Change of Address Checklist When You Move
Moving house can be a stressful event, especially if you have not done it before. Between all the packing up, cleaning up and settling in somewhere new, it’s easy to overlook things such as changing your address when moving into a new home. That’s why having an address change checklist is essential for any homeowner looking to make the transition smoothly and without making costly mistakes. To help ease this burden, we’ve put together this guide on what needs to be updated when you move with a detailed checklist of important documents and services that require addressing!
The U.S. Postal Service
Moving to a new home can be an exciting time, but it can also be incredibly stressful. One of the most important things you have to do when moving is notify the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) of your change of address so that your mail will continue to arrive at your new home as expected. To make sure that you don’t miss any important mail, here’s a helpful checklist for submitting your USPS change of address request.
The first step in getting your USPS change of address notification submitted is to fill out the online form on their website. This form takes only a few minutes to complete and requires basic information such as your old and new address, email address, and phone number in case they need to contact you about any issues with your request. You will also need to provide a payment option if you want to pay the $1 fee via credit card or PayPal; otherwise, you can submit the form free by postal mail or in person at a local post office. Once you have filled out the form and paid any applicable fees, simply submit it and wait for confirmation from USPS that your request has been processed.
Once you’ve submitted the change-of-address form with USPS, you may want to consider opting out of unwanted mailing lists so that these companies stop sending junk mail to your old address. To do this, visit DMAchoice and follow their instructions for opting out of both digital and physical advertising mailers from participating companies. This is an optional step but one that can save you from unnecessary clutter in your mailbox down the line!
Tax Agencies
IRS – The Internal Revenue Service requires that taxpayers notify them of a change in address within ten days. It’s easy to update your address online through the IRS website or by submitting Form 8822 (Change of Address). Additionally, if you are expecting any tax refunds or correspondence from the IRS, make sure to update them as soon as possible so they know where to send them.
State Tax Agency – Depending on where you live, this might be an income tax agency or a department of revenue. Make sure to check with your local state agency for more information about how to update your address. Again, some states may require an online form, while others may require sending a paper form either by mail or fax.
Local Property Tax Assessor – If you own property, contact the local property tax assessor’s office in order to inform them of your change in address. This will ensure that all future correspondence regarding taxes will reach you at the correct address and that you don’t miss any important deadlines related to taxes owed for the property.
Department of Motor Vehicles
One of the key steps in this process is changing your address with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This can be a daunting task, but don’t worry – here’s your go-to checklist for changing your address with the DMV when you move.
Step 1: Gather Important Documents
Before you start filling out forms and making phone calls, make sure you have all the necessary documents gathered. This includes your driver’s license or identification card, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Having these items on-hand will make the process much easier.
Step 2: Update Your Driver’s License or Identification Card
You must update your driver’s license or identification card whenever you move to a new address. To do this, visit your local DMV office and present them with the documents listed above. You may also be required to fill out a form for changing your address at the DMV office. Be prepared to pay any applicable fees associated with updating your license or ID card as well.
Step 3: Update Your Vehicle Registration
Once you have updated your driver’s license or identification card, it is important that you also update your vehicle registration information at the same time. To do this, bring all relevant documents, such as proof of insurance and vehicle ownership paperwork, to your local DMV office when updating your driver’s license or ID card. Again, be prepared to pay any applicable fees associated with updating your vehicle registration information at the same time.
Social Security Administration
Step 1: Update Your Address With the SSA.
The first step in changing your address with the Social Security Administration is to update your address online. You must have a mySocialSecurity account in order to make changes online. If you do not have an account yet, you can set one up quickly by providing your name, date of birth, and social security number. Once logged in, visit the “My Profile” tab and select “Change My Address” to enter your new address. Make sure that all fields are filled out accurately before submitting the form. This will update all of your records with SSA within ten days after submission.
Step 2: Contact Your Local Office.
