Are you preparing for a move? Whether you’re packing up and moving across the street or out of the country, some files need updating to make your transition smoother and your life easier. Change of address tasks are vital.
Your top priority should be changing your mailing address on all essential accounts. You should handle it earlier rather than later to prevent missing any mail or other notifications. Changing your mailing address on all of your accounts can seem like a daunting task, but using the change of address checklist will help you conquer it.
The Post Office
The post office is the first place you need to notify of your change of address. By doing this, any mail that gets sent to your old address will be forwarded over to your new address. This will continue for 12 months, by which point everyone who needs to know will be aware you have moved.
What makes it even more convenient is that you can easily make the address change online from your phone, laptop, or tablet, so you don’t have to visit the actual post office. So there are no excuses! You should change your address at least a week before your moving day to prevent any delays.
Tax Agencies Files
The IRS and your state tax agency must have your new address on file. If you forget to notify the tax agencies, any important information, like a refund check, will be delivered to your old address. You don’t want that to happen!
To prevent this, you can simply visit the IRS website to fill out the 8822 change of address form. For your state’s tax agency, you can visit their website to find and fill out the correct form.
Social Security Files
If you receive any Social Security benefits, you don’t want to forget to update any files with the Social Security Administration. Notifying them of your move is easy and can be done by filling out their change of address application online or by giving them a call during operating hours.
Driver’s License & Registration
Don’t procrastinate! It is required that you update your driver’s license and registration with your new address. To avoid missing any deadlines and associated fees, notify the DMV sooner rather than later.
Each state has different deadlines and fees, so you must check with your state’s DMV so you can go into the process prepared.
Utility Companies
As soon as you know your new address and the date you plan to move in, you should update your files with the local utility company. By doing this right away, you will avoid mishaps like paying for utilities at two residences at once.
When transferring your utility services over to your new address, plan for your services to start on the morning of your move-in and arrange for the shutoff at your old address to be after you are fully moved out.
Passport
Another document that might have your old address on it is your passport. This isn’t as high a priority as many of the other files on this list, but if you like everything to be done all at once, updating your passport with your new address is one of the things to be done.
Most passports don’t have the address printed, so all you would have to do is erase and pencil in your new address. Simple as that.
Employer Files
Even though you may be receiving your paychecks via direct deposit, you still need to update files with your employer sooner rather than later.
For example, your employer could send your W-2 tax forms to your old address. You don’t want to miss filing your taxes. By notifying them early, you will avoid having your W-2s and pay stubs sent to your old address.
Banking Files
You’ll need to update any files with the bank. Even if you are currently receiving everything paperless and via email, it’s always best to let them know and get your address changed to avoid any possible problems.
Depending on your bank, you can change your address over the phone, through direct mail, online, or in-person at the bank. You can find more information about changing your address on your bank’s official website.
Insurance Files
Your car, dental, health, and life insurance providers need to have your new address on file. This will prevent any service disruptions in case you may have moved out of the service area. Visit your various insurance providers’ websites to find more information about changing your address.
Subscription Services Files
To continue receiving your entertainment streaming services or magazines by mail, these companies need to change the billing address on file to avoid service interruption. Typically, these services are online, so changing your address should be as simple as filling out a quick form or updating your profile.
Updating Your Files After a Move
Changing your address can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be. If you make sure you prioritize and update all of the files on this checklist, you’ll be set for success. Save yourself time, energy, and lost items by updating all your files before you move!
We hope this post was useful to you. Visit this Change of Address Checklist page for more helpful suggestions.
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