July 25, 2022 | Read time: 6
Changing your address is a major part of the moving process, and it’s about much more than determining how and what to pack. Everything needs to be updated and everyone needs to be in the loop—insurance and utility providers, schools, physicians—so that you can settle in without facing potential service or billing hassles.
Use the checklist below to get started and make sure you notify everyone who needs to know.
To help guarantee that all of your mail moves with you, let the United States Postal Service (USPS) know at least two weeks before you relocate. One of the fastest and easiest ways to do this is to fill out a form on the USPS website). Make sure to select the appropriate type of move (permanent or temporary) and include the names of family members who will be living with you. Keep in mind, there may be a small fee applied.
You can also:
Finally, you should also set up a mail forward to your new address for a specific amount of time to ensure you don’t miss anything important during this process.
Whether you’re moving out of state or within city limits, you need to change your vehicle registration within 30 days. This can be completed online or by visiting your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). While you’re at the DMV, you can also update additional documents such as your driver's license, passport and voter registration.
It’s important to notify your insurance company about the date you will be moving and the new address before you move so you know that you’re covered properly. Insurance policies may need to be rewritten if you are relocating to a different state, so give plenty of notice if this is the case. Typically, renters’ or homeowners’ insurance will kick in the day that you get the keys.
➔ If you want to find an insurance agent in your area, use company locator tools (for example, State Farm offers a find agent app), to search profiles, locations and contact information.
If you’re purchasing a new home, it may also be beneficial to buy a home warranty. This will help cover the expense of appliances, heating or electrical systems fail. To determine your coverage needs, consider the age and condition of the home.
And, if you have a vehicle, do make sure that you’ve notified your insurance carrier. Your car insurance policy may change based on your new address. Whether you’re moving in-state or out-of-state, it’s important to verify any policy changes to premiums and total coverage.
It’s important to notify banks and credit card companies to protect yourself from triggering a potential block from what may appear as suspicious behavior. It’s also important to let these service providers know so that statements and bills are sent to the right place. It may also be a convenient opportunity to order updated checks as well.
The process for updating subscriptions will vary some, depending on the service type. To start, go online to see if you're able submit your new information for any boxed delivery services, magazines and catalog subscriptions. If you're able to make changes online, review the form to see what information you'll need to provide.
If you are registered as a member and frequently use retail sites to shop online, make sure to include your new address in your profile. Avoid the hassle and make the change before you check out.
Other online services to keep in mind:
If you’re moving to start a new job, share your new address with your previous and new employer so that they can send paychecks, tax information and any other important documents to the right place.
Before you move, inform your doctors and dentists so that they can send any remaining billing information to your new address. It may also be helpful to ask them for recommendations of new providers in your area.
Then after your move, start searching for local specialists (for you and your family) and make sure to consider their ratings and location. If you had any prescheduled appointments with your previous providers, try to arrange visits close to the original date.
It’s simple to transfer prescriptions to new pharmacy locations. Notify the new pharmacy and let them know the names of all your prescriptions. They will contact your old pharmacy and take care of the process.
Don’t forget that your pets have health needs, too. Let the veterinarian know about your new location so that appointment reminders and bills don’t get lost or go unnoticed. If your fur babies have tags or are microchipped, make sure that this information is updated as well by going online to the registry.
Notify any clubs or organizations you’re involved with about your new change of address. This way, they will know how to reach you and where to send any recent mailers. If you belong to a gym and there are locations among different cities, transferring your membership may be as easy as going online to your account and updating your information.
Others to include on the list:
Keep these essential utilities on at your old place until after you move, and have them set and running by the time you arrive at your new location. Depending on where you move, the transfer may mean simply updating your provider with your new address, or changing service companies all together, depending on what is available in your area.
If you are moving into an apartment, the complex may have certain utilities already included. Special rates and new move-in packages may be available as well, so be sure to look into these offers.
If you’re planning to work or study online from home, it's critical to have internet access right away. Keep in mind that you may need to initiate this process ahead of your move. This means you'll need to go online in advance and schedule the new service at your new address. This way you can make plans to have router and service box kit delivered at the right time, or perhaps even schedule a service technician to come to the new address as your moving in to set up your new services. Plan ahead to factor in the additional time it may take to receive the router and instructions.
To set up cable, determine which service is right for you based on your location. You won’t want to miss the big game or your favorite show if you don’t have the right channel or network!
With the essential switches in order, now it’s time to celebrate and spread the word about your new move! Notify family and friends by sending postcards or email announcements with your updated address. For moves across the country or across the pond, it can also be helpful to include dates and other contact information.
Disclaimer: We include links to other websites in this article for our convenience. We do not endorse any content on these sites. All product names, logos, and brands are property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply endorsement. This content is subject to change without notice and offered for informational use only. You are urged to consult with your individual advisors with respect to any information presented. Synchrony and any of its affiliates (collectively, “Synchrony”) make no representations or warranties regarding this content and accept no liability for any loss or harm arising from the use of the information provided. Your receipt of this material constitutes your acceptance of these terms and conditions.
© 2024 Synchrony Bank.