When relocating, is it necessary to inform the postal service about the change of mailing address?

The United States Postal Service (USPS) plays a significant role in orchestrating the change-of-address process when moving to a new location. Notifying USPS about your address change is vital to ensure that mail and packages are correctly forwarded to your new address, thus preventing a potential loss or delay of important correspondence or packages.

Is it necessary to inform both state and federal tax agencies about my new address?

When it comes to moving, one of the small but crucial details to attend to is informing both state and federal tax agencies about the change of address. This is critical because all the agencies, both on state and federal levels, need to have your updated information to send important tax documents or notifications. At the Federal level, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires you to inform them about any address changes. This can be done electronically via the IRS website or by mailing Form 8822, Change of Address. It’s imperative to do this as the IRS sends various documents such as tax return transcripts, reminders, and other notices to the address they have on file. On the other hand, the procedure to change your address with your state tax agency varies depending on the state. Some states may allow you to update your information online, while others may require a written or phone request. The information is used to send you state-specific tax documents and any notifications about changes in tax laws or procedures. Accurate address information ensures that you receive all necessary tax documents in a timely manner. Additionally, it helps avoid any confusion or mistakes that can arise due to documents being sent to old addresses. Remember, not receiving a tax document because of an incorrect address doesn't exempt you from any tax obligations or potential penalties. This makes it all the more important to ensure your address is updated whenever you move.

What's the best way to inform the Social Security Administration of my recent relocation?

Submit your change of address to the SSA either online, via mail, or through a phone call. Online: SSA provides an online platform, "My Social Security," where you can manually update your address. Upon successful login into your account, select "Contact Information," then navigate to "Update Contact Information" to edit your address. This method is quick, efficient, and easily accessible. Via Mail: If you prefer more traditional channels, you can send a letter to your local Social Security office explaining your relocation. Detail your name, Social Security number, and, importantly, your new address. The SSA's official website provides a locator tool to find the specific address of your nearest Social Security office. Phone Call: Alternatively, you can notify the SSA by calling their toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Customer service hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Is it necessary to inform the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) about your change of address when you move?

Yes, it is important to inform the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) about a change of address when you move. Your driver's license will need to reflect your correct, current address. By not updating this information with the DMV, you may run into complications during traffic stops, or other situations where accurate identification is needed. Moreover, the DMV sends critical communication, including license renewals and vehicle registration updates, to the address they have on file. Notifying the DMV of an address change will ensure that you remain compliant with vehicle-related laws and receive necessary reminders or notifications in a timely manner.

What is the right timeline to notify your gas and electric providers about your upcoming move?

Ideally, you should inform your utility companies about your plan to move at least two weeks ahead of your moving date. This allows ample time for the utility companies to schedule disconnection at your current residence and reconnection at your new home.

When should I begin the process of transitioning my phone, cable, and internet services?

The ideal time to start the process of transitioning these services is about two to three weeks before your planned moving date. This is because these service providers often need advanced notice to either transfer the service or set it up in your new location. The exact timeline will depend on your service provider, so it is recommended to check in with them directly.

Which other service providers should you get in touch with when planning a move?

To ensure a smooth transition to your new home without any interruptions, consider notifying the following providers: Banking and credit card companies Subscription services Healthcare providers Gift registries and delivery services See our comprehensive checklist above so you don’t miss anyone in your life.

How early should I initiate the transfer of these insurance policies prior to relocating?

Since insurance policies typically cover property, car, and health, it's crucial to initiate the transfer process well in advance. This is because these insurances significantly rely on factors associated with geographical location. For instance, the premium rates for home or property insurance can differ based on the new location's climate, crime rates, or distance from a fire station. Ideally, the transition of your insurance policies should begin at least 30 to 60 days prior to your move. This period gives both you and the insurance company ample time to evaluate your new locale's insurance specifications. During this period, have a frank discussion with your insurance provider to understand the requirements, coverage changes, and possible differences in premiums at your new location. If your current provider doesn't offer services in your new area, you'll have enough time to shop around for a new provider to ensure continuous coverage. Moreover, initiating the transfer process early enough helps in foreseeing issues such as coverage gaps. Plus, it gives you invaluable time to fully update your personal details, including change of address in the company's system. Remember, you're not just moving your belongings, but also securing the peace of mind that comes with well-planned insurance coverage.

