In addition to the obvious moving basics like acquiring boxes, gathering packing supplies, renting a truck, or asking for help from friends and family, you’ll want to notifying the right people about your new place.

Notifying others about your change of address is better to do earlier than later so that you don’t face any unnecessary hassles like missed bills. After unpacking and organizing your new apartment, you’ll want to relax. Unfortunately, if you haven’t yet changed your address, you’re likely to go through a few more hurdles before you can get to relaxing.

Thankfully, this task doesn’t have to be done all at the same time – unless you want to.

In case you need a place to start, here is a step-by-step procedure, or checklist, to help you get started.

Post Office

Start with the place you get your mail from.

Forwarding your mail can be done in advance because you can choose the day you want the forwarding to start. This can be done by visiting your local Post Office, or online for a small service charge.

You will need to fill out Form 3575. If you’re moving with your family, make sure you check the “family” option. If you’re moving on your own, check the “individual” mail forwarding option.

Government Agencies

While they typically pull address change information form the USPS, it may be a good idea to follow up with them. The IRS provides a simple online form where you can notify both the federal revenue agency and your state tax agency of your new address. In most states, this can be done online by going to the specific state’s government website.

If you receive any sort of social security benefits, let them know where you’re moving to. You can complete a change of address application online or give them a call at (800) 772-1213.

Utilities

As soon as you know what your new address will be and have confirmed the date that you’ll be moving, contact your utility providers. You won’t want to be paying for services as a place that you are no longer occupying – turn them off or transfer them to the new place.

You don’t want to move in the dark. So, when you transfer your electric service, arrange for shut off to happen at the end of moving day and for service at the new location to start the morning of your move.

Just as you did with the electric company, call your phone, cable, and internet providers to let them know of your change of address as early as you can.

Don’t forget to contact the water department, sewer company, and garbage/recycling companies – both at your old place and at your new place; Depending on the sorts of utilities you’re responsible for.

Let your home or renters’ insurance agency know where to transfer your policy to. With renters’ insurance, some landlords will want proof of transfer prior to your move-in date.

These companies will want to know where to send the bills to, and to whom.

Bank

Make a list of all the banks and financial institutions you do business with loan providers, credit card companies, retirement advisors, loyalty programs, and investment firms.

These things can typically be done online or over the phone.

If you have debt, update your creditors with your new address.

It’ll be beneficial to you to get this done early so you can continue to monitor your accounts. Be mindful of tax season; you’ll want to have your tax documents delivered to your home on time.

Service Providers

If you’re staying with the same health care providers, it’s important that you update your address with them. Even if you do plan on changing health care providers, it still may be a good idea to update your address with them in case they should ever need to contact you.

The same goes with dental insurance, car insurance, veterinarian, life insurance, credit reporting agency, PayPal, an IRA/401k administrator, and/or an investment account holder.

Even if you’re moving further away and no longer need your previous companies service, they may be able to assist you with referrals.

Vehicle Registration

After 30 days of your move, your driver’s license is supposed to be changed.

Some cities allow you to change your address online, while others need you to come into the DMV office with proof of new address.

If you move within the same state, you can get a free address update card that you can carry with your current license. If you move out of state, you’ll need to get a new license.

While you’re at it, you might as well change your vehicle registration.

Employer

Even if you have direct deposit, you’ll want to let your employer know about your change of address to update your contact details but most importantly to make sure pay stubs, tax forms, W2’s and such go to the right place.

Memberships

Some subscriptions won’t be necessary depending on where you move to. For that reason, it may be reasonable to look over the places you won’t be using any more.

Other things, you’ll want to be sent to your new home. These things may be magazines, online shopping accounts, clubs, organizations, and any charities that you’re involved in.

Friends and Family

Those that are closest to you, certainly want to know where to find you.
You could send out moving announcement, whether it’s by email, text, or phone call to your friends and family letting them know about your new place. Or perhaps you have a housewarming party, you could send them invites to come and see.

If you share the news by social media, be careful not to blast your information. If they ask, and you’re comfortable telling them, message them directly.

Almost anything that you want to be returned to you, if ever it gets lost, be sure to change the address of. This includes but is not limited to pets and luggage.

Updating your address, isn’t difficult, but it does take some time. Something that is a lot easier to take care of before any problems arise from missing mail or miscommunication. It would be best for all those involved to start the process early, so that it’s done and taken care of – leaving you more time to relax.

Update your address now and just hope that you don’t you don’t have to do it again any time soon. We hope you found this article helpful and we wish you the best in your new apartment.