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

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 and packages could get lost if they’re sent to your old address.

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

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 

One of your first steps when moving should be to notify the post office. It’s important to ensure all of your mail makes it to your new address. 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, 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 can update while you’re there include your driver’s license, passport, vehicle registration, and voter registration. 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

It’s also 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 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 HR and payroll for yours 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 with 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. This might even let you compare services and shop around for a better deal on your bill. 

Phone, internet, cable

These services are often bundled together under one provider, which makes updating your address a breeze. If not, however, you’ll need to change your address with each company so your service isn’t potentially interrupted. While your cell phone service probably won’t be affected, your cable or internet provider may need to change based on your new location. Many of the largest cable and internet providers have processes dedicated to helping you move your service, including changing your address on your account. 

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

Miscellaneous

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. 

Financial Institutions

Banks

Make a list of all the places where you have checking and savings accounts, safe deposit boxes, investment portfolios, and other banking products. You’ll need to let these banks 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.