After updating your address online, it is important to follow up with a phone call or email to your local SSA office as well so that they have updated records on file as well. This way, even if there is an issue with processing your online request, they still have all of your updated information on hand and can take care of any other issues that might arise from the move. You can find contact information for local offices on the SSA website or by calling their customer service line at 1-800-772-1213 for help locating the closest office near you.
Step 3: Change Your Beneficiaries and Direct Deposit Information if Necessary
Lastly, if you receive benefits from Social Security or if you use direct deposit for payments made by them (such as Social Security retirement benefits), make sure to notify them of any changes in address so that they know where to send payments moving forward. In addition, if you have any beneficiaries listed in their system, such as children or dependents who receive benefits through you, ensure that their addresses are also up-to-date since these will need to be changed if they move along with you when making a permanent residence change.
Voter Registration
One of the most important documents you need to update when you move is your voter registration. Here’s what you need to know about changing your voter registration address when you move.
Step 1: Check Your State Requirements
Every state has different requirements for updating your voter registration when you move, so it’s important that you check with your local election office or Secretary of State website to find out what the rules are in your area. Some states may require that you re-register at the same polling place where you were previously registered, while others may allow you to update your address online or by mail.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documentation
Once you’ve determined what documentation is required, make sure that you have everything on hand so that you don’t run into any delays during the process. Generally speaking, most states will require some form of proof-of-residency documents like a driver’s license or utility bill in order to update your voter registration information. Make sure that all documents are up-to-date and accurate before submitting them.
Step 3: Update Your Information
Once all of the required documentation has been gathered, it’s time to actually update your voter registration information. This can be done either online, by mail, or in person – depending on the requirements set forth by your state government. To complete this step online, visit vote.gov and follow their instructions for updating your information; if mailing in an application form, make sure that it is sent via certified mail so that it can be tracked; if registering in person at a local election office or Secretary of State office, bring along valid photo identification as well as proof-of-residency documents (if required).
Gas and Electric Companies
1. Contact your current provider: Make sure to contact both your gas and electric companies to let them know about your move. Give them plenty of time before you move so that they can update their records. It’s also important to keep track of any unpaid bills in case you need to transfer any balances or pay off any outstanding debts before closing out your account.
2. Find a new provider: Research different providers in the area you are moving to find one that fits your needs and budget. Ask friends, family, or neighbors in the area for recommendations if needed. Once you have chosen a new provider, contact them directly or go through an energy comparison website to switch providers as soon as possible so there won’t be any disruption in service when you move into your new home.
3. Update billing information: As part of the switchover process, make sure that all billing information is updated correctly with both old and new providers so that there is no confusion regarding payments after the move has been completed.
4. Transfer accounts: Once everything else has been taken care of, it’s time to transfer accounts from one provider to another by providing proof of address such as a recent utility bill or driver’s license. This will ensure that service continues without interruption when you move into your new home and that all necessary paperwork is handled properly by both parties involved in the transaction.
5 Monitor usage: Finally, make sure to monitor both gas and electricity usage at the beginning of each month so that there are no surprises on future bills due to higher-than-expected costs associated with increased usage after moving into a larger space or using more appliances than usual during colder months, etc.
Cable Service Providers
When moving out of state or even just across town, it’s important to contact your current television provider about canceling service at your old address and signing up for service at your new one. Remember that depending on where you move, certain cable providers may not be available in the new area—so it’s important to do some research ahead of time!
Internet Service Providers
When changing addresses with an ISP (Internet Service Provider), there are a few different steps involved depending on what type of connection is available at the new address. If DSL (digital subscriber line) or cable connections are available at the new address, then most ISPs will simply transfer existing services over after verifying the address information. However, if fiber-optic connections are available in the area, then customers may have to set up new accounts and purchase compatible equipment from their provider before they can begin using their internet connection again. In any case, it’s best to contact your ISP prior to moving day so that everything can be ready as soon as possible once you arrive at your destination!
Homeowners or Renter’s Insurance
Moving can be a stressful and overwhelming task, especially if you don’t have a plan. In addition to making sure all of your belongings arrive safely at your new home, it’s important that you update your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance information with the change of address. As an informed homeowner, it is essential that you are aware of the steps you need to take in order to ensure that your coverage remains up-to-date and current.
