Moving to a new home can be an exciting adventure, but it’s often overshadowed by the stress of making sure everything is in order. From notifying service providers to updating your driver’s license, there’s a mountain of tasks that need your attention.
Here’s an in-depth guide of who—and when—to notify to make every switch as smooth as possible.
1. Insurance companies
- When: Ideally 2 to 4 weeks before your move, or as soon as you have a set move-in date.
- Why: Whether it’s your renters or homeowners insurance, car insurance, life insurance, or even your pet insurance, updating your address before you move ensures that your coverage seamlessly transitions to your new digs. This is especially important for renters insurance and homeowners insurance, as you’ll need to buy a new policy for your new residence—and cancel your policy for your old address after you move—to maintain coverage validity. Keep in mind: Where you live can impact your policy price, so you might have different insurance rates after a move.
- How: Most insurance providers offer online portals where you can update your personal information, including your address. If you’re moving states, check whether your insurer provides renters/homeowners insurance in that state, as it might not be offered in all states by all carriers. Don’t forget: Failing to get a new policy for your new address could lead to complications or delays in coverage should you need to file a claim shortly after moving.
2. Banks and credit unions
- When: Ideally two to four weeks before your move.
- Why: Keeping your address up-to-date with your bank and credit union is crucial for receiving important financial documents and preventing identity theft. An outdated address can lead to missed statements or new debit/credit cards being sent to the wrong location, potentially putting your financial security at risk.
- How: Most banks and credit unions allow you to update your address through their online banking portal or mobile app. Alternatively, a visit to your local branch can verify that all your accounts reflect your new address.
3. Credit card companies
- When: Ideally two to four weeks before your move.
- Why: Similar to banks, credit card companies need your current address to send statements, notify you of any changes to your account, and mail new or replacement cards. Ensuring they have your correct address helps maintain the security of your financial information and prevents lapses in your ability to use your credit card.
- How: Log into your account on the credit card company’s website or use their customer service number to update your address.
4. Loan providers
- When: Ideally two to four weeks before your move.
- Why: Whether it’s a personal loan, student loan, or mortgage, keeping your loan providers informed of your new address is vital for receiving account statements and notifications. This helps you stay on top of your payments and maintain good standing on your loans.
- How: Most loan providers offer the option to update your personal information through their online customer portals. Alternatively, a phone call to their customer service department can help get your address updated.
5. United States Postal Service (USPS)
- When: About two weeks before your move, though earlier is better.
- Why: Setting up mail forwarding with the USPS ensures that any mail sent to your old address will be redirected to your new one, preventing missed bills, bank statements, or personal letters. This service is a critical step in safeguarding against identity theft and keeping you current on important expenses.
- How: The USPS offers a straightforward online change of address form. For a small verification fee, you can set up mail forwarding for up to 12 months, giving you ample time to update your address directly with all relevant parties.
6. Utility companies
- When: Ideally, two weeks before your move.
- Why: Updating your address with utility companies—like electricity, water, gas, garbage, and sewage services—is essential for two reasons. First, it means that you’ll have essential services from the moment you move into your new home. Second, it prevents you from being billed for services at your old address once you’ve moved out.
- How: Most utility providers offer the option to schedule service changes via their websites or over the phone. Be clear about when you want service discontinued at your old address and started at your new one to avoid any gaps in service.
7. Internet and cable providers
- When: Two weeks before your move.
- Why: In today’s connected world, having a working internet connection from day one in your new home is often essential. Updating your address with your internet and cable providers before you move lets you arrange for installation or transfer services without delay, keeping you connected for work, study, or leisure without interruption.
- How: Contact your provider to discuss moving your service to a new address. Some providers may require a new contract or offer moving specials, so this is also a good opportunity to renegotiate your terms or shop around for better deals.
8. Subscription services
- When: Before you move, especially for physical subscription services.
- Why: From magazines to subscription boxes and streaming services that rely on location for content access, updating your address prevents interruptions of getting deliveries to your new home. This is also an essential step to avoid missing out on any subscribed goods or services you enjoy.
- How: Log into each service’s account management page to update your address details. For services like Amazon Prime or Netflix, adjustments can typically be made in the account or settings sections of their websites or apps.
9. Employers
- When: Ideally, just before or immediately after you move.
- Why: Updating your address with your employer makes certain that you receive important documents such as pay stubs, tax forms, and any other employment-related communication. It’s also crucial for the correct administration of benefits that may require your current address, like health insurance. It’s important to notify not only your current employer but also any previous employers from the past year to ensure the timely receipt of W-2s, final paychecks, or information on retirement plans and other benefits.
