Change Of Address Checklist
Did you recently move and need to change your address? Follow along to learn the most efficient way to change your address and the steps you need to take to notify necessary services.
There are plenty of reasons why someone may need to change their address. The first is that you've moved, but you may also need to change your address if you want to rent a post office box or would like your mail forwarded.
In addition to packing, hiring movers, and everything else on your moving checklist, it's important that you change your address sooner rather than later, especially if you are moving out of state or moving cross-country. You want to ensure that the right people know about your move so you don't encounter roadblocks like missed bills or service lapses. So, how exactly do you change your address?
This change of address checklist will help you determine who you need to notify and how to do it correctly.
Where to start
The first thing you'll want to do is visit your local post office in person or online. You have two options:
By going to USPS.com/move, you can let the post office know that you need to change your address permanently or temporarily and that you would like any mail sent to your old house forwarded to your new one. There is a $1.10 charge to change your address online, but this is the easiest and fastest way to get it done.
You can also visit your local post office and request a movers guide packet. The packet includes the change of address order, instructions on completing the form, and coupons offering discounts for moving services.
If you're moving from out of state, you may also need to change your address with the DMV (Division of mortar vehicles). You will need to bring a change of address form from your state, personal details (date of birth, driver's license, current and previous addresses, social security card), proof of identification, and proof of residence.
Who to notify
Along with the post office and the DMV, there are various people and companies that need to be notified about your change of address. It may seem like a lot of calls to make and forms to fill out, but with our checklist, you can stay on track of who you have/have not notified. You will want to update your address with the following:
- Banks
- Phone, internet, and tv providers
- Local post office
- DMV
- Streaming services
- Insurance providers
- Any subscriptions
- Utilities
- Delivery services
- Dentist and doctors
- Social security administration
- Tax agencies
- Online shopping sites
- Loan providers
- Other financial agencies
- Vehicle registration
- Driver's license
- Employers
- Retail clubs (Costco or Sam's Club)
Print out our Change Of Address Checklist to stay organized!
Social Security Administration
Informing the Social Security Administration of your change of address is necessary if you receive social security benefits. To do so, log into your social security administration account, click on your profile, and select "update contact information." From there, you enter your new address and set its start date. If you're having trouble, contact them at 1-800-772-1213.
If you don't already have an account, you can easily set one up where you can initially enter your new address.
Tax agencies
When changing your address, you should inform both the federal revenue agency and your state tax agency. For North Carolina, you will visit the Department of Revenue website and fill out a change of address form. If you're having trouble online, contact them at 1-877-252-3052.
To notify the IRS (internal revenue service), you will complete a form 8822, change of address (for individual, gift, estate, or generation-skipping transfer tax returns).
You may also inform them in writing or by phone. In writing, you will need to provide the following:
- Full name
- Old and new addresses
- Date of birth
- Social security number, individual taxpayer identification number, or employer identification number
Your Employer(s)
It can be easy to forget to inform your boss about your address change. These days, people work from home or are on a flexible schedule and often forget things must be reported. You should change your address with your employer asap for tax and payroll requirements.
Utility services
Notifying your utility services is essential and should be done immediately. Doing it beforehand saves you the hassle of being without heat or electricity on your move-in day. When transferring services, you should have the services at your new house starting the evening before move-in or the morning of. You should arrange for your current services to shut off at the end of the moving day.
You will visit the website for the city of Raleigh and fill out a Transfer service application. You will notify Customer Care and Billing to stop services and complete a Stop Service & Final Billing Request.
Depending on the area and responsibilities, you may also need to contact the water department, sewer utility company, and garbage/recycling company.
Insurance
You should begin the process of changing your address with insurance providers before move-in. With homeowner's insurance, a change of address doesn't change your coverage. Be sure to contact your agent beforehand to ensure your policy covers you in your new home. When renting, check with your landlord about what proof you need.
Voter Registration
You will need to update your voter registration before the next election so that you can vote in your new location. The easiest way to update is to visit USA.gov and clock "register and Vote in your State." You can do this online, by mail, or in person.
Banks
It's essential to notify your banks and credit card companies about your change of address to ensure they don't freeze your card or flag suspicious activity. You can typically update your contact information on the company's website or online through their app. Contact your bank or credit card company directly if you're having difficulties.
Loan Providers
Loan providers also need an updated address for bills and statements. Like others, you can call directly and change your address or visit their website. For example, with Sallie Mae, you will log into your account, select "settings," then "Account settings," and then "Edit Address." Easy enough!
Subscriptions
For subscriptions, you will need to go directly onto the site and edit your address.
- Amazon prime
- Streaming services
- Subscription boxes
- Gym memberships
- Other local memberships
- Retail websites
- Magazines and catalogs
Delivery services
Delivery services are much like subscriptions. Most of the time, you can go online and update your address before the next shipment. You may also be able to update your address when you place your next order or call your delivery service and update your address over the phone.
Doctors & Dentist
Individual service providers like doctors and dentists need an up-to-date address for billing purposes. If your address on file isn't correct, they may stop services or require you to pay your missed bill before services.
The less obvious
If you use an address stamp for your mail return, you will need to update it.
Make sure to put a new address on any tags or collars, including your luggage, animals, backpacks, etc.
If you have business cards, bank checks, a website., you should update it so people and customers can still reach you.
How soon should I notify?
Notifying companies, banks, tax agencies, etc., of your address change is essential in keeping services on, such as electricity, tracking important documents, and keeping your identity safe. It's also important to notify anyone necessary in a timely manner.
With your homeowner's insurance, you should inform your agent BEFORE you move. Your insurance provider will likely need to issue you a new policy, and you also want to ensure your coverage kicks in upon arrival. You should notify
- Homeowners Insurance
- car insurance
- life insurance
- medical insurance
- vision insurance
- dental insurance
You should also notify the post office (USPS) before or immediately after moving. That way, you ensure your mail is forwarded, and anything new will be shipped directly to you.
You need to notify the IRS and your state tax agency as soon as possible but before the next tax period. You cannot receive your tax return if the address on file is incorrect. Although it's not thought about because we only deal with taxes once a year, updating tax agencies is imperative. You can receive mail and important information from the IRS year-round, and they are something you don't want to miss.
Your employer should be notified two weeks before you move to ensure you receive any tax documents, paychecks, etc., that you may need.
The DMV must be notified of an address change within 30 days, even within city limits. You need to update your:
- Drivers license
- Vehicle registration
- Voters registration
- Passport
Financial institutions must also be notified ASAP to ensure there are no missed payments.
- Bank
- Credit card companies or companies
- Lenders
- Investments
- Tax preparation services
The Social Security Administration should be notified as soon as you move so that you can continue receiving any benefits. If you have any of the following, you will need to update your address:
- Retirement
- Disability
- Medicare
- Survivor benefits
- Supplemental security income
Utility companies should be notified at least one month before you move. That way, your services at your current home will stop on time, and your new services will start on time.
- Home security service
- Water
- Electricity
- Gas
- Sewage
- Garbage
Having your cable and internet services transferred to your new address before you move in or on the day of is beneficial.
With streaming services and other shipments/deliveries, you will want to update your address before your next payment or before your next delivery service is shipped out.
What's the best way to change your address?
The easiest and most efficient way to change your address is by notifying the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).
- Submit your address change via the Internet.
- Complete a change of address by phone
- Fill out for 3573, the official mail forwarding change of address order.
Why is it important to change your address?
It's important to change your address to avoid any hiccups or roadblocks. Changing your address can help you avoid violating laws, protect you from identity theft, and ensure you receive all your mail and belongings.
FAQ
How do I change my residential address?
You can either go to the post office in person and request the Mover's guide packet or fill out the form online.
When's the best time to change your address?
You should change your address at least two weeks before moving day.
What happens if mail gets sent to my old address?
Either the mail carrier will take your mail back to the post office, or your mail will be forwarded if a new address is on file.
How long does a change of address last with the post office?
Mail forwarding for a permanent change of address will last for 12 months
Change of Address - Final Thoughts
Although it can seem tedious, updating your address if you are moving or plan on moving is extremely important. Doing this ensures that you don't miss bills, have mail delivered to the wrong address, have a lapse in services, etc. You can usually edit your address by logging into your account and editing your contact information. More serious agencies will require you to complete an online or in-person form. Either way, updating your address is an important step in moving and one that should not be forgotten!
If you're looking for property in the area, feel free to contact us! We will set you up with one of our phenomenal agents who can help you find your dream home.