So you are selling your home or bought a new one and now you need to do an official change of address and figure out the answer to Who Do You Tell When You Move? This is important not only because you want to continue to get your mail, but you also need to update your service providers. Changing your address before you leave town or residence for your new place will not only keep you in the loop but will prevent major hassles like past-due bills, service lapses — and even identity theft. 

For some time, especially before the move, you’ll want to keep an eye on incoming mail to see which companies you frequently hear from and will need to notify. Here is the answer to who do you tell when you move and the main agencies and organizations you’ll need to tell when you are planning to move.

Who Do You Tell When You Move? The Answer

The Postal Service 

The easiest answer to who do you tell when you move is the Postal Service. This is the common place most people start when changing their address.

To change your address and have your mail forwarded to your new location, you have two options at the post office. The fastest and easiest way is to go to USPS.com/move to change your address online. You’ll immediately get an e-mail confirming that the change of address is complete, so you will need a valid e-mail address. There is also a $1.05 charge to a credit or debit card — this is mainly an identity verification fee to prevent fraud. 

You can also go to your local post office and request a Mover’s Guide package. Inside the packet is PS Form 3575. When you fill out this change of address form and give it to a postal worker behind the counter, or, drop it into the letter mail slot inside the post office, you will have started the process. You’ll receive a confirmation letter at your new address in five business days.

Some companies may try to charge you a fee larger than $1.05 to start the Change of Address. Don’t fall for the scam! There is a quick and easy way to do this for yourself at a nominal charge.

The IRS 

When answering, who do you tell when you move, the IRS is another agency you need to inform. To change your address with the IRS, you’ll want to print out and mail in the IRS’ Change of Address form, Form 8822, and/or a Form 8822-B.

Credit card companies

You can change your address for credit cards online, though you’ll need to remember to do each one separately. 

Especially if you have payments on autopay, you’ll also need to take a look at what currently might be automatically billed to your credit card or checking account. Your payments for items such as newspaper, cable TV, utilities, and gym memberships all should be canceled so you are not billed for services you aren’t using after the move. Don’t forget about store cards and loyalty programs!

Banks 

It’s also important when figuring out who do you tell when you move, to inform your banks. You don’t need to change banks when you move if your bank has a branch near your new location because it’s really easy to transfer your accounts to another branch of the same bank. If not, you may want to find a close bank you trust near your new residence. 

But because you’ll want easy access to your checking account on moving day and shortly thereafter, you’ll also need to update online banks, retirement funds, and investment accounts of your new details. This is especially important for fraud detection! 

Utility companies

Of course, you don’t want to pay utility bills that aren’t for you anymore. You need to answer the question, who do you tell when you move, with utility companies. Have your account number, your shut-off, and activation dates, and your new address handy when you call each of your utilities to disconnect your services. 

Arrange for service at your new address as soon after your move as possible, and schedule shut-off at your old address for the end of the moving day, or the following day, so you’ll still be able to turn on the lights and use the bathroom while you’re working.

Home or Renter’s Insurance

Another answer to who do you tell when you move is all your insurance companies. Your insurance agent can help you time the cancellation of your old policy and also help you transition to your new one when changing residences. Being timely about contacting your agent assures there are no gaps in coverage. 

While consulting your agent to discuss your options, also be sure to ask if they cover your possessions during transport, especially if you’re moving valuables or electronics in your own vehicle.

Car insurance

While you can plan ahead, you don’t want to cancel your current policy until the move is made. Different states have different rates and regulations. Immediately after the move, if you are changing states, you’ll want to compare rates and obtain new insurance. Typically, you’ll have 30 to 90 days to do this.

Health insurance

When you move to a new state, you can’t keep a health insurance plan from your old state, so continue paying for coverage you won’t be able to use in your new state. Maintain coverage by reporting your move as soon as possible — there is usually a grace period —  and enroll in a new plan quickly.

Additionally you’ll want to be sure to alert your doctor or other specialists who may be able to refer you to physicians in your new area and have your medical files transferred. 

If you have benefits from Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, or any other government program, make sure you notify them of your move.

If you cancelled payments on autopay from your credit card, you may have already discontinued service, but a courtesy call to the phone company, cable, and internet service providers is important. 

You’ll also want to change your address with any magazine subscriptions, clubs or organizations to which you belong, and upon settling in your new residence, the DMV where you can also change your voter registration. These are the main answers to who do you tell when you move.