Moving Checklist: Everywhere You Need to Change Your Address When You Move

Moving is at least 60% list-making, and no list is more important than your address change list. But you’ve got enough on your mind already, so we thought we’d save you some trouble. This is the list for the completists out there, the movers who order checks with their new address on them before they even move. 

We’ve got your (probably aching) back so you can get back to making your new place a home. Though every mover’s circumstances are unique, this list should help cover all your bases.

Jump to:

File a USPS address change

Government agencies

Financial services

Utilities

Insurance

People and animal care

Retail services and apps

Memberships

The complete checklist

File a USPS^® address change

If you only change your address in one place (don’t do this), it should be with the United States Postal Service. You can file a request online or in person, and it’ll only cost you $1.10. In return, the USPS will forward most of your mail — bills, personal letters, invoices, merchandise — to your new home for 12 months after the start date you listed in your request. Magazines and newsletters will be forwarded for 60 days.

Government agencies

These are the heavy-hitters of any address change list, the ones you absolutely can’t forget. Since each one can be a little complicated, we’ve included links that walk you through them step-by-step.

• Driver’s license and vehicle registration
• Complete Form 8822 with the IRS
• If you receive Social Security or Medicare benefits, change your address with the Social Security Administration 
• Update your voter registration

MYMOVE pro tip

When you change your address online, you can get instant access to exclusive moving-related offers and savings.

Financial services

You’re going to want to make sure any statements and bills are sent to the right place after you move. Notify all banks and financial institutions you have accounts with — it usually only takes a few minutes online — and while you’re at it, order new checks.

• Banks and investment services
• Loan issuers
• Credit card companies
• Retail credit accounts
• Accountant and tax advisors

Did you know?

It generally takes about three days for the USPS to begin forwarding mail to your new address, but they recommend allowing up to two weeks. 

Utilities

If you’re moving long-distance, consider this more of a “where to set up new service” section than an address change list. Be sure to switch over your utilities a few days in advance to avoid an electricity-free weekend welcome in your new home. (The shower desperation after a sweaty move can be real, so include the water provider on your “ample notice” list, too.)

• Gas
• Electricity
• Water
• Sewage
• Internet
• Cable
• Phone

MYMOVE pro tip

Internet providers have different availability by ZIP code, so make sure to shop around for plans in your area before transferring. 

Insurance

Some policies — like homeowners or renters — will need an entirely new policy, while others will just need a quick address change. 

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Auto insurance
• Homeowner or renter’s insurance

Did you know?

One study of car insurance rates in 10 U.S. cities found that in each city, at least one insurer charged $200 more per year for policies on the “wrong side” of a ZIP code line.

People and animal care

You might not get much mail from these people, but it’s still a good idea to keep all your records up-to-date in case they need to send you payments or documents.

• Employer
• Doctors
• Dentists
• Lawyers
• Veterinarian
• Friends and family

MYMOVE pro tip

If your pet is microchipped, update their new address on the microchip registry.

Retail services and apps

Who are we kidding? Amazon Prime was probably the first place you updated your address. In case we’re wrong, here’s a reminder to update your new billing and mailing address on any retail sites, especially those with recurring payments.

• Retail websites
• Streaming services
• PayPal or Venmo
• Magazines 
• Subscription boxes
• Google Maps and Apple Maps
• Uber, Lyft, and Waze

MYMOVE pro tip

Go through a month or two of credit card statements and update the address from every place you’ve ordered something online. 

Memberships

• Clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club
• Religious institutions 
• Gyms

MYMOVE pro tip

Send out a custom moving announcement card to let your friends and family know your new address. 

The complete checklist

Here’s everywhere you need to change your address when you move, all in one handy place:

• File a USPS address change online or in person
• Driver’s license 
• Vehicle registration
• Complete Form 8822 with the IRS
• Social Security Administration (if you receive Social Security or Medicare benefits)
• Voter registration
• Banks and investment services
• Loan issuers
• Credit card companies
• Retail credit accounts
• Accountant and tax advisors
• Gas
• Electricity
• Water
• Sewage
• Internet
• Cable
• Phone
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Auto insurance
• Homeowner or renter’s insurance
• Employer
• Doctors
• Dentists
• Lawyers
• Veterinarian
• Retail websites
• Streaming services
• PayPal or Venmo
• Retail clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club
• Magazines 
• Google Maps and Apple Maps
• Uber, Lyft, and Waze
• Subscription boxes
• Gyms
• Religious institutions

What’s next?

Getting your address updated everywhere is a big piece of the moving puzzle, but of course, it’s not the only thing you’ll need to remember to do. To stay on top of the game at every point in your move, check out some of our other checklists: 

• Pre-Move Checklist: How to Stay Sane Before Your Move
• Moving Checklist, Month One: Settling Into Your New Home
• Moving Checklist, Month Two: How to Organize and Decorate Like a Pro
• Moving Checklist, Month Three: Projects to Take Your House to the Next Level