Changing Your Address: Step-by-Step Helpful Guide

Posted by Alex Paul on November 20th, 2020

When it comes to moving, there are so many things on your plate that it can be hard to keep track of them all. As soon as things are a bit more settled, be sure to change your address to ensure your mail arrives at your new home. Getting a jump start on this process will make things run more smoothly once your life returns to a normal routine. 

Not sure where to start? Let us help. 

Read on for some helpful, step-by-step tips on how to change your address associated with a recent or upcoming move. 

The Post Office

Your first stop when updating your address should be the post office. This “change address” option is an easy process that you can do online.

You can set up a start date for activating the change. You’ll want to make this change at least a week ahead of time to avoid any gaps in mail delivery from your former address to the new one. 

The post office’s mail forwarding service will send any mail addressed to your former home to your new residence for a period of up to one year. 

Tax Agencies

You’ll want to be sure to also update your address with the IRS to ensure your tax-related documents are all sent to the appropriate location. 

Your state tax agency should be informed as well. This will minimize any delay of important notices and/or other tax-statement related communications. 

You can complete a simple change of address form online with these agencies, too. 

Social Security

Another very important step to make on the change address route is the Social Security Administration. 

Particularly if you receive any Social Security benefits, you don’t want to risk missing out on getting them in a timely manner! Call for assistance, or fill out their online form in order to do so expeditiously. 

Utility Providers

You definitely don’t want to be left waiting for your utilities to be turned on! 

Whether your gas, electric, water, cable, and/or internet providers are one or many, be sure to visit each company’s website to see how they allow customers to update this pertinent information. 

While most or all may be doable online, it is in your best interest to be sure about this in case you need to plan for an in-person trip to any offices. 

Banks and Credit Card Companies

Everything from your checking account to individual credit card companies (if outside of your regular banking services) will most likely offer online updating forms for a change of address. 

This is also an important step to prevent secure financial statements from being mailed to the incorrect residence. 

Insurance Providers and Employers

Whether you receive a paper paycheck or direct deposit, having an updated address on file is important for your employer’s records (as well as your personal records). 

Alert your insurance providers of the change as well, even if your insurance coverage is provided through your place of employment. 

Although this list may seem a bit overwhelming, tackling your change of address notifications ahead of time will actually make the whole moving and settling in process flow much more seamlessly, leaving you feeling relieved once it is all said and done. 

Also, most of the above-listed agencies offer quick, hassle-free online forms and assistance to get the job done efficiently. 

Are you ready to get moving? Call the best Milwaukee movers on the market—Coakley Brothers. Visit https://www.coakleybrothers.com/ for a free move estimate!