How soon should you notify contacts of a change of address when moving?

When you’re ready to move, you should think about who you’ll need to notify. Make sure you have ample time to change your address with all parties.

Use our convenient checklist of who to notify when you change your address and when. Get a printable change of address checklist here. We also recommend setting up address forwarding through the United States Postal Service (USPS), in case you forget anyone crucial.

Change of address timeline

At least one month before you move

Credit card companies

This one is especially important if you receive your bill through the mail. Do this before the next billing cycle to prevent your personal information being sent to your previous address.

Your bank and loan providers

Again, this is a notification that should happen sooner rather than later, especially if your monthly statements and bills come through the mail.

Insurance providers

You should always update your insurance information and your doctor and healthcare providers of any change of residence as soon as you can.

Utilities

Your electricity, natural gas, water and other utilities usually require a few business days to transfer or turn on your service, so give them enough notice to avoid any interruptions in service in your new home. You can normally choose the date on which to turn on or transfer services. If you need to shop for a new provider, give yourself extra time to do that as well.

Internet and cable

These providers also usually allow you to choose a service transfer date. If you are moving to an area that your provider does not serve, make sure to leave enough time to find a new one. We recommend shutting off internet the day before your move and turning in your modem (if necessary) then to avoid any last-minute errands.

Two weeks before you move

• Friends and family, especially if you expect to receive an event invitation or package in the near future.
• Employer, so that you don’t miss any important documents sent by mail, like paystubs, benefit or tax information.
• Healthcare providers so they will have your new address on file for any bills ore reminders they need to send you.

One week before you move

• United States Postal Service. As we mentioned earlier, the post office can forward your mail if any is received to your old address. The USPS allows you to select a forwarding date, so you can give them ample notice of when to start. When you submit your change, you’ll get a welcome kit at your new home .
• Retailer and payment system accounts, especially those where you have a one-click or quick checkout set up. You don’t want to accidentally send your purchases to your old address.
• Clubs and organizations from which you receive mail, so you never miss an event or update.

Remember, you can download all of our printable change of address checklist so you're reday when it's time for your move.