Start these calls in the weeks before your move, not the week of. Work down the list one group at a time and check each off.
The checklist
| Group | Who to contact |
|---|---|
| U.S. Postal Service change of address | |
| Utilities | Electric, gas, water, sewer, phone, cable or satellite |
| Kids | School district, doctors, daycare, clubs, library |
| Medical | Doctor, dentist, pharmacy |
| Professional services | Lawyer, broker, insurance agent |
| Personal accounts | Bank, credit cards, clubs, associations, home care services |
| Government | DMV, tax bureaus, Social Security Administration, voter registration |
| Deliveries | Magazines, newspapers, journals |
| Insurance | Auto and home insurance, if your policy depends on your address |
| People | Family and friends |
Three that cause the most trouble
Utilities. Set a shut-off date at the old address and a start date at the new one. You want lights and water on when the truck arrives.
Pharmacy. Move your prescriptions before you run low. Keep a week of medication in the bag that travels with you, not on the truck.
Government offices. Mail forwarding does not update the DMV or your voter registration. Each one needs its own update.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start notifying people that I am moving?
In the weeks before the move. Utilities and schools need the most lead time.
Does a USPS change of address notify everyone?
No. It only forwards your mail. Update each company and office yourself.
Who do people forget most?
Family and friends, and anything that renews once a year, such as a magazine or a club membership.
Next steps
See how to change your address with the Postal Service and the full moving timeline. When you have a date, request a free quote.