8 Groups to Notify When You Move
The boxes are packed, your moving date is set, your nerves may be a little frayed, but the hard part is over. Now for the finishing touches; the responsibility is yours to notify everyone necessary of your changing home address. It’s tempting to set this task aside but resist that urge. In some cases, you are required by law to be prompt with these notifications. The exact rules and deadlines vary by region, so it’s best to use this as a framework to supplement your own research. The following are 8 categories of organizations and institutions that will want to know about your changing address:
1. Utility service providers
Utilities include your internet, landline, television cable or satellite provider, electricity, gas, and hydro. The purpose of letting your service providers know the date of your move is so that you can coordinate exactly when you will need to disable services at your current home and enable them at your new home.
2. Identity documents (I.D.)
By law you are required to update your I.D. to reflect your change of address within a short timeframe. For example, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the U.S. and the Ministry of Transportation in Canada must be notified within weeks of your move, otherwise you could potentially face fines or the suspension of your license depending on the circumstances. The time frame varies depending on the piece of I.D., so be sure to research your local laws.
3. Government services
These include your national revenue agency, postal service, licensing bureaus for firearms and hunting, benefits programs, and your immigration agency, if applicable.
4. Insurance companies
Your address can be used by insurance companies to send you important documents, determine the benefits for which you are eligible, and the premiums you pay. For example, the rate you pay for car insurance is influenced by your address. Failing to notify them can result in you over or underpaying for your premium, and could also affect the status of your policy and any future claims you may make.
5. Financial services
These include banks or other financial institutions, as well as any lenders regarding your mortgage, vehicle, or student loans. Check with your bank to see if they have a loan specialist who can help you coordinate your change of address among the lending companies with which you do business.
6. Health professionals
Health professionals such as your primary physician, dentist, and veterinarian will want an up-to-date address to include in your file. If you are moving out of their service area, they may be able to make recommendations for new health professionals closer to your new address.
7. Your employer
Your employer will want your new address so that they can amend their records and for payroll purposes.
8. Subscription services
These include subscriptions to a local fitness center, newspapers, magazines, or other delivery services. Providing them with your new address can help smooth the transition with minimal disruptions to your service.
It can seem a bit daunting, but the change of address notification process is an important component of your move. Remember that you should do your own research to ensure that you are complying with your local rules and regulations. Rest assured that the moving process is almost finalized and soon you will be settled in your fabulous new home.
