Amidst the chaos of moving it can be easy to forget that there are a number of places that will need your new address. From setting up USPS mail forwarding services to updating your address with financial institutions, the following is your definitive change of address checklist.
Keep in mind that not all the offices and agencies on this list will apply to you, but you can use it to systematically review and check off everyone who needs to be informed of your change-of-address status.
Public Offices and Government Agencies
First and foremost, when you’re moving, you want to make sure your mail moves with you by changing your mailing address with the United States Postal Service. USPS has a convenient website that makes it easy to set up mail forwarding services prior to your move, as you can schedule the date you want your mail to begin forwarding. You can also change your mail forwarding address in person at any post office.
- The United States Postal Service (USPS)
- Federal IRS and state revenue agency
- Social Security (SSA)
- Medicare Administration
- DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles)
- Family Support/Child Protection Offices
- Department of Veteran Affairs
- Federal and State Pension Benefits offices
- Unemployment Insurance office
- U.S. Customs and Immigration Service
- Do-Not-Mail and Do-Not-Call national programs
- Pet licensing office
- County tax assessment office
- Voter Registration
Utilities and Services
The moment you know you are moving, you should notify your local utility companies to arrange a shutoff plan. After all, you don’t want to pay for services in an unoccupied home. In the same vein, you’ll want to set up utilities at your new address prior to your move so you aren’t moving into a home with no electricity.
- Telephone (landline and mobile)
- Cable provider
- Internet provider
- Electric utility
- Gas utility
- Water department
- Water delivery/treatment service
- Garbage/recycling services
- Sewer utility
Financial Institutions
Changing your address with your bank and other financial companies is more important that you may realize — especially if you’re moving to a new zip code. Make sure to update your billing address so there is no discrepancy that could prevent you from using your debit or credit cards.
- Banks
- All loan institutions
- Credit card companies
- Insurance agencies
- Retail credit accounts
- Pension plans and IRA/401k administrators
- Accountant/ Tax specialist
- Investment brokers/ advisors
- Credit reporting agencies
Medical Providers, Organizations, and Groups
From your pharmacy and doctor’s office to your children’s school and professional organizations, there are a lot of places that are easy to overlook when changing your address following a move. Review the following for those that are relevant to you.
- Employers (past and present)
- Doctors’ offices
- Pharmacy
- Children’s schools
- Daycare providers
- Church
- Attorney
- Optometrist
- Dentist
- Veterinarian
- Professional memberships
- Civic clubs/organizations
- PTA
- Neighborhood association
- Health clubs
- Country club, social club
- Alumni groups
- Charity organizations
- Cost clubs (Costco, Sam’s Club)
- Membership Clubs (AAA, AARP, ACLU, etc.)
Periodicals and Online Delivery Merchants
While USPS will forward your mail to your new address for one year, keep in mind that magazines and periodicals will only be forwarded for 60 days. Make sure you change your address with the individual publications to ensure you receive these once the forwarding service has expired.
- Newspapers
- Magazines
- Online merchants (Amazon, eBay, etc.)
Planning a move? We can help!
Lighten your load — and minimize your to-do list — with our moving services. At Sorensen Moving & Storage, we pride ourselves on our commitment to quality, personalized service making your move as stress-free and seamless as possible.
Whether you’re looking for Melbourne movers, Orlando movers — or movers anywhere in between, discover why Sorensen is preferred throughout Central Florida. Get a free quote today!