How to Change Your Address When You Move

Moving is the only thing that’s more stressful than being stuck in traffic or dealing with a broken refrigerator.

Anyone who's ever relocated knows this feeling all too well.

Studies show that moving ranks among the top 5 most stressful life events.

According to the American Moving and Storage Association, millions of Americans face the task of updating their tasks regularly.

If you're one of them, you’re probably already feeling the weight of the endless to-do list.

But here's the thing: while the physical act of moving is undoubtedly challenging, the paperwork and the changes you need to make with all the organizations that send you bills, packages, or even taxes can be just stressful.

Imagine this: you've just finished packing up your old home, and now you have to make sure that your mail, subscriptions, services, and even your tax returns follow you to your new place.

This is where you need a change of address checklist for moving.

By planning ahead and making the necessary updates, you can make sure your life doesn’t get interrupted just because you've changed your address.

The process of changing your address is more detailed than you might think.

But don't worry—this detailed guide will provide the steps you need to make your address change as smooth as possible.

Step 1: Notify the USPS

The first and most important step in your change of address checklist for moving is notifying the United States Postal Service (USPS) of your move.

The USPS provides a mail forwarding service, which makes sure that all mail sent to your old address gets forwarded to your new one.

You can complete this process either online or in person at your local post office.

How to do it: You can fill out a moving address change form online at the USPS website. You’ll need to pay a small fee (typically $1.10) for identity verification when doing it online, but you can also visit your local post office to fill out a paper form at no cost.

Timing: It’s important to notify the USPS at least one week before your move to ensure there’s no interruption in receiving mail.

Tip: If you're unsure how long mail forwarding will last, note that the USPS will forward your mail for 12 months for first-class mail and packages and up to 60 days for periodicals like magazines.

Step 2: Update Your Utilities and Services

Before you even think about unpacking in your new place, you’ll want to check your utilities are set up and transferred.

Here’s a quick moving address change checklist for updating utilities:

Electricity and Gas: Contact your local utility provider at least 2-3 weeks before your move to schedule a transfer or disconnect your service.

Water: This varies depending on your location, but it’s crucial to ensure your new home has running water before you arrive.

Internet and Cable: Reach out to your internet provider to schedule the installation or transfer of services to your new address.

Waste Management and Recycling: Don’t forget about trash services! Inform your provider to make sure there’s no disruption to your service.

Tip: Consider scheduling your utilities at your new home for the day before your move-in to avoid issues with water, heat, or internet access.

Step 3: Inform Your Financial Institutions

The compulsory part of your moving address change procedure.is to update your address with financial institutions such as banks, credit card companies, and insurance providers.

Banks and Credit Card Companies: Whether it’s credit card statements or checking account details, your bank must have your updated address. Be sure to do this online or over the phone for quick processing.

Insurance Providers: This includes health, car, life, and homeowners insurance. If you don’t update your address, you risk missing vital policy updates or changes.

Tip: For your credit card companies, you may also want to update your billing address to ensure your monthly payments reach you without issue.

Step 4: Notify Government Agencies

It’s essential to keep government agencies updated with your new address to avoid issues with your benefits, taxes, or even voting.

IRS: Don’t forget to inform the IRS of your new address. This ensures you receive any tax-related correspondence, including refund checks.

You can complete this by filing Form 8822 online or by mail.

Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): Update your driver’s license and car registration with your new address. Many states allow you to do this online or through the DMV app.

Social Security Administration (SSA): If you're receiving Social Security benefits, inform the SSA of your change of address to continue receiving payments without delay.

Tip: Make sure your address is updated with the IRS before your next tax filing.

Otherwise, you might miss important documents such as your W-2 or 1099.

Step 5: Update Your Healthcare Providers

Healthcare providers are one of the most often overlooked entities in the moving address change checklist for movers.

You’ll want to make sure that your doctor, dentist, and any other healthcare professionals have your correct information.

This guarantees that appointment reminders and medical correspondence are sent to your new home.

Prescription Medications: Notify your pharmacy so that prescriptions are transferred and filled at your new location without delay.

Tip: If you’re moving out of state, you may also need to update your health insurance to ensure your new healthcare providers are covered.

Step 6: Inform Your Employers

Not only do you need to inform your current employer of your address change, but your new employer (if applicable) will also need to know.

This will help ensure that your paychecks and other important documents are sent to the right address.

Current Employer: Notify HR of your new address as soon as possible to avoid any issues with tax documents, W-2 forms, or direct deposits.

New Employer: If you’re starting a new job, be sure to update your contact details as part of the onboarding process.

Step 7: Notify Schools and Educational Institutions

If you or your children are attending school, you should notify your school or educational institutions of your new address.

This checks that all notices, report cards, and important communications are sent to your new home.

Step 8: Update Your Subscription Services

Magazines/Newspapers: If you receive any subscription-based publications, make sure to update your address so you can continue receiving them at your new home.

Online Shopping Accounts: Don’t forget to change your address on accounts like Amazon, eBay, or other online retailers to avoid package delivery problems.

Step 9: Share Your New Address with Friends and Family

The personal touch matters too. Let your friends and family know your new address so they can send birthday cards and invitations or just stay in touch.

Step 10: Update Your Voter Registration

In order to vote in local, state, and national elections, make sure your voter registration is updated with your new address.

This guarantees that you will receive voting materials and that you’ll be assigned to the correct polling location.

How Much Does it Cost to Change Your Address When You Move?

One of the first things that come to mind when changing your address is: How much is this going to cost me? 

We’ve all been there.

The good news is that changing your address doesn’t have to break the bank.

Let's break down the expenses involved, starting with the most common one: the USPS mail forwarding service.

USPS Change of Address

When you move, the first thing you need to do is notify the United States Postal Service (USPS) of your new address.

Here’s what you need to know about the cost:

Online Change of Address Request

Cost: $1.10

Details: When you file your address change online, you’ll need to pay a $1.10 verification fee. You can pay this with a credit or debit card.

In-Person Change of Address Request

Cost: Free

Details: If you prefer not to use the online system, you can visit your local post office and fill out the change of address form in person. There’s no fee for submitting this form in person.

Mail Forwarding Period:

Cost: Free for up to 12 months (First-Class mail, Periodicals), but for longer-term service, you can choose to extend mail forwarding or subscribe to Premium Forwarding Service.

Change of Address with Other Organizations

While the USPS handles your mail forwarding, you’ll need to notify other institutions like your bank, credit card companies, healthcare providers, and utility services.

The good news is that most of these updates are free.

Cost to Update Your Address with Banks and Credit Cards

Here’s what to expect:

Bank Account Change

Cost: Free

Details: Most banks allow you to update your address through their online banking portal, by phone, or in person at a branch without charging any fees.

Credit Card Address Change

Cost: Free

Details: Similarly, credit card companies will not charge you for updating your address. You can do this online or via customer service.

Cost to Update Your Address with Utility Companies

Some utilities may charge you for the transfer of services to your new home.

Here's a breakdown of potential costs:

Cost of Updating Your Address with Insurance Providers

For insurance companies (health, car, home, and life), updating your address is typically free.

However, if you need to make any changes to your policy as a result of moving (e.g., switching from renters insurance to homeowners insurance), there might be additional costs involved.

Health Insurance: Free

Car Insurance: Free, but premiums may change based on your new location.

Homeowners/Renters Insurance: Free, but changes to coverage may affect your premium.

Summary of Costs to Change Your Address

To make it easier for you, here’s a table that summarizes the costs involved in changing your address: