Table Of Contents
Address Change Checklist
Your moving situation might warrant you to have a change of address, in which case there are some preparations you will need to make. Relocating to a new place itself will require you to take some steps, such as some obvious moving basics like acquiring moving boxes and packing supplies, hiring a truck or professional movers, and some other important things.
It is equally essential for you to notify all people concerned about your move. Notifying them early enough would be the right thing to do rather than later because it can save you from potential issues like service lapses or missed bills when moving homes. During business relocations, the principles remain largely the same.
Unsure of where to begin? You can follow the guide below. With a detailed change of address checklist, you will be able to know what you need to fill in on your intended plan to relocate and your new address.
Necessary Things For A Change Of Address
You may be required to complete a change of address formally by some of the entities that handle your mail. This might also be the case with other agencies you make dealings with. The thought of the number of people and companies you may need to contact when you need to change your address can be pretty overwhelming.
However, the process can be more straightforward if you have the proper documents and information ready to make the transition. Everyone on the list may not require information, but some common points of data are deemed necessary.
When Is The Best Time To Change My Address?
Letting all relevant agencies know of your change of address should occur over the next two weeks before moving day and the days that follow the move day. The truth is, getting your address changed early is an essential step in ensuring that your move into your new home is hitch-free.
You don't need to wait around until the time to move before you notify important agencies of your updated address. We have listed the companies you should contact on time into different categories so that you do not experience a disruption of services.
Getting Ready For The Move Day
While it may not be immediately suitable for you to change your address officially, you must prepare for the events that will take place before the move.
Book your move
It is not enough to get moving boxes ready while preparing for the day you will move. You should call a removalist company ahead of time.
It is crucial because you need to make sure that the choice of company you make can successfully coordinate your plan to move. It would be best to also determine whether you will need storage facilities in your new city before your arrival.
Make a list
Go through your mail and bring out all your holiday lists. The mails you have received can tell you about all the subscriptions and mailing lists where your address has been included.
With your holiday list, you will be able to ensure that all your friends and family know of your new mailing address. Build your change of address checklist, including government agencies, retail stores and apps, local service providers, and other companies that send you mails regularly.
Get the details
Ensure that you have the correct details of your new postal address and the correct zip code. You will need to learn what type of documents and information are necessary to fill out physical or online moving forms.
Things To Do A Month Before The Move
Gather information
You will need account numbers, passwords, legal details, and some personal details so that your address can be changed across different accounts. Having access to this valuable information ahead of time makes the process of changing addresses a breeze.
Remove yourself from unnecessary mailing lists
By receiving less mail, you will make your change of address easier. As you build your list, make sure to remove yourself from mailing lists and subscription services that you no longer want to receive.
Things To Do Two Weeks Before The Move
Contact your postal service agency
Those looking to change addresses need to contact the postal service since this agency is concerned with how their emails are forwarded. It may take a while before the change gets officially affected, so it is good to do as soon as possible to avoid problems that come with waiting till the last minute.
Check with utility companies
Having to spend your first night without electricity and gas, heat, or running water is not an excellent way to start life at your new place. Therefore, you need to contact your local utility providers, such as your energy provider, before you even move. For example, if the internet is an essential facility for you, make sure to contact a local provider well ahead of time.
Touch base with your financial institutions
Your bank and other financial institutions like your insurance provider may have sent mail documents to you before, including sensitive financial information. Make sure you follow through with a change of address with these organisations, as it is vital to keep yourself protected from the risk of identity theft.
Things To Do Quickly After The Move
Update your driver's license or state id
Most states require that you update your address on your driver's license and registration within 30 days. If you wait until the last minute, you risk not getting an appointment in good time.
Keep an eye on forwarded mail
By the time you begin to receive forwarded mails at your new address, there is a good chance you will realise that you have inadvertently left some organisations out in updating your address with them.
It would help if you looked through your mail redirection list so you can attend to slip-ups like this as you receive emails so that they will not slip through your fingers again while unpacking.
Tips To Make Changing Your Address Easier
Depending on the accounts you may have to update with your new address, you may realise that changing your address across these accounts can be daunting. However, you should know that just as there are moving tips and hacks that can help you move house more efficiently, there are tips that can help you change the address of your home.
How you organise things is very important here. You need to carefully make out a plan which you must endeavour to follow through. By filling out address forms in small batches, you should be able to avoid getting tired quickly. The following tips are designed to help make finalising your change of address checklist the easiest part of your moving.
