For most people, the first time moving out of your parent’s house is a rite…
Moving, either permanently or temporarily, often means starting fresh. New house, new neighborhood, new friends, and, of course, new address, which brings us to our next point: change of address notifications.
Changing your address seems pretty straightforward, as we remember to notify frequently contacted institutions and close friends and family. However, it’s easy to forget to notify certain businesses, friends, or relatives, which can lead to anything from small nuisances to identity theft threats.
Therefore, we came up with an essential checklist, so you remember to notify all who need to be notified, and included a template email/written notification you can send to all your contacts.
Changing Your Address When You Move
Permanent Change of Address: “Who You Need to Remind” Checklist
Permanent changes of address are easier because you only have to go once through the motions once. If you are moving to a new location, even if it’s down the road, check out the list below to make sure you do not forget anyone.
Your Employer
If you move and continue working for the same employer, you need to notify them so they can update their database. Regardless of the industry you work in, your employer needs to have your updated information in order to send notifications and other paperwork to you. Also, they may need your updated information to report to credit bureaus and other institutions, so let them know your new whereabouts.
Financial Institutions
It’s pivotal that financial institutions have your new address as they may be sending very sensitive information via mail. Failure to do so increases the chances of identity theft and fraud, so avoid any mishaps by giving them updated information.
Credit Card Companies
Similar to financial institutions, credit card providers need to have your updated address so they can send new cards and other sensitive information to you. This includes store credit cards and other forms of credit.
Doctors and Medical Contacts
Doctors and medical contacts like optometrists, dentists and other professionals you see on a regular basis should also be informed as they may be sending you test results, bills, and statements. Keep them in the loop by sending them written notification or contacting their office or clinic directly.
Life Insurance Company
Insurance companies need to be informed about your new location in order to maintain full, active coverage. Although certain policies don’t consider your address, others will not cover you if your information is not entirely up to date.
Vehicle and Additional Insurance
Similar to life insurance, your car, motorbike, and house insurance companies need to have updated information to maintain full coverage and avoid issues in case of an emergency.
Circulation Companies Like Magazines, Newspapers, and Newsletters
Local and national subscriptions need to be notified so you can still get your weekly/monthly magazines, newspapers, and newsletters. Even if you are moving out of your old neighborhood, you may still want to stay up to date with news and events.
Any Other Business or Contractor Who Needs to Send You Bills
Local contractors (and those working for a chain) need to have your address in order to settle pending bills. If not, you run the risk of damaging your credit score, and, of course, causing issues and inconveniences to others.
Vets & Pet Chip Registers
If you have pets with location microchips, you need to report your new address.
Local Online Subscriptions Like News, Weather Reports, and Discount Programs
Many online apps and providers use your location to personalize content on your phone and other devices. Update your information on these apps to get the information for your new area. In addition, companies like Groupon also need to have your new address to provide relevant deals that you may not want to miss out on.
Government Institutions
You must report your new address to all government institutions to avoid identity theft and fraud risks, and also to avoid issues down the line. Tax entities, business licensing, any type of welfare or aid program, car registrations, and other government institutions depend on your physical address as your first point of contact. Notify them of your new address to get all the paperwork and notifications needed to avoid trouble in the future.
Utility Providers
Power and other utility providers need to have your new address to settle any unpaid bills and other important paperwork. Inform them of your new whereabouts so they can send all your final bills, or notify you if there is any issues with your transition.
Family and Friends
This may seem pretty obvious as we always remember to notify our close friends and relatives. However, think about those friends and relatives who you don’t see or phone regularly, yet still receive occasional mail from.
Checklist Of People To Contact When Your Change Your Address
How To Notify Them: The Old Fashioned Way and Online Tools
Now that you know who you need to notify and why you have an array of options to let them know about your new address. In most cases, an email message will do, and it will only take a few minutes. Others, like financial institutions, require at least a phone call and confirmation.
If you are a fan of old fashioned ways, you can always write a letter with your new return address and inform them via regular mail.
Temporary Change of Address: Forwarding Mail and How it Works
If you are moving addresses temporarily, you should look into the USPS mail forwarding service. You can use this service to redirect your mail for as little as two weeks (15 days) or up to a maximum of six months. You may then request an extension which will get you another 6 months for a total maximum of 12 months.
You can complete the USPS online form to request your mail to be forwarded to a temporary address. There is a $1 fee which verifies your identity for the regular service. You may also sign up for the USPS’s Premium Forwarding Service, a more comprehensive forwarding service which involves a weekly fee.
Moving Notification Template
Writing a change of address email or letter is quite easy and straight to the point, however, there is some information you must include in the notification. If you are writing to a company, you should include the name of the company, your name, date of moving, old address, and new address. Check out the template below for an idea of what it should look like — just make sure you personalize the email to include your details!
From: John Smith
To: [Name of company or person being notified]
Reason: Notification of Address Change
Hello [Name of person or person within a company],
I would like to inform you I’m changing the address and moving to a new place of residence on January 1st 2016. Therefore, I would like you to update the information on your records so all future communications can be sent to my new address.
Current Address:
123 Beach View Road
Beverly HIlls, California 90210
New Address:
456 Ocean Breeze Drive
Los Angeles, California 90002
Feel free to send me a notification via email address to johndoe@sample.com or via phone or text message at 555-222-4444 once you have updated your records.
Thank you very much,
John Doe
[Signature in case of written letter]
Contact Us for More Moving Tips!
If you are in the process of moving to a new home, apartment, or condo, the team at On The Go Moving and Storage is ready to help. From full residential moving services to packing assistance, we have the training and experience it takes to make your move a successful one. For more information, contact our offices today.
