How to Change Your Address the Easy Way

When you’re moving from one place to another, officially changing your address may be the last thing you consider. In between packing boxes, making phone calls, and overseeing the movers so they don’t break anything, actually notifying the right people about your new address can completely slip your mind. No worries, however, since various online resources make changing your address a relatively easy process.

The federal Citizen Information Center provides a helpful page listing the various agencies with which it’s necessary to change your address, including the United States Postal Service, the Department of Motor Vehicles (if you’re moving to a new state), the Internal Revenue Service, Social Security, and Veterans Affairs for those who receive benefits. The sooner you take care of these address changes, the more likely you are to receive accurate forwarding services and not miss any important communications. Thanks to the wonders of the Internet, it’s easy to visit these websites and fill out simple forms in order to change the address where communications are directed.

While changing your address with the Postal Service should result in all of your mail being forwarded appropriately, you’ll probably still want to change your address with other important organizations, such as your bank, your credit card company, your insurance company, your former employer (if you’re switching jobs), and any other organizations responsible for collecting or providing money to you. Other address changes to contemplate include your address for any magazine subscriptions, group memberships, and catalogues (those you actually want to receive, at least).

In addition to notifying faceless government and financial institutions of your move, you’ll probably also want to notify business contacts and friends. Online services like Plaxo can help you quickly and easily alert acquaintances of your upcoming or recently completed move. You might also simply send out an email message to all the individuals in your address book including your updated address and, if applicable, telephone number. In the information age, staying in touch is easier than ever.

Beyond sending electronic communications, you might also acknowledge that the Postal Service still carries actual cards and letters, and consider sending a moving announcement of some sort. Various types of cards are available online (and in real stores, where you can touch items before buying!), and sending “snail mail” instead of, or in addition to, an email can be a nice personal touch.

Moving doesn’t have to be tough—just don’t forget, in the midst of packing up boxes, that there are people who need to know where you’re moving those boxes to! Keep a level head, fill out as many change of address forms in advance as possible, and your move will be smooth sailing—unless, of course, the movers are late, or drop your things, or the new living room wasn’t painted the right color… but those moving issues are another matter!