Change of Address Checklist: Who to Notify When You Move
Moving to a new home involves a lot more than packing boxes and hiring movers. Once your moving checklist covers the physical move, you still need a change of address checklist to make sure USPS, your bank, your employer, and dozens of other organizations know where to reach you. Forgetting even one can mean a missed bill, a delayed tax document, or important mail landing in a stranger’s mailbox. Below, we’ll walk through exactly who to notify when moving, in the order it actually matters.
Printable Change of Address Checklist
Save, print, or screenshot this list and check items off as you update your address with each organization.
- USPS Mail Forwarding
- IRS and State Tax Agency
- Social Security (if applicable)
- Employer
- Utility Companies
- Banks and Credit Cards
- Loan Providers
- Insurance Companies
- Doctors and Dentist
- Veterinarian
- Driver’s License
- Vehicle Registration
- Voter Registration
- Online Shopping Accounts
- Subscription Services
- Schools
- Friends and Family
Change of Address Moving Timeline
2 Weeks Before Moving
Submit your USPS mail forwarding request, notify your utility companies, update your employer, and contact your insurance providers so nothing lapses on moving day.
Moving Week
Transfer your utilities to your new address, update your banks and credit cards, and change your address on any online shopping accounts you use regularly.
First Week After Moving
Update your driver’s license and vehicle registration, register to vote at your new address, and notify your doctors, dentist, and any subscription services.
Why a Change of Address Checklist Matters
Forgetting to update your address after a move can mean missed bills, delayed tax documents, lapsed insurance coverage, and mail going to a stranger’s mailbox. Updating your address promptly also reduces the chance of sensitive financial documents ending up in someone else’s mailbox, which helps protect you from identity theft. Some notifications, like the USPS and your bank, need to happen right away. Others, like updating your voter registration, have more flexibility. Working through a checklist in order helps make sure nothing slips through the cracks during an already busy time. If you haven’t finished the rest of your moving checklist yet, it’s worth handling alongside this one.
14 Important Places to Update Your Address When You Move
1. The U.S. Postal Service
Your first stop when changing your address should be the USPS. You can do it online or visit your local post office. USPS forwards most First-Class Mail and many other mailpieces for up to 12 months, giving you time to update your address with everyone who needs it. You just need to inform them of the move at least a week before you want the service to begin, to make sure you don’t lose any mail.
2. IRS and State Tax Agencies
Both the IRS and your state tax agency need to be informed of your move. You should be able to do this task online as most states will have the facilities on their website to change the address. The IRS has a form for you to fill out to make the change.
3. Social Security
You will have to remember to inform the Social Security Administration if you receive benefits. This can be done on their website, or you can call to update your details.
4. Utilities
Contact your utility providers early to make sure you aren’t left without essential services after your move. It could take a few weeks for them to set up service in your new home, so get this task out of the way once you know your moving day. Make a list of all the utility companies you need to contact, including:
* Gas and electric
* Phone, internet, and cable
* Cell phone
* Water department
* Garbage company
5. Employer
Even if your employer doesn’t routinely mail you anything, you still need to inform them that you’ll be changing your address. If you are moving jobs as well as homes, provide at least two weeks’ notice, or more depending on the rules for that employer.
6. Insurance Providers
Health insurance, car insurance, and life insurance providers are some of the organizations that are easy to forget. These details can often be updated online at the relevant provider’s site.
When updating your car insurance, don’t forget the DMV either. If you enrolled in a health plan through the federal marketplace, look for the “Reporting a Life Change” section on the Healthcare.gov website.
7. Financial Providers
Let your bank and credit card companies know about your move. If you have any outstanding loans, like student loans, keep those accounts up to date as well. If you have accounts with other organizations, like credit unions, investment accounts, 401k plans, PayPal, or a credit reporting agency, don’t forget them either.
8. Medical Providers
Notify your doctor’s office and your dentist of your move so they have the correct billing address. Don’t forget your veterinarian if you use one. If you are moving to another city, they may be able to offer a referral.