How do I get a temporary address if my new home is not ready?

occur due to unforeseen circumstances such as renovation hitches, legal issues, or financial challenges. Here are some options to consider so you don’t miss any important pieces of mail: Post Office Boxes (P.O. Box) : Most local post offices have mailboxes for rent, giving you a temporary address and a secure location to receive mail. Mail Forwarding Services : Some companies will receive, store, and forward your mail, or even scan and email a copy if that's what you prefer. Friend or Relative Addresses : If you have someone you trust living within your new location, you can temporarily change your address to theirs. Make sure to communicate your plans and get their permission beforehand.

What needs to be changed when you move an address?

Here’s a quick breakdown of what/who needs to know your new address: Medicare, Social Security Administration, and IRS Post office Utility companies Driver's license or ID card Employer, schools, and day care providers Bank and credit card provider Insurance companies Mobile service and map apps Family and friends See the above article for a complete checklist for changing your address.

What is the easiest way to change your address for everything?

The easiest way to change your address for everything is to visit the official USPS Change of Address website .

How long before I move should I put in a change of address?

It’s recommended to initiate the address change as soon as you know your move-in date. While USPS can start forwarding your mail within three business days, it's advised to complete the change-of-address request about two weeks prior to your move. This ensures that your mail will be forwarded to your new address, piece by piece, as it arrives.

Change-of-Address Checklist 2025: Who to Inform When You Move to a New Address?

January 14, 2025

TABLE OF CONTENT

Change-of-Address Checklist: Who to notify when you move homes or apartments
Moving Address Change Checklist: When to notify?
FAQ about Moving Address Change Checklist
Stewart Moving and Storage: Your Partner for a Successful Move

Did you just relocate, or are you on the brink of a move? If that's the case, you're well aware of how daunting it can be to get through all the paperwork tied to changing your address. We've compiled a comprehensive moving address change checklist that can guide you through the task of updating your address in all relevant places. This handy tool will help you make this transition as smooth as possible.

> Read more:

Change-of-Address Checklist: Who to notify when you move homes or apartments

1. Utility Companies

The first notifications on your change-of-address checklist are your utility companies, including water, gas, electricity, and internet service providers. Inform them of your move date to ensure your services are transferred smoothly to your new address. Make sure you also cancel the utilities at your current property so you’re not charged twice.

2. Banks and Credit Card Companies

Your bank and card companies need to have your most current address on record. This is crucial not just for communication purposes, but also for security checks. You can usually submit a change of address online, but if you have trouble, visit a local branch office.

3. Insurance Providers

Health Insurance: Check with your health insurance provider to make sure it transfers to your new location—especially if you’re moving out of state. The risk of accidents and injuries can be higher during a move, so it’s important to prevent any gaps in coverage.
Auto Insurance: Rates often vary based on where you live. Check with your provider when you change your address and make sure any important documents regarding your auto plan are sent to the correct location.
Homeowners/Renter Insurance: This may be one of the first things you do when you set up your mortgage at your new home or sign a new apartment lease. Also, be sure to cancel any previous home or renter’s insurance so you are not paying double!

4. Healthcare Providers

All your doctors and healthcare providers need to know how to contact you. Failing to change your address with your healthcare providers could lead to a missed bill or report. Notify your primary care physician, healthcare specialists, and dentists of your new address.

5. The United States Postal Service (USPS)

To ensure that all your mail is forwarded to your new address, it's essential to set up a mail forwarding service through the United States Postal Service (USPS). This can be easily done by completing a change-of-address form online in just a few minutes. Once set up, your mail will be forwarded from your old address to your new one for a period of six months to one year.

The USPS change-of-address process is straightforward. You can either visit your local post office and submit a free form or opt to complete the form online for a small fee.

6. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

It’s crucial to notify the IRS and your state tax authorities when you move. This ensures that you don't miss any important communications and helps to prevent identity fraud. You can update your address with the IRS by phone, mail, or by using IRS Form 8822. It's important to make sure your address is current to receive tax returns, stimulus checks, and any other important documents.

Additionally, if you haven't linked your tax return to a bank account for direct deposits, now is the perfect time to do so, ensuring faster access to any refunds or government payments.

7. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

In many states, you are required to update your address with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 30 days of moving, even if you’re relocating within the same city. If you’re moving across state lines, you’ll also need to update your vehicle registration and potentially your vehicle title.

While at the DMV, you can update several important documents, including:

Driver's license
Vehicle registration
Voter’s registration
Passport

To save time, it's a good idea to make an appointment and bring all necessary documents with you.

8. Social Security Administration (SSA)

If you receive Social Security benefits, it’s essential to update your address with the Social Security Administration (SSA) immediately after your move. This ensures uninterrupted access to retirement, disability, Medicare, survivor benefits, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You can do this for free through the SSA's online portal.

