you are up-to-date on all medical bills. Don’t put a black mark on your credit just because you moved.

Your Insurance Companies

This is especially important for your renters insurance. If you don’t let your insurance company know you have moved, your items may not be insured at your new home. One quick call to your agent, and your belongings are safe and sound.

Subscriptions

Do you get any magazines, retail products, prescriptions or food shipped to you on a regular basis? These companies will need to be alerted that you’ve moved.

Tax Collectors

If you own any real estate or other real taxable property, don’t forget to let the tax collector know where to find you. Tax bills are generally sent out each November, with monthly reminders coming for a few months after that.

SEE ALSO:  How to Give Notice to your Apartment

Moving can be stressful, but changing your address doesn’t have to be. Many of these items can be easily done before the packing begins. If you forget someone, you mail will be forwarded for quite some time. This will give you the chance to inform everyone of your new residence. You’ve done the hardest part, you moved your home. Changing your address is the easy.

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