What Should You Know About Changing Your Address
When moving to a new location, changing your address may seem like a minor one. The truth is that changing address is rather minor if you do it early and right so that everyone stays informed. Otherwise, you might wind up with some serious issues in terms of receiving bills or important information in the mail.
The good news about changing your address is that you can take care of it quickly if you do a little advance work.
Verify Your New Address
The first step is to verify the new address that you will be living at least a month in advance if possible. The more advance time, the better as the mail will shift over to the new location. Also, remember to add the full zip code which is the five standard numbers plus that additional four which will ensure that your mail arrives faster.
Create a List
Take a few minutes to look over all your incoming mail and create a list of what needs to be forwarded. Your list may include the following;
- Magazines, Newspapers, Clubs, & Associations
- Employer, Government Offices, Doctors, & Dentists
- Family, Friends, & Associates
- Bills
- Banks
It’s best to create your list early, then look over the incoming mail for the next couple of weeks to see if you missed anyone.
Understand the Timeframe
In other words, know about how long it will take moving from your old address before settling into the new one. You do not need to know the exact day, but hitting it within a week or two is a good idea if you want all your mail to be properly forwarded.
Change with the Post Office
The first place you should make the change is with the Post Office. They can redirect your mail to the new location so that it can be delivered. You can make the changes with the Post Office over the internet using a valid email address along with the billing address of your credit or debit card which is your old location. You may have to pay a $1 verification fee, but it is the fastest way to change your address.
Keep in mind that your mail will be forwarded by the Post Office for up to 12 months with magazines and newspapers being just 60 days. You can also change your address online.
Two Weeks Notification
With the exception of the Post Office, which should be notified as soon as you can verify your new address and about a month ahead of moving, you should notify everyone else about two weeks ahead of time. That way, you can ensure that your paychecks, W-2 forms, and all other important mail will be heading to your new home.
It’s easier to cover everyone in terms of changing your address by starting as soon as you can. There will always be those who may not get your new address, but the Post Office will catch many of them when you forward your mail. So, start early and take a few minutes to ensure that as many people, businesses, and organizations that send you mail are covered.