Updated on September 18, 2024
Your to-do list can seem never-ending during a move as you try to juggle all of the responsibilities of moving and finding the right companies to help make your move happen. However, there is one to-do you will want to ensure is at the top of the list: changing your address.
You don’t want to miss important bills, checks, and deliveries while you are in the process of moving. From the postal service to your favorite subscription service, you will need to make sure that all of them are informed so you don’t miss out on important information and items you paid for.
How to Change Your Mailing Address When You Move
The primary way to change your mailing address and forward your mail for a period of time is to contact your local post office or visit their website to learn more.
United States Postal Service
The first and most crucial step is updating your mailing address with the United States Postal Service. The fastest and easiest way to do this is to change it online for a $1 processing fee. You can also go to your local post office and request a Mover’s Guide packet, which includes a change of address form.
While forwarding your mail may not catch every piece going to your old address, the USPS will forward as much mail as they receive to your new address for 12 months, giving you time to communicate your new address to everyone else. Magazines and periodicals are only forwarded for 60 days, so you will want to update your address with those subscriptions sooner rather than later to prevent a lapse in service.
Pro tip: When you change your address with USPS, you can often elect to change your voter registration automatically depending on where you are moving to and from.
Other Address Changes to Make When Moving
The USPS is a vital part of the address change process. Unfortunately though, it isn’t a catch-all solution to ensuring all of your mail gets to your new home. There are a number of companies, agencies, etc., you will need to physically go to, call, or complete an online form to update your mailing and billing addresses.
Utility Companies
Depending on the distance of your move, utility changes may involve more than just changing your address. As you are making arrangements to update utility information for your new home, you may want to consider switching to online billing instead of receiving printed bills at your new address.
You will also want to make sure all of your utilities, such as electricity, water, internet, etc., are ready to go at your new home the day you move in. Update your address and billing info with these new companies if you are moving long distance, or call your current providers if they stay the same in a local move.
Online Profiles and Storefronts
If you are a frequent online shopper and save your billing and shipping addresses with online sites, remember to change them. Whether you frequently use Amazon to purchase everyday items or like to browse Etsy for gifts, update all of the online merchants you shop at with your new address.
Many sites utilize one-click purchasing, which forego the usual checking of billing and shipping addresses. That makes it imperative to do it before your move, especially if there is anything you purchase for your new home. You don’t want it sent to the folks moving into your old home!
Your Employer
Whether you are moving locally and staying with the same company, or you are moving long distance and working at a new company, be sure to notify your company’s HR department of the change. Even if your paychecks are directly deposited into your bank account, you’ll want to let your employer know about your change of address to ensure pay stubs, tax forms, benefits, and other vital documents go to the right place.
Insurance Companies
While this might seem obvious for something like home insurance that you will need to set up at your new address, there could be other things like life insurance, property insurance, etc., that could be voided if your address isn’t updated. Car insurance companies especially need to be updated, as rates can change based on your vehicles new location, and if the worst should happen, they could elect not to cover your claim because of an old address mixup.
Gather a list of all of the insurance companies you have policies with and contact them individually. Don’t forget any insurance you have through your employer as well - do not count on them to update your info with the insurance you have through the company.
The DMV
Check-in with the DMV for a new driver's license with your updated info, especially if you are moving to a new state. Most states grant you a 30-day grace period after your move to update your license. This will also be an excellent time to update your plate registration as well. Depending on the state you move to, you might need a front and back license plate on your vehicle to comply with state law.
Nobody enjoys going to the DMV, but it is a vital part of the updating process to be able to drive your vehicle legally on the street.
Other Government Agencies
Apart from the DMV, there are other government agencies you should update information with personally. First is the Social Security Administration (SSA). If you are receiving any form of SS benefits, those benefits might not get distributed correctly if the SSA doesn’t have the right information on file for you. Identity theft should also be a big concern for everyone, and updating your address with the SSA can help safeguard against identity thieves filing false benefit claims under your old address.
Another agency to update is the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), especially if you own a business or are self-employed. If you want to ensure important tax forms are sent to your location correctly (also provide another deterrent against identity theft), updating the IRS with your new mailing address is vital. If you need further incentive to update with the IRS, tax return disbursements might be held up if the IRS discovers you have moved and haven’t updated your information.
Friends and Family
Of course, don’t forget to let all your friends and family know of your new address! One way to let important people in your life know you’ve moved is an invitation to a housewarming party. Invite neighbors, friends, and family over for the party, and include your new address. If you have moved cross country, you can always consider a virtual housewarming to show off your new place.
Work with 1-800-PACK-RAT to Make Your Move Simpler
As we initially said, your to-do list for your move is extensive. 1-800-PACK-RAT knows and understands all of the ins and outs of a move, which is why we do everything we can to make moving and storage simple for our customers. Allow us to give you the peace of mind you need while also providing the most flexible moving and storage solution available.
At 1-800-PACK-RAT, our portable moving and storage containers make any moving and storage needs a breeze. Here’s how it works: We will deliver a container to your front door that you can pack at your pace. When you are ready, we will pick it up and deliver it to your new home or to one of our secure nationwide storage facilities for as long as you need, leaving the driving completely to us. No extra driving or rushing to do everything all in one day. This will save you valuable time you can spend on things like address changes!
Give us a call today or go online for a free quote and see how we can make moving and storage simple for you!