When you move, you should notify several people and organizations about your change of address. This includes government agencies, insurance services, utility companies, financial institutions, memberships, and essential individuals.

A change of address checklist can help you track who needs to be notified about your move. Our change of address checklist can make your transition as seamless as possible.

Have you found your new place and are ready to move? Here’s whom you should inform about your new address:

Government agencies:

• Social Security Administration. It would help if you let social security know you’re moving, so they can change your address on file. This is important for getting your benefits and correspondence from social security.
• The Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Update your address with the IRS to receive any tax refunds or correspondence.
• The United States Postal Service (USPS). You will need to fill out a change of address form with the USPS so your mail can be forwarded to your new address.

Insurance services:

• Your health insurance provider. Update your information with your health insurance provider as soon as possible. That way, you can find providers closer to where you live now, and the insurance can send you correspondence and bills to your new address.
• Your auto insurance provider. Sometimes insurance information changes with a change of address. Make sure to let your provider know where you live now, so your policy can be updated.
• Your renter’s insurance provider. If you have a renter’s insurance, update it to your new address. Your provider usually wants to know about details like fire alarms, is the property fenced in, etc.

Utility companies:

• Your electric company. Change your address with your electric company. Most tenants require you to set up your account with the local utility company before you move in. Cancel the service at your previous address while you’re at it.
• Your gas company. You will need to update your address with your gas company so they can send you correspondence and bills at your new address.
• Your water/trash/sewer company. Make sure to cancel your service at your previous address. Some apartment communities will have you sign up for a new account with the water utility company for the area; others might have water and trash or sewage included in your rent. 

Financial institutions:

• Your bank. You will need to update your address with your bank so that they can send you correspondence and bills at your new address.
• Your credit card companies. Many purchases, especially online, will require your zip code for purchases with a credit card. You also want to receive your statements and correspondence at your new address.
• Your student loan provider. You will need to update your address with your student loan provider so that they can send you correspondence and bills at your new address.

Organizations and memberships:

• Your employer. They sometimes send tax forms, or you might be paid by check. Better to update them right away so you don’t miss any critical information.
• Any club or organization you belong to. Don’t miss out on that special offer or event just because your new address is not on file!
• Any magazine subscriptions you have. You will need to update your address with your magazine subscriptions so that they can send you your favorite magazines or newspapers and bills at your new address.

Important individuals:

• Your family and friends. Well, of course, that’s important. And they should be invited to the move-in welcome party as well! 
• Your child’s school. This one is important! You will need to update your address with your child’s school so they can send you your children’s report cards, important information, and login information.

Here are some additional tips to make changing your address easier:

• Update your address with the post office first. This will ensure that your mail is forwarded to your new address.
• Notify your contacts one by one. This way, you can keep track of whom you have notified and whom you need to notify still.
• Keep a list of all the organizations and individuals you need to update your address. This way you can make sure that you don’t forget anyone.
• Change your address online when possible. This will save you time and effort.
• Have your mail forwarded to your new address for a few months after you move. This will ensure that you don’t miss any important correspondence.

Now, if you’re all organized, enjoy your fabulous new apartment. You’ve earned it! And don’t forget, if you need help along the way, our team at Plum Orchard Apartments is always here to help our new renters. Give us a call or stop by and see us at the office.