With the moving date just around the corner, you probably feel somewhat overwhelmed by all the things that have to be done. Among other tasks, you should figure out how to change your address when you move. At first, you might be wondering, Do you have to change your address when you move? No matter how busy you are, remember that this is one of the crucial steps to take when changing homes, and it’s essential that you do it on time.
The next question on your mind is probably the following: How long before you move should you change your address? And then, you begin to wonder How do you check if your address has been changed? Don’t worry about anything. We have the answers to your questions, and we have prepared a short guide to everything that you should do to complete the process. Let’s find out where to start.
Wondering How to Change Your Address When You Move? Here Are Some Crucial Steps and Tips
Now that you’re aware that this step is absolutely vital, you should remember to do it at least two weeks before your move to the new place. When you take all the following steps, you should start receiving your mail at the new place two weeks later. This means the update has been successfully made. Let’s see where you should start.
Verify Your New Address Before You Make the Update
We all know how hectic moving can be, which can easily lead to some mistakes. So, before you make the update official, make sure your new address is correct. There might be some spelling mistakes or the wrong number. Those buying a new property should double-check the information in case the street name has been changed.
Choose Between Temporary and Permanent Relocation
Before you submit your application for the change of address (COA), you will be required to specify whether you’re moving temporarily or permanently. If you just want to move for a period between 15 days to 6 months, then we’re talking about a temporary COA. You should then learn more about the difference between temporary and permanent COA.
Decide Which Method You’re Going to Use: Internet, Phone, or Mail
There are different ways of notifying the US Postal Service (USPS). These include the following:
- Online: To complete the process online, you should have a valid email and a credit or debit card.
- By phone: Contact USPS at 1-800-275-8777 to complete the COA without leaving your home.
- Via form 3575: In this case, you can download the form from the official USPS website, print it, fill it out, and mail it to the address on the card.
Pick the method you find most convenient and let the USPS know about your COA well in advance.
Be Sure You’ve Listed All Family Members
To be sure all family members get their mail at the future home, you need to check that everyone is included in your application. If there are some family members with a different surname, be sure you fill out a separate form for each person.
Change Your Phone
Keep in mind that most institutions will ask you for the new phone number when you notify them of your COA. To avoid having to contact them additionally just because of the phone number, be sure you have the number written down and update it all at the same time.
Be Careful to Avoid Address Fraud
To commit address fraud, a person only needs your name and your current place of residence. Thus, you need to be extra careful when sharing your information. It is also advisable that you have all your important documents containing sensitive information sent to your email rather than your mailbox.
Make a List of Those You Need to Notify, From Post Office to Subscription Providers
Quite a few institutions need to be aware of your COA. You have so many other things to handle, like packing and organizing your entire move. As for packing, remember that you can hire experts who offer packing services to save some precious time. When you have someone in charge, it will be easier to take the time to handle the paperwork, including your COA.
To keep track of everything, the safest way to go is to make a list of everyone who’s supposed to be informed of your COA. Let’s find out who should be on that list.
Before you get to the actual relocation, take care of all the paperwork, including your COA process.
Let the Post Office Know About Your New Place of Residence
Notify the post office of your COA, and they will have all your mail sent to the old home forwarded to the future one for 12 months. You can make the update online by setting a specific start date.
To be sure you still receive your mail even after you relocate, do not forget to notify the post office.
Your Gas and Electricity Providers Should Be Among the First Ones to Know
As soon as you decide where exactly you’re going to move, it is essential that you notify your gas and electricity providers about it. Ideally, you should cancel your utilities at the old home by the end of the moving day and have them connected at your future place the day before your arrival.
We're sure you don't want to spend your first day in the future home in the dark, so remember to notify the electricity providers.
Call Your Internet and Cable Providers
Having your Internet and cable may not be as crucial as gas and electricity. Nonetheless, nowadays, we are dependent on technology in many aspects, more than we may think. So, setting these up should still be among your priorities.
Can you imagine a single day without the Internet or cable? We thought so.
Notify Your Insurance Agency
Whether you have home or renters’ insurance, do not forget that your insurance agency will need to be aware of your COA. Remember to take care of it early enough as some landlords will want the proof of transfer before your move-in date.
Furthermore, you should also notify those providing you with any other type of insurance: health, dental, car, and life insurance.
All your insurance providers should be notified of your COA early enough.
Contact Financial Agencies
The next on your list should be your bank, a credit union, PayPal, credit reporting agency, credit card company, and any other financial institutions you have dealings with. Notify them on time to be sure you don’t miss anything.
Make sure all the financial institutions that you have dealings with are notified of your COA.
Tax Agencies Should Know About Your New Residence
Be sure you fill out an online form on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website to notify the federal revenue agency of your COA. You should also notify your state tax agency.
You need to notify both federal revenue and state tax agency
Don’t Forget About Subscription Services
Last but not least, don’t forget about your magazine and other subscription providers. Call their customer service department or send them an email.
Remember to let all your subscription providers know about your relocation to Jeep receiving your favorite magazines.
Summary
Keep in mind the previously listed steps and tips on how to complete the COA process smoothly and safely. For any issue with the moving process, contact experts to provide you with moving services and save you some precious time and nerves.