9. Home or Renters Insurance
If you have home or renters’ insurance, contact the insurance company to move your policy over to your new address. If you have renters’ insurance, you may be asked to submit proof of transfer from the landlord or management company, so get this done fairly soon.
While you have your policy documents out, check how much coverage you have during the moving process itself. You may find you already have protection for your belongings while they’re in transit.
10. Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration
Most states require you to update your driver’s license and vehicle registration within a set window after moving, often 30 days. Check your new state’s DMV website for their specific requirements and deadlines, since driving with an outdated address can result in fines.
11. Voter Registration
To make sure you are registered to vote at your new address, visit Vote.gov. It will link you to the appropriate website for your state so you can register and find your new polling place.
12. Online Shopping
If you shop online regularly, update your saved addresses on each site. You don’t want to place an order only to realize it shipped to your old address. While checkout usually catches this, it’s easy to miss a saved default address.
13. Subscriptions
If you subscribe to magazines, newspapers, or subscription boxes, update your address with each provider. While mail forwarding through USPS should catch some of these, you don’t want to miss an issue because the company has your old information on file.
14. Schools
If you have children, notify their current school of the move and begin enrollment at the new school as early as possible. You’ll typically need proof of your new address, like a lease or closing documents, to complete enrollment.
Other Places You May Need to Update Your Address
A few accounts get overlooked even by people who consider themselves organized. Once you’ve worked through the main checklist, take a pass through these too:
* Amazon, eBay, and other marketplace accounts
* PayPal and Venmo
* Costco, Sam’s Club, and other membership warehouses
* Auto renewal services and streaming subscriptions
* Professional licenses
* Pet microchip registration
* TSA PreCheck or Global Entry
* Loyalty and rewards programs
Final Thoughts
Moving involves much more than packing boxes. Updating your address with the right organizations helps prevent missed bills, delayed mail, and unnecessary headaches after your move. Save this checklist, print it, or bookmark it so you can check each item off as you settle into your new home. Once your address is squared away, take a look at our full moving tips guide or find free moving boxes near you to keep the rest of your move on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I start my change of address checklist before moving?
Start with the USPS and your bank about one to two weeks before your move. Less urgent updates, like subscriptions and online shopping accounts, can wait until after you’ve settled in.
Is USPS mail forwarding free?
Yes, standard mail forwarding through USPS is free for individuals and lasts for 12 months from your requested start date.
Does USPS forward packages?
USPS mail forwarding covers most standard mail, but package forwarding depends on the carrier and shipping method. Some packages sent through USPS will forward automatically, while others, especially from third party carriers like UPS or FedEx, may not, so it’s still worth updating your address directly with major retailers.
How long should I keep mail forwarding active?
Standard USPS forwarding lasts 12 months, which is normally enough time to update your address everywhere that matters. You can also extend it for an additional 6 months if you need more time.
Do I have to update my driver’s license and car registration when I move?
Yes, in most states you’re required to update your driver’s license and vehicle registration within a set number of days after moving, so check your new state’s DMV requirements as soon as possible.
What happens if I forget to update my address somewhere?
You risk missed bills, delayed tax documents, lapsed insurance notices, or mail going to your old address. Working through a checklist before and shortly after your move is the easiest way to avoid this.
Can I update most of these addresses online?
Yes, the majority of organizations on this checklist, including the USPS, IRS, banks, and insurance providers, let you update your address online in a few minutes.
About the Author
Top Wellington Realtor, Michelle Gibson, wrote this change of address checklist to help her clients navigate one of the most overlooked parts of moving.
Michelle has been specializing in residential real estate since 2001 throughout Wellington Florida and the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or rent she will guide you through the entire real estate transaction. If you’re ready to put Michelle’s knowledge and expertise to work for you, call or e-mail her today.
Areas of service include Wellington, Lake Worth, Royal Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Greenacres, and more.
