The moving process involves seemingly endless obstacles that require your attention for weeks or even months on end. Therefore, you might completely forget to change your address online or in person with several important agencies, service providers, and digital accounts. Only once you move in and tackle inconvenience after inconvenience will you realize you need to update your information.
At Auburn Moving & Storage, we provide a quality moving service in Sacramento, California. We know the hassle involved in preparing for a move. Countless clients forget to add a new address to a pertinent service or agency.
Use our comprehensive address change checklist below to remember every address form you should complete. The lineup ensures your online services, utility companies, and other essential business entities know about your upcoming move.
Why Complete This Address Checklist?
When you move to a new address, you already have enough on your plate. Moving is a stressful endeavor for even the most organized households. You juggle moving services, packing your belongings, and loading up your vehicle to the brim alongside additional moving tasks.
You might even make multiple trips, depending on your finances and resources. Completing address forms for all retail websites and tax advisors takes a backseat to travel logistics. This address change checklist will keep you on top of your moving to-dos.
United States Postal Service
First, request that the United States Postal Service send your forwarded mail to your new address. Mail forwarding is an easy process to ensure your mail arrives at your current location. Head to your local post office or fill out your request online. The cost of filing the paperwork at the post office typically amounts to pocket change.
Government Agencies
Next, check in with applicable government organizations about your relocation. An address checklist for governmental institutions includes:
- Completing the required tax forms for the Internal Revenue Service
- Filing documents with your state tax agency
- Going to your new city’s Department of Transportation to change your address on your driver’s license
- Amending the address and other information on your voter registration
- Checking in with the Social Security Administration if you receive benefits
Notify these institutions after you finish moving to your new address, especially tax agencies and advisors. Otherwise, you might have a headache completing your tax return for the following year’s filings.
Financial Institutions
You probably deposit and withdraw money from at least one bank account. Otherwise, you use services from digital financial institutions to manage your cash flow. Inform these service providers about your new address to keep all parties on the same page.
Some financial institutions to add to your address checklist include:
- Banks
- Debit or credit card companies
- Loan providers
- Tax preparer
- Retail clubs offering credits
- Your preferred credit union
- Payment services like PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App
Don’t forget to destroy any cards, statements, and other important documents bearing your old address to prevent fraud. Identity thieves use this outdated information to duplicate your identity and take advantage of your credit or financial resources.
Utility Providers
When you change your address, redirect your utilities to your new location before you finish the move. After all, no one wants to finish the herculean task of moving all their belongings only to find they can’t take a relaxing hot shower at the end of the day. Contact the following utility companies to change your address and ensure your new home is well-lit for your arrival:
- Internet providers
- Water authorities
- Electricity providers
- Gas suppliers
- Sewage services
- Phone companies
- Cable services
You may not need some of these services immediately. However, you should update your address early for resources like water and electricity to ensure access to modern conveniences.
Insurance Providers
Like many Americans, you probably have a growing list of insurance providers to protect your health and belongings. Make sure you complete an online form for each policy, including:
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Renter’s insurance
- Car insurance
Renters insurance and coverage for your motor vehicles are particularly important since these policies protect material belongings based on your location.
Device Applications and Shopping Sites
Many modern apps rely on your location to provide the most relevant results and features available. Some applications also need an updated billing address to allow service payments. Check to see whether your phone or tablet uses any of the following software:
- Google Maps, Apple Maps, or other map apps
- Mobile games requiring payments for in-game features or perks
- Online shopping sites
Professional Service Providers
If you have a network of professionals helping you manage various aspects of your life, you should also discuss your address change after you move. They can update your client information accordingly, preventing future appointments from becoming drawn out due to extra paperwork. Check your list of contacts for:
- Legal counselors
- Therapists
- Doctors
- Veterinarians
- Tax advisors
- Dentists
Inform them about your new current address and provide any additional information they need to update your profile.
Memberships and Subscription Services
If you are a member of Sam’s Club or Costco, you’ll also want to change the address associated with your cards. This tip also applies to:
- Gyms
- Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime
- Subscription boxes with products like clothes, pet supplies, and skincare
- Churches, temples, and other religious gathering places
- Subscription services, including magazines, periodicals, and newspapers
Who To Inform After Changing Your Mailing Address
After you finally work your way down the address checklist, you can inform your personal and professional network. You can tell most friends and family members of your change of address online, by text, or through phone call. However, you will likely complete the change of address paperwork for the following parties:
- Employers
- Business associates
- Clients
Let Auburn Moving & Storage Help With the Rest!
Did our address change checklist help you remember who and what to contact? If so, you’ll love our cost-effective moving strategies to help you save time, money, and energy. Choose Auburn Moving & Storage to facilitate a smooth, stress-free move. Call 916-786-8689 to discuss our services.
