During the hustle and bustle of moving, it can be easy to let random tasks fall through the cracks. One of the most important ones that can get lost in the shuffle is changing your address… literally everywhere.

You might have already filled out a change of address form with the U.S. Postal Service, but you might not realize that your mail will only be forwarded for 12 months. After that, letters could get lost if they’re sent to your old address. (Not to mention that packages typically don’t get forwarded at all.)

That’s why it’s crucial to update your address with every organization individually. Sound daunting? Don’t worry — we’ve got a list of all the essential places where you need to update your address before you move.

The 2022 Change of Address Checklist

Below is a list of all the addresses you’ll need to update before you move. To make the process as smooth as possible, be sure you have your new complete address on hand and double-check that it’s accurate before you start making changes.

Forward Your Mail First

USPS 

Your first step when you’re a couple weeks out from moving should be to notify the post office. You can submit an official change of address form online.

Mail will begin forwarding to your new address within three business days, but the U.S. Postal Service recommends you fill out the paperwork to forward your mail up to two weeks in advance.

Most mail is forwarded for free, but some types, like packages, won’t automatically forward and might require a fee to be transferred.

[CLICK HERE TO FORWARD YOUR MAIL TO YOUR NEW ADDRESS]

Important Government Agencies

Department of Motor Vehicles

The DMV should also be at the top of your change of address checklist. Some of the documents you need to update through the DMV include your:

The DMV is notorious for long wait times, so it’s a good idea to make an appointment and prepare all your necessary paperwork ahead of time.

(all info above taken from usa.gov )

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

It’s important to notify the IRS if your address has changed so you continue receiving tax refunds and other important correspondence. You can update your address when filing your taxes, or file a Form 8822. 

[FILL OUT THIS IRS FORM]

Social Security Administration (Disability, Medicare, Benefits, etc.)

If you receive Social Security, disability, medicare, supplemental security income (or any other government benefits), you’ll need to update your address with the Social Security Administration (SSA) so you keep receiving those funds.

Even if you get a direct deposit, the SSA may stop your benefits if they can’t contact you via U.S. mail. There’s a free change of address form you can access online. 

[CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS WITH SSA]

Your Employer(s)

These days, many people work remotely or on a flexible schedule, so you might not think it’s that important to give your boss a heads up about your new address. However, you should change your address on file with HR right away; many important tax and payroll forms require a current address. Plus, some employers base salary and benefits on your location!

This may be as easy as logging into a portal on a platform like ADP, but the process varies from company to company. Make sure you contact your HR and payroll as soon as you’re able.

Utility Companies

Electricity, gas, trash, water

If you’re moving to a nearby town, you might be able to call up your utility providers and have them transferred to your new address. However, if you’re moving long-distance, you may need to cancel your current services and start new accounts at your new address.

Be sure to research which companies operate in the area of your new home before you move. There are sites that use your ZIP Code to tell you what utilities are available near you. Doing it this way might even let you compare services and shop around for a better deal on your bill! 

Phone, internet, cable

Phone and internet services are often bundled together under one provider, which makes updating your address with all of them a breeze. If they’re not, however, you’ll need to change your address with each company so your service isn’t potentially interrupted.

While your cell phone service proooobably won’t be affected, your cable or internet provider may need to change based on your new location. Luckily, many of the largest cable and internet providers have processes dedicated to helping you move your service, including changing your address on your account.

Below are a few of the more common internet and cable companies.

[AT&T] [Verizon] [Comcast Xfinity] [Spectrum]

Miscellaneous (e.g., recycling, sewer, etc.)

Depending on where you live, you might be responsible for other utilities. For example, you might pay for your own recycling or sewer service. If that’s the case, don’t forget to change your address with these companies and cancel service if you’re moving to a new area where they don’t operate. 

Protip: Simply Google each utility type + your new city name, and you’ll probably find the right website to update your info.

Financial Institutions

Banks

Make a list of all the places where you have:

You’ll need to let these financial institutions know that you’re moving. Even if you have online bank accounts or e-statements, it’s important to have your current address on file in case there are certain communications (or checks!) that need to come through snail mail.