Unlike popular belief, military life is often more planning and scheduling than real action. An example? Military moves. Besides preparing your family, acquiring packing supplies, and hiring a veteran-owned moving company, you’ll also want to make sure you’re notifying the right people and places about your move.
If not, you could face potential hassles like missed bills, lost mail, and service lapses. So, to help ensure a smooth transition for you and your family, we created this checklist on who to inform after a military move!
Address Change Checklist for Military Relocation
After changing your address due to a military move, here’s a checklist of institutions you’ll need to notify:
- The U.S. Postal Service: If you want your mail to reach the right place, you’ll need to update your address, which you can do online at USP.com/move. You’ll only need to pay a $1.10 identity verification fee to combat fraud.
- Tax Agencies: If your address changes, you must notify your state’s tax agency as well as the federal revenue agency. You can do it over the phone after an identity verification with your full name, birth date, social security number, and your previous and current addresses. Alternatively, you can submit a signed written statement with the aforementioned details to the IRS.
- Social Security Administration: Remember to notify the SSA after your move if you receive social security benefits. You can do it online: Simply log in, go to your profile, and choose “Update Contact Information.” The next step is to choose the start date and enter your new address.
- Gas, Electric Companies, Phone, Cable, and Other Providers or Utilities: As soon as you know your new address, inform your gas and electric companies to avoid the risk of a day or more without heat or electricity. Next, find out if you can move your cable and Internet services to your new address or if you have to cancel your current provider.
- Bank and Credit Card Companies: In order for them to send you information about your account, statements, and new cards, you will need to give your bank and credit card companies your updated address. You can often do that online.
- Insurance Providers: Give notice to the organizations that offer you life, dental, auto, and health insurance. You should be able to complete this online or talk with a customer service agent.
Do I Need a Delivery Address Before I Can Schedule My Move?
No, you don’t need to know your final delivery address to schedule a military move. However, you will need it to proceed at some point.
At a minimum, you can enter a location by adding your destination city, state, and ZIP code to the Defense Personal Property System. Once you have decided on a spot, you can go back and add the street address. When you add your street address, remember to correct the city, state, and ZIP code if necessary.
Ensure a Swift-Move with a Veteran-Owned Moving Company
There is nothing more constant than change, and moving can be a big one—especially if you’re in the military. However, being prepared can ensure a trouble-free settling down for you and your family.
If you want help with your military move, reach out to Pink Zebra Moving!