Create a checklist for change of address
The first thing you want to start with is the creation of an address change checklist. It will make life a whole lot easier for you because you can tick off the ones you have attended to on the list as you go, and you know the ones you are yet to consider.
Use the right address
A slip-up while updating your new address can cause you a lot of trouble. You must have the right address and be careful to write it out correctly wherever required of you.
Collect all necessary information before filling out forms
There are bits and pieces of information you will be required to supply when you get to the stage where you have to fill out forms. Having the information you need ready makes things a lot easier. You will not become stressed out leaving the forms uncompleted until you get the information, which will delay many things.
Find out about the things you can do online
You can take some of this process online, in which case, it would not be necessary for you to make a physical appearance at any office in some cases. Apart from the convenience that this affords you, it can also speed things a little bit when you do these things online.
Do many things at the same time
Trying to fill different forms for different people and places simultaneously may not be easy, but when you make the first couple of attempts, you will be able to buy yourself ample time and save yourself from trouble.
Other places You Need To Update Your Address
ATO
Change your address with the the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) must be aware of your new address so that your tax information remains current. Of course, you will not be asked to make any payment but only to supply your new information together with your identification number.
Medicare & Centrelink
You will need to change your address for Centrelink. if you have been receiving Centrelink or medicare benefits, changing your address with Services Australia and Medicare becomes very important.
Voter registration
The opportunity to vote or be voted for during the election time is another reason you should have update your details wherever necessary. Indeed, you are supplying your address on your voter's registration form because the electoral commission will need to verify you are eligible to be part of the process.
By taking this step, it will be able to tell if your voting district and your polling location are where you are expected to go on election day.
Loan issuers
Any institution that may have lent you money should have knowledge of the change of your address. Such institutions include any company that is offering you advances or student loans, and they expect that you will pay as agreed.
Credit card companies and retail credit accounts
While it is true that we now operate paperless billing, you must keep your credit card companies in the loop. They should have your updated address to continue communicating with you as necessary.
Accountant and tax advisors
We are sure you don't want to have any mix-up when tax season approaches. To be spared the agony of joint issues with tax, it is good to let the Australian Taxation Office know about your change of address.
Health, dental, and life insurance
When you have changed your address, some of the most important places you need to update this change quickly are those that have to do with your health, such as your dental and life-related insurance. Your medical practitioners and all concerned in this sector will see that you are still covered even if you are now in another city or state.
Car insurance
Put a call through or visit the office of your car insurance provider to make sure they run business in your new location. It will also be necessary for you to confirm if you must modify coverage because, in some states, liability insurance is required while it is not in some other states.
Homeowner or renter's insurance
The homeowner and renter's insurance is considered helpful for the right home because the removal insurance or other insurance companies is not expected to follow you when you move. You will need to contact them, though, for the update to make sure that there are no other changes that need to be made.
Employer
Another important person or people that need to know you have changed your address is your employer. When changing your address, your employer must be kept in the loop. Your records will be updated at your place of work.
Veterinarian
You are not alone in your house move; you have to consider the animals you keep in your home. If your pet is microchipped, endeavour to update the new address in the pet’s microchip register. Remember that they have needs too, and these may only be taken care of by the veterinarian. So letting your vet know of the address change is a good idea.
Retail websites
Make sure to update the retail websites you use, such as Amazon Prime, with your new mailing and billing address. This step is even more critical for those that require recurring payments.
Payment services
With any payment processors and platforms such as Venmo or PayPal, it would be necessary for you to update your address when you move. While they might remind you as they will not like it one bit when you miss a payment, it is important to update your current address nonetheless.
Retail clubs
If you are a member of a retail club such as Costco, let them know of your changed address. This way, they are able to continue communicating with you whenever the need arises. Also, remember to update your details with your gym membership as well.
Starting The Process Early Enough
Moving to another address can be a chaotic experience which can make you forget some essential tasks you need to do and keep up with regularly. Using a moving house checklist can create a streamlined process for the official change of your address.
Starting the process early enough is vital because this will enable you to enjoy the first few days of staying at your new residence a comfortable and enjoyable one. If you move your business, doing the right things will ensure that you keep in touch with your clients and customers while you are on the lookout for new ones. Moreover, should you not have the time or the resources, you can always reach out to a trusted moving company to assist you.
