One of the lengthiest “to-do” lists is the one you’ll make when it’s time to move. From gathering moving materials to hiring movers and trying to time everything around a closing date – there’s a lot to do.
One very important chore that often falls through the cracks until it’s found again at the last minute is notifying people of your new address.
Here are the most critical moving notifications you’ll need to attend to.
U.S. Postal Service
This is the most critical notification you’ll make and, thankfully, they’ve made it easy for you to do. You can even specify the date on which you want to start receiving mail at the new address.
Navigate to USPS.com and fill out the form or pick up a change-of-address card at the local post office.
Utility companies
You’ll need to leave the home’s utilities on during the escrow period so that the buyer can conduct inspections. Once your moving date is firm, however, contact all utility companies with a shut-off date.
You’ll also want to determine a date for the utilities to be turned on at the new home and make a request from each company.
Add the ones that fit your situation to your list:
- Electric
- Gas
- Water
- Trash
- Sewer
- Propane delivery
- Internet service provider
- Landline phone company
- Mobile phone provider
Notify those who provide ongoing services
This list includes:
- Gardener
- Pool service
- Pet waste pickup
- Housekeeper
- Dog walker
Your pet’s microchip company
Sadly, failing to keep a pet’s microchip information updated is common. Pets in unfamiliar surroundings often get loose, become disoriented and, without a way to find you, the pet usually ends up at the pound.
If you remember which company your pet’s microchip is with, go to the company’s website and file a change of address and phone number (if it will be changing).
Otherwise, take the time to visit your pet’s veterinarian. They’ll typically scan the pet for free. Then you can notify the company of your new details.
Voter registration, Social Security and government benefits offices
Learn how to change your voter registration at USA.gov.
Social Security benefit recipients can change their address online as well. If you don’t have an account at the Social Security website, you’ll need to create one first (it’s free). You can do that at SSA.gov.
Collecting unemployment insurance benefits or public assistance? Call the offices to determine how they prefer you to file a change-of-address.
Your bank
Yes, the USPS will forward your mail, but banking information is just too important to trust anyone else with it.
Take the time to notify your bank, retirement fund companies and credit card companies of your new address.
Driver’s license and registration
DMV.org offers a handy tool for people in all 50 states to determine what is required to change their address with the DMV.
This list is by no means comprehensive, but it does list some of the most important notifications you’ll need to make when you move.
Alex Saenger and the Saenger Group are Top 1% Maryland Real Estate Agents serving the Washington DC Metro area. We are licensed Realtors based in Rockville, MD at Keller Williams Capital Properties.