The first step in updating your homeowners or renter’s insurance policy after a move is to gather as much information about your new home as possible. Make sure to get any details regarding the square footage, number of bedrooms, etc., from the previous owner or landlord. This will help you determine how much coverage you should purchase for your new residence. Also, make sure that you obtain proof of ownership for any possessions, such as furniture and electronics, prior to moving day; this will help ensure that these items are covered under your policy once you move in.
Once you have gathered all the information about your new home, contact your insurance company and provide them with the necessary details about your policy and coverage options. They will be able to provide you with customized advice to ensure that everything is taken care of properly when it comes time for moving day. Additionally, they may offer additional discounts on premiums if certain criteria are met, such as having a security system installed or other safety measures put into place at the new property. Be sure to ask questions and get clarification on any points that are unclear so that there are no surprises down the line when it comes time to file a claim with them.
Finally, review all of the coverage options available through your insurance provider and make sure they offer adequate protection for both yourself and your belongings when you move into the new home. If necessary, consider upgrading certain aspects of the policy, such as liability limits or adding additional riders for certain items like jewelry or artwork that may need extra protection during transit across state lines or internationally. By taking all these steps into consideration before moving day, you can rest assured knowing that both yourself and all of your valuable possessions will be fully protected during this exciting transition period!
Your Employer
Your first step should be informing your human resources department of your upcoming move and providing them with your new contact information. Make sure you give them plenty of notice so they can update their records accordingly. You can also provide them with any additional documents related to the move, such as a copy of the lease or proof of purchase if you plan on buying a house. This way they will have all the necessary paperwork on file in case they need it at any point in the future.
Your Bank and Credit Card Companies
If you have any outstanding bills or debts with banks or creditors, make sure they are notified about your move as soon as possible, so all future payments are sent correctly and on time! Most banks offer an online portal where you can update all relevant information quickly, while some creditors may require that you call them directly or send them a written letter outlining the details of your relocation before they update their records accordingly. Either way, it’s important to take care of this step sooner rather than later – especially if there are monthly payments due!
Subscription Services
It’s easy to overlook the little details when moving to a new house, but making sure your subscription services are updated with your new address is key for a stress-free move. We’ve put together a checklist of considerations you should keep in mind when it comes to updating your subscription services.
Mail Delivery Services
If you rely on any mail delivery services, like Amazon Prime, notify them of your new address ahead of time. This will ensure that packages don’t get sent to the wrong place and that you have access to all the same services at your new home as you did at your old one. Many delivery services offer online portals that allow you to easily update your address information with just a few clicks.
Newspapers & Magazines
If you subscribe to any newspapers or magazines, make sure they know about your address change as well. Most publications offer an online portal for subscribers where you can easily update their contact information and payment options if needed. You may also need to update any existing subscriptions so that they don’t lapse during the move.
Grocery Delivery Services
If you use grocery delivery services like Instacart or Amazon Fresh, it’s important to update them with your new address before you move. That way, when it comes time for your next delivery, the driver will know exactly where to go. If you don’t update them, there may be delays and confusion when the driver arrives at your old house—and no one wants that!
Subscription Boxes
Subscription boxes are becoming increasingly popular these days and for good reason. They make it easy to get all the things you need without leaving home. But if you forget to update the box company with your new address before you move, they won’t be able to find you at your new home! So take some time to update all your subscription boxes with your new information before packing up and moving out.
Moving can be a pain, but we hope our change of address checklist makes the process a little less stressful for you. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to update your information with all the appropriate agencies and companies–the last thing you want is to miss out on important mailings or have your services disrupted because you forgot to notify the right people of your new address. And once everything is finally squared away, enjoy your new home!
Buying a home can be a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By arming yourself with knowledge and working with experienced professionals, you can confidently navigate the process from start to finish. If you’re ready to start shopping for your new home in Middle Tennessee, feel free to contact us today! We would be more than happy to help.