- How: Contact your HR department or manager directly. Many companies have online HR platforms where employees can update their personal details, including addresses.
10. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- When: As soon as possible after you move, but especially before the next tax filing season begins.
- Why: Updating your address with the IRS secures that you receive tax refunds, notices, and any other important tax-related correspondence at your new address. It’s crucial for maintaining your tax compliance and ensuring that you receive any refunds or communications without delay.
- How: You can update your address with the IRS by submitting a Form 8822. Alternatively, you can notify the IRS of your address change in writing by giving your full name, old and new addresses, Social Security Number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), and signature. Another option is to inform the IRS when you file your annual tax return, though this may not be as timely as the other methods.
11. Social Security Administration (SSA)
- When: Immediately after you move, if you receive benefits.
- Why: For recipients of Social Security benefits, keeping your address up to date is crucial to confirm the continuous receipt of benefit payments. The SSA also uses your current address to send out important notices and documents.
- How: You can update your address online through their online portal or by calling the SSA’s national customer service line from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 7 pm in most US time zones, in English and other languages at +1 800-772-1213.
If you receive any of the following benefits from SSA, you’ll need to notify them when you move (even if you receive payments via direct deposit):
- Social Security retirement benefits
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Medicare
- Survivor Benefits
12. Healthcare providers
- When: As soon as you move, especially if you’re changing doctors.
- Why: Updating your address with your healthcare providers, including your general practitioner, dentist, and any specialists you see, ensures you continue to receive appointment reminders and important health communications. If you’re moving out of the area, this is also a good time to ask for referrals to new providers closer to your new home.
- How: Call each provider’s office directly. If you use a patient portal—like MyChart—you can often update your address information there as well.
13. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- When: Within 30 days after moving in most states, though the exact timeframe can vary by state.
- Why: Updating your address with the DMV is not just about receiving vehicle registration and driver’s license correspondence; it’s a legal requirement in many states.
- How: Many states allow you to update your address online through the DMV website, making this one of the simpler updates to complete. However, if you’ve moved to a new state, you may need to visit your local DMV in person to obtain a new driver’s license and vehicle registration.
There are several documents you can, and should, update via the DMV, even if you’re just moving down the street, including:
- Driver’s license
- Vehicle registration
- Voter registration
- State ID card, for non-drivers
- Boat registration
14. Apps
- When: Immediately after you move, or once you’ve settled into your new home.
- Why: Updating your address on various apps—including map, delivery, ride-sharing, and smart home apps—reconfigures location-based services to function correctly. It prevents issues like your UberEats order going to your old address, incorrect ride-sharing pickup locations, and incorrect weather or local news updates.
- How: For each app, go into the settings or profile section where you can update personal information. This is usually straightforward and can be done individually for apps like Google Maps, Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and any smart home apps controlling devices in your home. Remember to update your location settings if the app uses your current location for services.
15. Friends and family
- When: After your move.
- Why: Keeping your loved ones informed of your new address is crucial for staying connected. That way any cards, gifts, or just-because letters can easily find their way to you. Plus, it’s a great excuse to throw a housewarming party and invite everyone over!
- How: A group email, text message, or social media DM group can be a quick and efficient way to update everyone at once.
16. Clubs, organizations, and local services
- When: Within a few weeks of your move.
- Why: If you’re a member of local clubs, organizations, libraries, or gyms, updating your address with them helps you continue to receive membership communications, event invitations, and other relevant information. It’s also crucial for accessing local services and benefits that may be tied to your residency.
- How: Contact each organization directly. Many have online portals or email addresses specifically for updating member information.
How to move with Lemonade
It’s easy to transfer your Lemonade renters insurance coverage when you move. To set up your future policy in the Lemonade app, first make sure it’s downloaded on your phone. Once you’re logged in, simply click the little plus sign next to your policy on the home screen.
If you’re using the web login instead, head over to Lemonade.com and click on ‘My Account’. Once you’re signed in, the top section offers you ‘Homeowners’, ‘Renters,’ ‘Car,’ ‘Pet Health’, and ‘Term Life.’Click the + symbol on the policy type (renters, in this case) to add a new policy.
Once you’re moved out of your old place, don’t forget to cancel your old policy!
Before we go…
All the logistics of moving can be a pain, but safeguarding your stuff with Lemonade renters insurance is quick, easy, and dare we say even kind of fun.
Renters insurance covers you and your personal property against things like theft, fires, vandalism, windstorms, and more—as well as injuries someone might sustain at your place.
Click below to start your free quote.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.
