Who Do You Notify that you are Moving to your New Home ?

Knowing whom to notify when you move is essential to a smooth transition. I addition to your friends and family, there are a few companies and institutions that need to know you have a new address.

Make sure to peruse this list at least a week before you move to make sure you don’t miss anyone big!

Utilities

Forget to file a change of address for your utilities, and guess what happens: You end up paying the electric bill for your former home’s new resident! If you prefer to pay only your own bill, you’ll need to update your address with phone, cable, and internet providers, as well as your electric and gas companies. Depending on where you live, you may also have to notify the water department, sewer utility company, and/or garbage collector. When transferring your electric service, make sure service at your new house starts either the morning of your move or the evening before—otherwise you might be spending your first night or two in the dark!

The post office

You knew this one, but you might not know that you don’t have to schlep to an actual post office anymore. Visit the U.S. Postal Service site to start your official change of address. The postal service charges a $1 fee to verify your identity when changing your address online, so you’ll need a credit or debit card.

Your employer

Odds are your boss and immediate co-workers know that you’re moving, because you’ve been complaining about it nonstop—but what about your human resources department? Even if your paychecks get deposited directly into your bank account, you still want tax forms, retirement account statements, and other important documents sent to your new address, as these papers may contain personal information that could be used to steal your identify.

Financial institutions

Usually, you can update your mailing address for your bank, credit card issuers, investment accounts, loan providers, and other financial institutions online. Even if you use an online-only bank or credit union, this is a crucial step. Again, you don’t want sensitive information sent to your old mailing address.

The DMV

After moving, you may have to file a change of address with the Department of Motor Vehicles, update your car registration, or even get a new driver’s license—and some states have tight deadlines for these changes.

Insurance providers

Health insurance, dental insurance, car insurance, life insurance, and homeowners insurance providers need your current address on your policy. If you don’t update these accounts, you could potentially have trouble filing a claim.

The IRS

Tax returns and other forms may contain sensitive information (e.g., your Social Security number), so let Uncle Sam know you’re moving. You can file a change of address with the IRS by mail and phone, or in person.

Cellphone provider

Cellphone companies require customers to update their billing address. This is mandatory, since your primary residence determines the tax rates on your wireless bill.

Voter registration

If you’re a registered voter, an address change is required if you want your vote counted in upcoming elections. In some states, when you update your address with the DMV, your address on your voter registration will automatically update, but contact the office of your registrar of voters to confirm.

Health specialists

To avoid missing and falling behind on your medical bills, update your mailing address with all of your health care providers.

Shopping websites

Many online shopping sites have a one-click checkout feature that lets you save time, but this could prove problematic if you forget to change your address and order something to your old house. Take a few minutes to update your address on Amazon, eBay, and other online shopping accounts.

Subscriptions

Don’t want your magazines or newspapers arriving on your old doorstep? (Do you still have magazine and newspaper subscriptions?) Either update your mailing address online, or call customer service and ask for an address change over the phone. Do the same for any other subscription services you have. (If your Blue Apron ingredients show up at your old house, good luck cooking dinner tonight!)

* From Realtor.com’s The Ultimate Guide to Moving