Not updating your address may cause your benefits to stop, even if they are paid via direct deposit, as the SSA requires updated contact details to ensure they can reach you by mail.

9. Subscriptions and Memberships

If you have subscriptions to magazines, newspapers, or other monthly services, update your address to ensure continued service. Make sure you pay attention to shipment dates so that you don’t miss a copy mailed to your old home! The same goes for any gym or professional organization memberships you hold.

10. Your Employer

Your employer needs the accurate address for mailing documents related to employment, such as tax forms. Reach out to someone in the HR department or your direct superior to find out how to easily change your address.

11. Schools and Educational Institutions

If you have kids, let their school administration know the new address. This will keep you informed about school events and emergency contact data. Depending on how far you are moving, your kid’s school district may change. Reach out to your current school or school system and provide them with your current address, and they can guide you through the process of registering at a new school, if necessary.

12. Friends and Family

Don’t forget to add the most important people in your life to your moving checklist for an address change! Update friends and family so you never miss out on invitations for special events or holiday cards.

13. Mobile Apps and Digital Accounts

Updating your address in map and transportation apps is a small but crucial task when you move. It will help you avoid being sent to your old address by navigation systems like Waze and Google Maps, especially during traffic jams.

Make sure to update your home address in the following apps:

Map apps: Google Maps, Waze, Apple Maps
Transportation apps: Uber, Lyft
Smart home apps: TV, thermostat, lights, speakers
Food delivery services: Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub

Moving Address Change Checklist: When to notify?

We hope this change-of-address checklist will give you an easier transition into your new home. It may seem like a lot, but don’t worry—you don’t need to do everything right away. Follow this timeline to take away the stress of completing everything the day before your move.

2 months before

Once you know you’re about to move, start knocking out your to-do list! Start notifying these contacts:

Your Employer
Schools and Educational Institutions
Family & Friends
Insurance Providers

1 month before

It’s almost crunch time, but you can relieve that feeling of stress by working on your moving checklist for an address change in this month before your move-in date!

Postal Service (USPS)
Utility Companies

2 weeks before

You’re almost there! Send these notifications of your change-of-address about 14 days before your move.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Social Security Administration (SSA)
Bank & Credit Card Companies
Healthcare Providers
Subscriptions and Memberships

After your move (but still within 30 days)

As you’re settling in to your new home, make your final notifications of your new address.

Mobile Apps and Digital Accounts
DMV
Voter Registration

Printable Change-of-Address Checklist

If this seems like a lot to keep up with, download our moving address change checklist to help you keep track. It can be a lot to keep track of the list of addresses to change when moving so let us help!

Download the Change-of-Address Checklist

Once you download our change-of-address checklist, be sure to keep track of what notifications you have made and what still needs to be done. The change-of-address checklist also has suggested time periods for you to consider when completing address changes.

> Read more about our services:

FAQ about Moving Address Change Checklist

When relocating, is it necessary to inform the postal service about the change of mailing address?

The United States Postal Service (USPS) plays a significant role in orchestrating the change-of-address process when moving to a new location. Notifying USPS about your address change is vital to ensure that mail and packages are correctly forwarded to your new address, thus preventing a potential loss or delay of important correspondence or packages.
Is it necessary to inform both state and federal tax agencies about my new address?

When it comes to moving, one of the small but crucial details to attend to is informing both state and federal tax agencies about the change of address. This is critical because all the agencies, both on state and federal levels, need to have your updated information to send important tax documents or notifications.

At the Federal level, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires you to inform them about any address changes. This can be done electronically via the IRS website or by mailing Form 8822, Change of Address. It’s imperative to do this as the IRS sends various documents such as tax return transcripts, reminders, and other notices to the address they have on file.

On the other hand, the procedure to change your address with your state tax agency varies depending on the state. Some states may allow you to update your information online, while others may require a written or phone request. The information is used to send you state-specific tax documents and any notifications about changes in tax laws or procedures.

Accurate address information ensures that you receive all necessary tax documents in a timely manner. Additionally, it helps avoid any confusion or mistakes that can arise due to documents being sent to old addresses. Remember, not receiving a tax document because of an incorrect address doesn't exempt you from any tax obligations or potential penalties. This makes it all the more important to ensure your address is updated whenever you move.
What's the best way to inform the Social Security Administration of my recent relocation?

Submit your change of address to the SSA either online, via mail, or through a phone call.

