A Complete Change of Address Checklist
Ensure you'll still receive important bills and cards from loved ones
5 Min Read
5 Min ReadWe all know that moving is stressful enough on its own, but getting to your new place only to realize you now need to update your address is downright overwhelming. Just think of everyone who still has your old address – anybody from friends to financial institutions could be sending mail to the wrong place! All you need is this complete change of address checklist to make the final moving step a breeze.
File an official USPS Change of Address
The first step on your change of address checklist should always be to notify the United States Postal Service. This step should be completed at least five business days before your scheduled move in order to allow for adequate processing time.
The official USPS Change of Address can be completed online and only costs $1.05, allowing all your mail to be forwarded to your new address. Address forwarding lasts for 12 months, which gives you plenty of time to get your address updated everywhere else.
Notify your employer
If you’re receiving paychecks from an American company, you should notify your employer immediately of your change in address. This will ensure that you continue to receive your paychecks on time. 
Update your billing information
The most time-consuming part of the change of address process is updating your billing information with third parties. Hardly anyone can come up with a full list of everywhere they need to change their address without leaving someone out. However, here’s a list to help get you started:
Finances
- Banks
- Insurance companies (health insurance, life insurance, car insurance, etc.)
- Investments
- Creditors (credit cards, loans, etc.)
- Attorneys
Personal
- Cell phone providers
- Schools
- Professional organizations
- Gyms
- Churches or nonprofits
Health
- Doctors
- Dentists
- Veterinarians
Subscriptions
- Newspaper and magazines
- Video streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, etc.)
- Subscription boxes
- Auto-ship orders
- Library
Shopping
- Online retailers
- Store membership cards
Change your driver’s license
Not only is it a good idea to change the address on your driver’s license when you move, but it’s also the law. Most places in the U.S. require that you update your address at the DMV within 30 to 60 days of moving. How you go about doing this though, will entirely depend on whether or not you’re moving to a new state.
For in-state moves
If you’re just moving to another apartment in your city or elsewhere within state lines, updating the address on your driver’s license is fairly straightforward.
You might not even have to go to the DMV. Some states will allow you to change your address online and receive the updated driver’s license by mail.
For out-of-state moves
If you’re moving to a new state entirely, you’ll have to apply for a new driver’s license once you arrive. The process will depend on which state you’re coming from and which state you’re moving to. It might be resolved with one short trip to the DMV, but you may be required to take additional steps such as completing another driving test. The DMV’s relocation checklist will give you a complete rundown based on the states you enter.
Voter registration
You should also update your voter registration regardless of whether or not you’re moving out of state. Fortunately, this can also be taken care of with the DMV at the same time that you update your driver’s license. Just remember to ask someone to do so while you’re there.
Non-citizens: Notify US immigration
Living in the United States as a foreigner? You’ll also need to keep USCIS in the loop each time you change your address.
Rules are quite strict on this, so you’ll only have 10 days to submit the required information after you move. This can be done via mail or online.
Tell your friends
The final change of address checklist step is to notify your friends and family of your new mailing address. You might not get mail from personal contacts frequently, but important items like holiday cards and wedding invitations can get lost in the mail easily if someone has an outdated address. Here are a few ways to notify everyone that you’ve moved:
- Order personalized change of address announcements to send by mail
- Make a post on social media (just make sure to set it to private!)
- Send an e-blast to all your personal email contacts
- Call or text the important people to let them know directly
Additional items
It might take weeks or even months to finish notifying everyone of your new address, so keep an eye out for forwarded mail and let each sender know to update their address book. The USPS mail forwarding system won’t notify senders of your new address, that’s all on you.
You should also remember to shut off utilities at your old place and switch them on at your new one. This will require a few phone calls to utility companies and internet providers, with advanced warning. If you move frequently, you might also consider switching to a serviced apartment provider like Blueground. Their fully-furnished apartments come with utilities already set up, so you won’t ever have to worry about updating your information anywhere. For stays of a month or longer, consider the convenience of showing up and settling in straight away in a furnished, move-in ready apartment. Best of all, the flexible lease terms offered mean that you can explore various neighborhoods before committing to your favorite.
