Things to Do When You Move (The Boring Stuff)

When moving to a new home, there are several important administrative tasks to handle to ensure a smooth transition. Here’s a checklist of tasks you should complete when moving:

Update Your Address

Post Office: Submit a change of address form with the U.S. Postal Service. You can do this online or at your local post office to ensure mail forwarding.

DMV: Update your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and any state-issued identification with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Voter Registration: Update your voter registration information online or with your local election office to ensure you're registered in your new district.

IRS: Notify the IRS of your new address using Form 8822.

Social Security: If you receive benefits, update your address with the Social Security Administration.

Insurance: Notify your health, auto, and home insurance providers of your new address.

Notify Utility Providers

Electricity, Gas, and Water: Contact your utility providers to set up service at your new address and discontinue service at your old home.

Internet and Cable: Transfer or establish new service with your internet and cable providers.

Waste Collection: If applicable, arrange for trash and recycling services at your new address.

Sewer Services: Some areas require separate water and sewer service notifications, so ensure those are updated.

Financial and Legal Updates

Banks and Credit Cards: Update your address with your bank, credit card companies, and any other financial institutions.

Loan Providers: Notify your mortgage, student loan, or auto loan providers of your new address.

Subscriptions: Update your address for any subscription services (magazines, meal delivery kits, streaming services that ship, etc.).

PayPal and Other Payment Platforms: If you use online payment platforms, update your shipping and billing address.

Healthcare Providers

Doctors and Dentists: Notify your healthcare providers and request that your records be transferred to a new provider if needed.

Pharmacy: Update your preferred pharmacy location for any prescriptions.

Health Insurance: Confirm with your health insurance company that your coverage is valid in your new area, and update your address.

Employment and Payroll

Employer: Notify your employer of your new address for payroll and benefits records.

Payroll Services: Ensure your payroll address is updated, especially if you're paid via check.

HR Department: Update your address for your company’s human resources department for tax and benefits purposes.

School Records (if applicable)

Children’s Schools: Notify your children’s schools of your move and arrange for the transfer of records if switching schools.

University/College: If you are attending school, update your records and financial aid information with your institution.

Homeowners or Renters Insurance

Update Policy: Notify your insurance company of the move and update your homeowners' or renters' insurance policy to reflect the new residence.

Moving Vehicle Registration

New State Requirements: If moving to a new state, review vehicle registration requirements, and ensure you meet the deadlines for registering your vehicle.

Toll Tags: Update your toll tag account with your new address and transfer the tag to the new vehicle registration if applicable.

Local Memberships and Subscriptions

Gym Memberships: Transfer or cancel local gym memberships.

Library Cards: Update your address or get a new library card for your new location.

Community Organizations: Notify any clubs, organizations, or memberships (such as HOA) of your move and update your address.

Prepare for Tax Season

Keep Moving Receipts: If eligible, keep receipts for moving-related expenses that may be deductible on your tax return.

Review Property Tax Information: Understand the property tax obligations in your new area, especially if you are moving to a new state.

Handling these administrative tasks will help ensure that you settle into your new home smoothly and avoid any disruptions. Be sure to keep a list handy to track which tasks have been completed!