So you are moving and need to change your address; who do you notify?
Renters need to make sure they change their address when they move. But some think just doing a change of address with the United States Postal Service is the only thing they have to do. Sadly, it's only a tiny part of who you should contact. Many renters don't realize when you don't change your address properly; you run the risk of several things. You risk identity theft, and you also run the risk of not getting essential bills and notifications timely. We don't find the task very overwhelming now that we've put together this helpful checklist to make sure you don't miss anything important. Check it out:Change of Address Checklist for Renters
- The United States Postal Service- Changing your address with the USPS is the first place you should go when moving. Generally, you are advised that changing your address can take up to 7-10 days to go into effect. Try to get your request done sooner so you can avoid any errors. Change of addresses should be done in person at your local office, by mail, phone at 1-800-275-8777, or online at moversguide.usps.com.
- Credit Card Companies, Banking, and Financial Institutions- We feel like this should be at the top of your list. With the top crime in America being identity theft, these institutions should be one of the first calls you get as their system updates immediately. As long as statements aren't being currently cut, they should go into effect instantaneously.
- Utilities- This almost seems obvious, but companies will require a forwarding address when disconnecting services to send your last bill. Utilities should also cover items like cell phone, internet, power, water, gas/electric, alarm/security company, just to name a few.
- Insurance companies- This goes for renters insurance and car insurance. With renters insurance, some companies can simply transfer your policy to wherever you are moving to.
- Your employer- Sometimes, your employer may mail items to you. HR departments about early enrollment, 401k, or Profit-Sharing could be sent to you as well.
- DMV- This is an online accessible change by simply going to your Department of Motor Vehicles and signing in to do if you are residing in the same state with your move.
- Subscriptions- This is something that most people completely overlook. Before you move, take a moment to make a list of regularly mailed things to you. Do you have a subscription with Amazon or Chewy.com for your pet? Do you have a food delivery service that needs to be updated? Fresh farmer veggie boxes that deliver weekly or something like HelloFresh? Also, don't forget magazines! This is one of the most frequently overlooked subscriptions because some magazines do not come monthly but quarterly.
- Voter Registration- Depending on the time of the year you are moving, this might not be the most critical item on your list, and this is why we name it last, but it is an important one. Based on where you live, it depends on where you will vote locally. Don't wait until the voting season to do this change. Get it done so you can check it off your list.