How to Handle Mail When You Are Moving

How to Handle Mail When You Are Moving

There are many things you need to do before, during, and after a move. One of the most important, yet often forgotten tasks, is to forward your mail to your new address. This may seem like a minor task, but it is very important to change your address before you officially move in.

How to Change Your Mailing Address

To ensure that your mail shows up to your address, you will need to forward your mail with the United States Postal Service. This way, everything from cards to packages to bills will arrive at the correct address.

• For those who are making a permanent move, use this change of address form to update your address with USPS.
• Temporary moves can also use this service to forward your mail from 15 days up to a year
• Your identity will be verified by using a credit card.
• Once you select a date to start forwarding your mail, all mail that is sent to your previous address will be re-directed to your new one.
• After you submit your forwarding request, you will receive a welcome packet from USPS to your new address

The easiest way to forward your mail is to go to USPS.com, select the quick tools tab, and click on "change my address." You will then be redirected to the change of address form, where you will enter your old address, new address, and date you want to begin the forwarding. There is a $1 charge to change your address online.

If you choose to change your address in person, you can go to a local post office and request a change of address form. The $1 fee is waved for forms that are filled out in person. USPS will send a confirmation letter to your new address within a week of receiving the form

Other important to-dos when changing your address

• Establish Domicile

  If you are moving to a new state and making it your main residence, you will need to establish legal domicile for tax purposes. To do this, you may need to fill out a Declaration of Domicile form depending on your states requirements.

• Change your address through the IRS

  If you are expecting a tax refund or other IRS mail, make sure you change your address as soon as possible by using form 8822.

• Change your billing address with credit card companies

  Most credit card companies allow you to change your billing address online.

• Get a new driver's license through the DMV

  If you are moving to a new state, you will need to update your driver's license with your new address. Make sure you research the proper documentation you will need to bring with you to the DMV to prove your identification.

• Update the Social Security Administration

  If you receive social security retirement, disability benefits, or are enrolled in Medicare, you will need to change your address with the SSA for continuation of these benefits.

• Voter registration

  After you move to your new home, make sure you register to vote in your new state/county.

There are many important steps to remember when moving; don't let changing your mailing address be something you forget! Complete this step as soon as possible to ensure that your mail gets forwarded correctly.