Moving is an exciting but stressful endeavor. It takes time and energy to pack up all your belongings, and if you’re moving out of state, there is a long journey ahead of you before settling into a new place. With all the chaos around moving, you may forget everyone you need to inform about your change of address. To help make your move as smooth as possible, here is a list of the most important people and places to notify when you’re making a move.
The Post Office Should Know of Your Change of Address
The first place you need to inform about a change of address is the post office. While in the past you had to visit the post office in-person and fill out a form, you can now easily complete an address change form on the US Postal Service’s website. Do this as soon as possible so that your mail will be forwarded to your new address.
Household Utilities
Notify your utility providers about the change of address, including the water company, your electric company, cell phone providers, and the internet/cable service. Some companies will be able to transfer your services to the new area, or you can set up utilities with a new provider ahead of your move. Remember to disconnect services at your old address on your last day so that you won’t be paying for utilities when you don’t live there anymore.
Notify the DMV of Your Change of Address
File your address change with the Department of Motor Vehicles so that you can be issued a new license with your updated address. Some states have deadlines about address changes, giving you about a month, so take care of this as soon as you know the new address. Your voter registration is also tied to your address. In some states, it will be updated when you change your address but be sure to double-check to make sure you can vote in the next elections.
Financial Firms
As far as money is concerned, file your change of address with your bank. This is important as you will want your banking information to stay up to date so that it won’t affect your debit or credit cards. Notify credit card companies and other lenders of your new address. Inform your insurance company of the move, either to cancel your coverage if you are moving out of state or to update your information.
The IRS also keeps your address on file, so to make sure you receive any important communications, you should notify them of your move. Similarly, if you are receiving payments from the Social Security Administration, letting them know about your address change should be at the top of your list.
Work and Family
Be sure to inform your workplace of your move so that human resources can update your information. Although your friends and family probably already know you are moving, you will want to officially give them your address so that you don’t miss out on any important communications.
Veterans First Home Inspections offers inspection services to customers in the Washington, DC area. If you’re buying a new home, contact us to request an appointment.