Changing Your Address [Milestone #12]

Written by Nicolle, Your Contributing Relocation Ally

Moving is a very hectic time.  It seems like everything needs to get done all at once and in the midst of all the chaos, it is very easy to forget “the little things” that don’t seem to be as pressing as say… making sure you have enough boxes for all of your items.

One of the little things that can get pushed to the back-burner but (still needs to be taken care of) is changing your address.

This is one of the most important tasks you can focus on, because the last thing you should have to deal with during this very expensive and stressful time is the added expense of late fees if your mail ends up at the wrong address.  Also, if you receive benefits from any government agencies, you certainly don’t want to miss out on receiving those.

Keep track of who you notify.

- Friends

- Family

- Companies you do business with

- Work

- the IRS

- Credit Card Companies

- Your Banks

- Newspapers/Magazines

- Subscriptions

- Utilities

Two Options

1)    You can find a local post office to pick up or drop off a change of address form or,

2)    If you have a credit card and valid e-mail address, go online to www.usps.com and for a $1.00 fee your address can be changed online.

After changing your address, the post office will forward your mail to your new home for up to one year.  To keep receiving your mail after the US postal service stops forwarding it, you need to send out change of address cards to everyone you do business with. These cards are available at the post office for free. Something else to remember is that newspapers and magazines are only forwarded for 60 days. After the forwarding period expires, anything that arrives for you will either be sent to the post office’s dead-letter room or stay with whomever has moved into your old place.

And remember the most important part of filling out the change of address card is including your old address and your new address. It is also vital you remember to include the names of anyone else who is moving with you. If you only include your name, the other members of your household will not have their mail forwarded.

For further information, please visit the Change of Address website.

Milestones are compiled and added into our new “widget” feature coming soon to Alliance Relocation Services website for movers and companies.  Will be featured articles all summer.

Tags: change of address, moving, planning, relocation, tips