Address Change Checklist: What to Do When You Move

Moving to a new home is an exciting adventure, but it also comes with a long list of tasks to ensure a smooth transition. Changing your address with various entities is part of the deal and can feel tedious and time-consuming. Hopefully, this comprehensive checklist will ease some of the stress and help you avoid missing any crucial updates.

1. Post Office: Set Up Mail Forwarding

Set up mail forwarding with your local post office to ensure that the mail carrier delivers any mail sent to your old address to your new home. You can do this online or in person at your nearest post office.

2. Friends & Family: Share Your New Address

Share your new address with friends and family. Send out a quick email, text, or even a traditional moving announcement card to let everyone know where to find you. With cybersecurity these days, best not to post on social media.

3. Government Agencies: DMV, Voter Registration, IRS

DMV/BMV: Update your driver's license and vehicle registration with your new address. Depending on the state, you can do it online, or you may need to visit the Department or Bureau of Motor Vehicles in person.
Voter Registration: Ensure your voter registration reflects your new address so you can vote in local elections. This task can often be checked off while updating your license and motor vehicles.
IRS: Update your address with the IRS to ensure you receive any tax-related documents. You can do this by filling out Form 8822.

4. Banks & Credit Cards: Update Billing and Contact Info

Notify your banks, financial advisor, and credit card companies of your new address. The post office will redirect statements, bills, and any other important correspondence for one year, but the sooner you change the address with the sender, the less likely mail will get lost. Most large institutions allow you to update your address online through your account settings.

5. Utilities: Electricity, Gas, Water, Trash, Internet, Phone

Contact your utility providers to transfer or set up new services at your new address. This includes electricity, gas, water, internet, if you were paying for trash delivery, and if you only have a cell phone, you may not need to worry about that service, but for those of us still using a landline, you'll want your provider to forward the number if possible, and schedule the disconnection at your old address and the connection at your new one.

6. Insurance: Health, Car, Renters/Homeowners

Update your address with all your insurance providers. You will need to do this, especially for property and car insurance, as well as health and life insurance. Accurate information ensures your coverage remains valid and you receive important policy updates.

7. Employer: Payroll and HR Departments

Inform your employer's payroll and Human Resources departments of your new address. With direct deposit these days, few people receive actual paychecks, but if you leave your employment, there may be a last paystub, tax forms, or other employment-related documents they send you.

8. Subscriptions & Online Accounts: Magazines, Amazon

Unless you want your Amazon package sent to your old address, don't forget to update that address at checkout. If you subscribe to any magazines, let them know you moved so you don't miss the next issue.

9. Healthcare Providers: Doctors, Dentists

Next time you visit your doctor or dentist, they will ask you to confirm your address. Don't worry about it now. You've got enough on your mind.

For over two decades, the Hurlow Wealth Management Group has been helping Midwest Millionaires find clarity, make decisions with confidence, and feel relaxed in retirement. We're here to help make sure your money is working for you. Happy moving! 🚚🏡