Moving can be an exciting, albeit stressful time. As anyone who has ever moved knows, updating your address in a timely manner matters. You need your mail to come to the correct address, bills in particular, so remembering to notify all the various businesses about your change of address is very important.
Some people may find it helpful to make a list of the mail they are currently receiving so they can contact these places first. While current mail is often the first concern, it is good to consider all the mail you receive on a yearly or even bi-yearly basis.
Here’s a checklist of the groups you’ll want to notify about your new address.
Post Office
The first place you will want to contact is the post office, who will be able to forward much of your mail to your new address. For the tech-savvy individual, the USPS has made this process easy to do. Simply go to www.USPS.gov/move to change your address online. Alternatively, if you prefer the old-fashioned way, you can go to your local post office and request a moving guide.
Once the post office knows of this change, remember that it will still be up to you to change your address formally with each business or agency for paying the bills.
Utilities
Changing over utility services is a crucial part of changing residences. Some of the more commonly used services day-to-day life in most households are:
- Electric
- Water
- Sewer
- Gas
- Garbage removal
Some utility companies may require a prior notice to get their services set up in your new abode. To avoid any service interruptions, contact all the companies you plan to utilize as soon as your moving date is set.
Government
While it may seem like most government agencies would be automatically notified after you made the post office aware, this is not often the case. Make a list of any government services you use and contact each department individually.
- DMV
- Child support services
- Food assistance programs
- State-assisted healthcare
- Unemployment
- Veterans Affairs
- IRS
- INS
- Social Security
As many of these departments require updated documents periodically, it is very important to remember to include them in your notifications as soon as possible to avoid payment or benefit delays.
Services
There are many services people may overlook when changing their address. While some of these might not seem as vital as the ones mentioned above, many are still important and others would likely be missed. Some of the services may include:
- Banking institutions
- Loan servicers
- Physicians
- Dentists
- Optometrists
- Veterinarians
- Schools
- Insurance companies
- Credit card companies
- Magazine subscriptions
- Newspaper subscriptions
- Subscription boxes
- Cable
- Internet
- Telephone
- Billing addresses for frequently used online vendors
Take the time to think carefully about any of these extra places you may want to contact when you move. Many people lead busy lives and can easily forget about some of the services they use until they need them.
Friends and Family
With so much to remember, try not to forget to notify friends and family of your new address as well. Some people still enjoy sending out Christmas and birthday cards, and having a new address in advance will likely be appreciated
Employer
Last but certainly not least, notify your employer about your move in case they need to send you any work-related documents via mail.
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