Step-by-Step Change of Address Checklist
Moving is easier with a change of address checklist. Tracking which companies and people need your updated address can be difficult in the chaos of making your move. Follow this checklist and mark each item as it’s done to give you peace of mind and help make your move go smoothly.
1. Set Up Mail-Forwarding
While mail-forwarding continues for only a little while, it’s still a good idea to set it up so that you don’t lose contact with anyone you’ve accidentally left off your change of address list. When you get mail at your new home with USPS’s address-forwarding label, you’ll be reminded to contact the sender with your new address.
You can quickly update your address with mail-forwarding online at the USPS change of address page. Just make sure to report your new address to companies whose mail is re-routed to your new home because forwarding doesn’t last more than a few months.
2. Update Government Agencies
These are the most commonly accessed government offices. If they contact you via mail, you’ll need to update your address.
- IRS and state revenue offices
- Social Security Administration: Change your address with the SSA using these options.
- Medicare: Use this information to change your address with Medicare.
- Department of Motor Vehicles
3. Utilities and Other Services
While you’re making address updates with the companies in this section, don’t forget to shut down services if you’re moving to an area with different providers. Some companies can also transfer service to your new residence if they operate in that area.
- Telephone landline service
- Cell service
- Electric company
- Natural gas utility
- Cable television company
- Internet provider
- Water company
- Garbage and recycling service
- Sewer utility company
4. Keeping Your Friends and Family in the Loop
Be sure to update your address with family and friends. Even if all of your contacts are in your phone, it may be a good idea to jot down contact information into an actual address book. If you were to lose or break your phone in the hustle and bustle of moving, getting in touch with your contacts may be difficult. Making a physical copy of their information guarantees you’ll be able to reach them.
Add these people to the change of address checklist to keep track of those you’ve given your new address to:
- Family
- Friends
- Colleagues
- Acquaintances
5. Financial Institutions
You’re sure to remember to update your bank or your employer with your new address, but some of the institutions listed here are easy to forget. Use this section of the change of address checklist to track those you’ve contacted.
- Your bank
- Loan companies
- Credit card companies
- Insurance agencies
- Retirement account providers
- Accountant
- Tax specialist
- PayPal: Follow this PayPal forum post when updating your home address.
6. Clubs and Organizations
If you’re a member of any clubs, churches, charities or other organizations, you can use this change of address checklist to ensure you’ve got them in the loop. Jot down the names of the particular organizations you’ve contacted in these categories:
- Schools your children attend
- Church
- Lawyer
- Medical service providers
- Eye doctor
- Dentist
- Professional organizations
- Clubs/organizations
- Gym
- Neighborhood associations
- School reunion groups
- Charities
- Retirement memberships
7. Home Maintenance Services
If you’re like most homeowners, you’ve been using the services of companies to help with basic maintenance around the house. You’ll need to report your change of address to these companies to ensure that they’re aware of your move, and if you’re moving close by, you may want to continue using their services. Check these off of your change of address checklist as you go.
- House cleaners
- Lawn and garden companies
- Pest control companies
- Home security companies
- Delivery services
8. Magazines and Periodicals
You won’t miss any issues when you remember to update your subscriptions with your new address.
- Newspapers
- Magazines
- Newsletters
With the help of this change of address checklist, you can ensure that you keep in contact with everyone from the IRS to your friends and acquaintances. By marking down everyone you’ve contacted, you can see at a glance who still needs to be updated. It removes the guesswork, and it makes keeping track of everyone much more manageable. Your move will be more successful, and you can be in touch as soon as you settle in.
