Changing Your Address When You Move

Create a List

Before you move, you should create a list of all the people and businesses you will need to notify of your move. This will allow you to keep track of your progress.

Divide the list into family and friends, utility companies, financial institutions, and subscriptions. Under each of these headings, start listing the various people or businesses.

The easiest way to do this for your bills is to simply set out all your bills on a table and write down their contact information. This way you’ll have the phone numbers ready when it’s time to call.

Financial Institutions would include:

• Banks or credit unions
• Credit card companies
• Insurance agent
• Investment or brokerage companies

Your list should also include government offices like the license bureau, Social Security, and the IRS. You’ll want to include a list of professionals, such as your doctors or dentist, as well. Subscriptions would consist of newspapers and magazines. If you order items online from the same company, like an online pharmacy, make sure you change the listed address.

Notification of a New Address

Once you know the date of your move, start the change of address process with the postal service. Either visit your local post office to fill out a change of address form in person or log onto their website at USPS.com to fill out the form online.

The change of address form will ask for your current address and the new address. It will also ask the date on which you want your mail forwarded to the new address.

Once at your new apartment, single out any mail that continues to be forwarded. This way you’ll know who doesn’t have the new address.

Even after you make all the necessary calls to inform businesses of a change of address, it’s also wise to fill out the change of address form on bills. Many bills have a section or a place to mark if you have a new address.

Don’t forget to change the address on pet and luggage tags. Changing the address on these items may not be at the top of your list, but eventually you’ll want to get it done.

And be sure to register to vote at your new address.

Don’t let the process of moving and notifying people and agencies of your move get you down. You can make it easier to notify friends, family, and businesses by utilizing a list. Mark off each person and entity as you notify them to keep better track of who has the new address.