Online: SSA provides an online platform, "My Social Security," where you can manually update your address. Upon successful login into your account, select "Contact Information," then navigate to "Update Contact Information" to edit your address. This method is quick, efficient, and easily accessible.

Via Mail: If you prefer more traditional channels, you can send a letter to your local Social Security office explaining your relocation. Detail your name, Social Security number, and, importantly, your new address. The SSA's official website provides a locator tool to find the specific address of your nearest Social Security office.

Phone Call: Alternatively, you can notify the SSA by calling their toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Customer service hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Is it necessary to inform the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) about your change of address when you move?

Yes, it is important to inform the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) about a change of address when you move. Your driver's license will need to reflect your correct, current address. By not updating this information with the DMV, you may run into complications during traffic stops, or other situations where accurate identification is needed. Moreover, the DMV sends critical communication, including license renewals and vehicle registration updates, to the address they have on file. Notifying the DMV of an address change will ensure that you remain compliant with vehicle-related laws and receive necessary reminders or notifications in a timely manner.
What is the right timeline to notify your gas and electric providers about your upcoming move?

Ideally, you should inform your utility companies about your plan to move at least two weeks ahead of your moving date. This allows ample time for the utility companies to schedule disconnection at your current residence and reconnection at your new home.
When should I begin the process of transitioning my phone, cable, and internet services?

The ideal time to start the process of transitioning these services is about two to three weeks before your planned moving date. This is because these service providers often need advanced notice to either transfer the service or set it up in your new location. The exact timeline will depend on your service provider, so it is recommended to check in with them directly.
Which other service providers should you get in touch with when planning a move?
To ensure a smooth transition to your new home without any interruptions, consider notifying the following providers:
- Banking and credit card companies
- Subscription services
- Healthcare providers
- Gift registries and delivery services
See our comprehensive checklist above so you don’t miss anyone in your life.
How early should I initiate the transfer of these insurance policies prior to relocating?

Since insurance policies typically cover property, car, and health, it's crucial to initiate the transfer process well in advance. This is because these insurances significantly rely on factors associated with geographical location. For instance, the premium rates for home or property insurance can differ based on the new location's climate, crime rates, or distance from a fire station.

Ideally, the transition of your insurance policies should begin at least 30 to 60 days prior to your move. This period gives both you and the insurance company ample time to evaluate your new locale's insurance specifications. During this period, have a frank discussion with your insurance provider to understand the requirements, coverage changes, and possible differences in premiums at your new location. If your current provider doesn't offer services in your new area, you'll have enough time to shop around for a new provider to ensure continuous coverage.

Moreover, initiating the transfer process early enough helps in foreseeing issues such as coverage gaps. Plus, it gives you invaluable time to fully update your personal details, including change of address in the company's system. Remember, you're not just moving your belongings, but also securing the peace of mind that comes with well-planned insurance coverage.
How do I get a temporary address if my new home is not ready?
occur due to unforeseen circumstances such as renovation hitches, legal issues, or financial challenges. Here are some options to consider so you don’t miss any important pieces of mail:
- Post Office Boxes (P.O. Box): Most local post offices have mailboxes for rent, giving you a temporary address and a secure location to receive mail.
- Mail Forwarding Services: Some companies will receive, store, and forward your mail, or even scan and email a copy if that's what you prefer.
- Friend or Relative Addresses: If you have someone you trust living within your new location, you can temporarily change your address to theirs. Make sure to communicate your plans and get their permission beforehand.
What needs to be changed when you move an address?
Here’s a quick breakdown of what/who needs to know your new address:
- Medicare, Social Security Administration, and IRS
- Post office
- Utility companies
- Driver's license or ID card
- Employer, schools, and day care providers
- Bank and credit card provider
- Insurance companies
- Mobile service and map apps
- Family and friends
See the above article for a complete checklist for changing your address.
What is the easiest way to change your address for everything?

The easiest way to change your address for everything is to visit the official USPS Change of Address website.
How long before I move should I put in a change of address?

It’s recommended to initiate the address change as soon as you know your move-in date. While USPS can start forwarding your mail within three business days, it's advised to complete the change-of-address request about two weeks prior to your move. This ensures that your mail will be forwarded to your new address, piece by piece, as it arrives.

Stewart Moving and Storage: Your Partner for a Successful Move

Stack of moxing boxes against a white wall

At Stewart Moving and Storage, we understand that moving can be one of the most stressful events in a person's life. This is why our primary goal is to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible so you can focus on settling into your new home. As your trusted partner in your relocation journey, we are committed to providing exceptional service every step of the way.

> More information about our services:

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