Step-By-Step Guide to Changing Your Address

You’ve finally brought in the last box, the utilities are churning away, and the Internet is up and running. There’s only one thing missing: the mail. Before you can really settle in, you’ll have to make sure your bills, packages and letters are coming to the right address.

Update Your Mailing Address

Start by updating your address with the United States Postal Service. The USPS keeps a record of your old residential address and will automatically forward mail to your new address for six months. It isn’t foolproof, but the post office does catch most outdated addresses. To update:

• Visit the Official Postal Service Change of Address website. The USPS charges a $1 fee to verify your identity when changing your address online, so you’ll need a credit or debit card.
• Call 1-800-ASK-USPS. You’ll also need to pay the $1 verification fee for address changes over the phone.
• Ask for Form 3575at your local post office. If you visit in person, the USPS will waive the verification fee.

Revise Your Billing Address

Even if the bill really didn’t arrive, your credit card company won’t likely believe you. To make sure you’re getting your bills, make a list of every bill you receive in paper form and then contact the companies to update your address. To save time, many companies will also let you update your information online.

Magazine and Catalog Subscriptions

In most cases you can update your magazines and catalogs online. Visit the magazine or catalog website, and plug your customer number (found on the back or inside flap of a recent issue) into the online change-of-address form. Alternatively, you can call the publication and ask for an address change over the phone.

Tell Your Friends and Family

Don’t forget to let your friends and relatives know you’ve moved. To save time, make a list of everyone you’d like to notify. Once you have your list, you can send a simple email with your new address or a more personalized moving announcement.

Your Bank

Your bank will need to send you statements and verify your debit-card billing address when you shop online. If you have online banking, you may be able to update your address through your account. Otherwise, you can visit the bank in person or call its customer service line.

Billing Address

If you frequently buy anything from a website, you can avoid a future headache if you immediately update your profile with your new address. Many online shopping sites use a one-click checkout feature to save you time, which could prove problematic if you forget and order something to your old address.

Organizations and Clubs

If you’re a member of organizations or clubs, or you get a monthly subscription order in the mail, be sure to contact these organizations or companies as well. You may be able to change your information online. With smaller organizations, you may have to call or write to have your address updated.

New Driver’s License

Finally, don’t forget to order a new driver’s license or state identification card with your new address. In most states, you have 30 days after moving to update your ID. If you don’t, you might get slapped with a fine. Many states allow you to order a new ID online. If not, you’ll have to make a trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles.