Change of Address Checklist: People and Places to Notify When You Move

Moving Change of Address Checklist

There are few events in life that have as many “moving parts” (pun intended) as relocating. Just when you think you’ve tackled all the necessary to-dos, a laundry list of things you hadn’t even considered presents itself, leaving you scrambling to not only get everything done, but to get it done in the most efficient manner and order possible.
 
Among the most important steps to take when preparing for a move is to ensure that you have changed your address with all necessary parties. This list can include everyone from the postal service and your car insurance provider, to your credit card providers and even the dog groomer. As for who to update and when? The change of address checklist below is designed to help you prioritize and minimize moving hiccups!
 
Postal Service

• Be sure to set-up mail forwarding with USPS. You can do this online or in person at the post office.
• We recommend setting up forwarding at least a week before your scheduled moving day to minimize the gap between moving day and when mail forwarding goes into effect.
• We’re giving this one its own category because it’s that important. It’s a great first step that will provide you coverage after your move, and can help you in updating people you hadn’t thought of as they see your new address and update their records.

Automotive

Did you know that not all car insurance providers do business across the US? It’s true! And you’ll want to be sure that your current provider can continue to serve you in your new location. Different states also have different coverage requirements, so modifications to your policy may be in order. Additionally, insurance rates can vary from location to location, based in part on overall risk. If you’re moving from the country to the city, your insurance policy cost may jump quite a bit because of an increased risk in property damage or accidents. Similarly, if you’re moving from a major metropolitan area to a more remote area, your policy cost may decrease.

• Car Insurance
• Vehicle Registration
• Driver's License
• AAA (or similar)/Roadside Assistance

Employment/Retirement

• Current Employer (Your move might affect your tax rate; plus, they need to know where to send you important updates)
• Past Employers (There may be company updates that affect you even post-employment, particularly if they apply to any retirement plan you had with the company)
• Pension Plans
• IRA/401k Administrators

For Parents (Children’s Contacts)

Whether they’re 3-years-old or 16-years-old, your kids have a rich life all their own, and many people who will need their updated address and parental contact information. This can be especially important if your move will affect the school your children attend, or location-based sports teams they are a part of.  

• School
• Pediatrician
• Dentist
• Daycare Provider
• Babysitter
• Scouts/Clubs/Youth Organizations
• Sports Programs
• Music/Arts Programs

For Pet Owners

One of the most crucial updates to make for pet owners is their address on the Microchip Registry. Just like their human companions, pets can be greatly affected by a move to a new location. The new space, sights, and smells will eventually become their ‘new normal,’ but in the days and weeks following a move, they may become scared and more likely to run away. Ensuring you have the updated contact information and address on the Microchip Registry greatly improves the chances of getting them safely back home as soon as possible.

• Veterinarian
• Doggy Daycare/Dog Walker
• Groomer
• Pet Rescue – Some rescues require you to update them with your new address if you move
• Pet License
• Pet Microchip Address

Medical Insurance

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance

Medical Providers

• Doctors
• Dentist
• Optometrist
• Specialists
• Pharmacy

Government Agencies

• Social Security Administration (Note: It is not necessary to change your address for your Social Security Card itself, but if you are a current recipient of Social Security or Medicare benefits, it is recommended to update your address with the SSA as soon as possible. Luckily, this can be easily done online!)
• IRS
• Voter Registration
• Benefits Programs (ie. Unemployment Benefits, Medicare, Medicaid)

Home Care, Protection & Maintenance

If any of your home care, protection, and maintenance services are provided by small businesses or self-employed individuals, try to let them know about your upcoming move as soon as possible. This will give them time to “fill your spot” if you’ll be moving outside of their service area, helping them minimize the chance of a revenue gap once you’re no longer a client.

• Lawn Care Provider
• Pool Maintenance
• Home Cleaning Service
• Pest Control
• Home Security
• Home Owner’s or Renter’s Insurance – Having insurance for your former location won’t help in the unfortunate event that something goes wrong!

Personal & Memberships

• Friends & Family – Before you’re left wondering why your favorite aunt hasn’t sent you a holiday card this year, be sure that you’ve provided an update of your new address to friends and family members! For those that are more technically inclined, this can be as simple as sending a group text. Just be sure to call or send a ‘snail mail’ update to older family and friends, or those who might have your contact information shared somewhere other than on their mobile phone.
• Neighbors – While there may be some difficult neighbors you’re looking forward to not seeing again, there are likely some other neighbors who have made your current home a very enjoyable place to live. Be sure to provide them with your new address as well, or at least keep in touch via email! In addition to letting them know that you value the friendship you’ve built over the years, this will also let them know to expect some new faces on the block once the new owners or tenants move in. If your neighbors aren’t aware of your move, seeing new people coming in and out of your place may cause them concern. Letting them know ahead of time provides a sense of security, and also gives them an opportunity to go over and say hello!
• Clubs or Organizations
• Charities/Non-Profits
• Gym/Personal Trainer
• Library

Online Services

• PayPal or similar providers that have your name and address stored (Also be sure to change the primary address, and remove the old address)
• Browser Autofill Settings (See if you’re able to permanently remove the old address so you don't inadvertently automatically click it!)
• Map/Transit Applications (Change your stored home address in regularly used applications, like Waze, Uber/Lyft, and/or Google Maps)
• Online stores with whom you've saved your address for easy ordering (Everywhere from etsy to eBay!)

Financial Institutions & Professionals

• Banks
• Credit Card Companies
• Lenders/Loan Companies (ie. Home Equity Loan, Student Loans)
• Accountant & Tax Advisors

Utility Providers

• Electric
• Water
• Gas
• Sanitation
• Sewer

Connectivity & Entertainment

• Cable Provider
• Internet Provider
• Mobile Phone Provider
• Land Line Phone Provider
• Streaming Services – This can be especially important as your account may get flagged if you’re logging in from a new location. Updating ahead of the move can help minimize the chance of being locked out of your streaming services.

Subscription & Home Delivery Services
 
We sometimes don’t realize how many subscription services we have until the time comes to update our address with all of them. While these can vary quite a bit from person to person, some to consider include:

• Monthly/Bimonthly/Quarterly Subscription Boxes (ie. ipsy, FabFitFun, The Beard Club)
• Magazine Subscriptions
• Newspaper Subscriptions
• Bottled Water
• Food Delivery Boxes (ie. HelloFresh, Misfits Market)
• Items Subscribed for Auto-Refill (ie. Prescriptions, Personal Care Items, Skin Care Products)

Additional Change of Address Considerations

• Citizenship & Immigration Services (Non-Citizens)
• Department of Veterans Affairs
• Business License Office (Small and/or Home Business Owners)
• Attorney
• Rewards Programs/Stores that Send You Coupons & Catalogs