Moving to a new place comes with a ton of admin work that nobody warns you about. Whether you’re handling the move solo or working with a professional moving crew, one of the biggest tasks is making sure everyone who needs to know actually knows where you’re headed. This guide breaks down exactly who to contact and when, so you don’t end up missing bills, packages, or that tax refund you’ve been waiting on.
Government Agencies
The government might not move fast, but you should when it comes to updating them about your move. Hit up the United States Postal Service (USPS) first to get mail forwarding set up—this gives you breathing room while you update everything else. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) needs to know too, so file Form 8822 if you’re doing personal taxes or Form 8822-B for business stuff. The Social Security Administration (SSA) should be next on your list so your benefits and statements don’t go to your old place. Your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) needs updating for your driver’s license and car registration—most states give you 30 days max to handle this. If you’re registered with Selective Service, loop them in too. Getting these agencies updated quickly means you won’t miss anything that matters.
Financial Institutions
Your bank, credit cards, and investment accounts all need your new address ASAP. Call or log into your bank’s website to update every checking, savings, and credit account you have. Credit card companies need separate notifications for each card you carry. If you’ve got money with investment firms or brokerages, give them a heads up too. Insurance companies—whether it’s auto, home, renters, or life insurance—need your new location to keep your policies accurate and your rates correct. Missing statements or payment reminders because your address is outdated can mess with your credit score, so handle this one early.
Utility Companies
You’ll want to contact your electricity, gas, water, internet, and phone providers at least two weeks before moving day. Let them know when you’re leaving and where you’re going so they can either transfer service or shut it off at the old spot. Some companies need to do a final meter reading or send someone out to disconnect service, so ask about their specific process. If you’ve got autopay set up, make sure those payment details get updated to avoid any surprise service cuts. Setting this up ahead of time means you’ll have lights and Wi-Fi ready to go when you walk into your new place.
Subscription Services
All those subscriptions you love—streaming platforms, meal kits, magazines, beauty boxes—need your new address to keep showing up. Log into each service’s website or app and update your shipping and billing info. If the website’s confusing or you can’t find where to update it, just reach out to their customer service through phone or chat. While you’re in there, double-check that your payment info and renewal dates are current so nothing gets interrupted. Setting up mail forwarding with USPS can catch anything you forget to update, but it’s better to be proactive so nothing falls through the cracks.
Healthcare Providers
Keeping your medical care on track means updating every healthcare provider you see. Start with your primary care doctor—they’ve got your main records and need to send appointment reminders and test results to the right place. Any specialists you see regularly, like your dermatologist, therapist, or cardiologist, should get notified too. Your dentist and eye doctor need the update as well. If you pick up prescriptions from a specific pharmacy, let them know so your medications don’t get delayed. Getting this sorted quickly helps you avoid gaps in treatment and makes scheduling appointments at your new location way easier.
Online Retailers
Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Target, and any other sites you shop from need your new address before you place your next order. For Amazon, log in and head to Your Account, then Your Addresses, and update your default shipping spot. On eBay, click My eBay, go to Account, then Addresses to make the change. Walmart users should sign in, go to Account, then Account Settings to update the default shipping address. Target shoppers need to log in, hit Account, then Addresses, and update under the Shipping section. Updating these now prevents that awful moment when you realize your package just got delivered to people you don’t know.
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