3. CONTACT EVERBODY YOU KNOW
This is the most important step of the process - even more important than the Change of Address Form. This is the part where you get people to change your address in their little address books by sending them those Address Notification postcards we talked about earlier.
During the temporary window in which the forwarding service is active, it's your job to inform everyone (and we do mean everyone) who sends you mail that you've moved. If you're like us (that is, super-popular and know tons of people, but you're a bit forgetful), we've taken the liberty of providing a general checklist of important people and businesses to remember. Keep in mind, this list is by no means extensive and certain items may not apply to everyone, but it should be enough to get you started:
- The IRS (You can get a form online; just print out Form 8822, fill it out, and send it in)
- Telephone company
- Utilities (electric company, water, etc.)
- Credit card companies
- Insurance companies
- Bank
- Magazine and newspaper subscriptions
- Voter registration
- Cable company
- DMV
- Schools/universities
- Employer
- Doctor
- Dentist
- Lawyer
- Parole officer
- Friends
- Family
Many bill statements and subscription forms have a "Moving? Fill in new address here" space right on the form, which makes your job a little easier. For everything else, you'll have to use the cards from your change of address kit. Make sure you get enough (you can always pick up extra cards at your local post office if you run out) and send them out ASAP. Remember, once forwarding stops, your mail will either be marked "Return to Sender" or end up in the hands of whoever just moved into your old place. This is the only way to tell everyone you know to stop living in the past.
Once your network of allies are aware of your new situation, there won't be any more need for the mail forwarding service - and you'll be perfectly set and happy in your new home. That is, until the credit card bill arrives…
