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Moving Address
Change Checklist
Everything you need to update when you move to a new address in San Diego. Work through this list before, during, and after your move.
Most Important First
Government & Legal
Do these first. Some have legal deadlines. California requires updating your driver license within 10 days of moving.
USPS & Mail
Do 2 weeks before move
- USPS Mail Forwarding: forward all mail to new addressDo first
- PO Box: update or close if you have one
- Informed Delivery: update address at usps.com
Government ID
Required by California law
- California Driver License: required within 10 days of moveRequired
- Vehicle Registration: update with CA DMV
- Voter Registration: update at registertovote.ca.gov
- U.S. Passport: update if moving internationally or passport expires soon
Federal Agencies
Can take 4-6 weeks to update
- Social Security Administration: update at ssa.gov
- IRS: file Form 8822 or update on next tax return
- Medicare / Medicaid: if applicable
- Veterans Benefits (VA): if applicable
Legal & Professional
Easy to forget, important to update
- Attorney or legal counsel: update your address on file
- Professional licenses: nursing, contractor, real estate, etc.
- Business licenses: if self-employed or running a business
- Court records: if any active cases or orders
Financial
Banks & Financial Accounts
Banking
Update within 1 week of move
- Checking & savings accounts: all banks and credit unions
- Direct deposit: notify your employer HR department
- Safe deposit box: update address if you have one
Credit & Loans
Affects billing and statements
- Credit cards: all issuers
- Mortgage or home equity
- Auto loan
- Student loans: federal and private
- Personal loans
Investments
Tax documents go to your address
- Brokerage accounts: Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard, etc.
- 401(k) and IRA: update through your employer or provider
- Crypto accounts: Coinbase, etc.
- PayPal, Venmo, Cash App
Taxes
Important for refunds and documents
- IRS Form 8822: official change of address form
- State Franchise Tax Board: ftb.ca.gov
- Accountant or CPA: update your address on file
Utilities
Utilities & Home Services
Set these up before move day. Schedule your new utility start dates 1-2 weeks in advance. See our Utility Transfer Links page for direct links to every provider.
Electric & Gas
Schedule 1-2 weeks ahead
- SDG&E: San Diego Gas & Electric (most of San Diego)Schedule early
- Southern California Edison: some areas
- Close old account: request final bill
Internet & Cable
Book installation in advance
- Cox, Spectrum, AT&T, or Xfinity: transfer or cancel
- Book installation date: can take 1-2 weeks
- Return old equipment: avoid charges
- Update billing address on your account
Water & Trash
Varies by city in San Diego
- City of San Diego Water: if moving within city limits
- Padre Dam, Otay, or local MWD: varies by area
- Trash & recycling service: city or private hauler
Phone & Mobile
Quick update online
- Mobile carrier: billing address update
- Home phone: if applicable
- Google account: home address in settings
- Apple ID: billing address
Insurance & Healthcare
Insurance & Medical
Insurance
Auto insurance rates change by zip code
- Auto insurance: rates change by zip code, update immediatelyImportant
- Homeowners or renters insurance: cancel old, start new
- Health insurance: update member portal and employer HR
- Life insurance
- Umbrella or specialty policies
Healthcare
Transfer records in advance
- Primary care doctor: request records transfer
- Dentist
- Specialists: cardiologist, dermatologist, etc.
- Pharmacy: transfer all prescriptions
- Children's pediatrician and school health records
Everything Else
Kids, Subscriptions & More
Kids & Family
- School enrollment or transfer: request records early
- Daycare or childcare
- After-school programs
- Pediatrician and family doctors
Subscriptions & Deliveries
- Amazon: default shipping address
- Costco membership
- Meal delivery: Hello Fresh, DoorDash, etc.
- Magazine and newspaper subscriptions
- Loyalty and rewards programs
Home & Community
- HOA: old and new
- Alarm and security system: cancel or transfer
- Lawn, pool, or cleaning services
- Gym membership
- Church or religious organization
Personal
- Friends and family: send new address
- Employer HR and payroll
- LinkedIn and professional profiles
- Pet registration: city animal licensing
- Storage units: update billing address
Common Questions
Address Change FAQ
When should I start changing my address?+
Start 4-6 weeks before your move. Set up USPS mail forwarding first. This catches anything you miss. Then work through government and financial accounts. Set up utilities 2 weeks before move day to avoid any gap in service.
Is there a fee to forward mail with USPS?+
USPS charges a small identity verification fee (around $1.10) when you change your address online at usps.com. This is to prevent fraud. It covers 12 months of first-class mail forwarding. Magazines and catalogs forward for 60 days.
How do I transfer SDG&E service in San Diego?+
Call SDG&E at 1-800-411-7343 or go to sdge.com to schedule your service transfer. They typically need 1-3 business days notice. You can stop service at your old address and start at your new one on the same call. See our Utility Transfer Links page for the direct link.
Do I need to update my address with the California DMV?+
Yes. California law requires you to notify the DMV of your new address within 10 days of moving. You can do this online at dmv.ca.gov, by mail using Form DL 43, or in person at any DMV office. There is no fee for an address change.
Does Discount Movers help with the moving process beyond the physical move?+
We specialize in the physical move: packing, loading, transporting, and unpacking. For address changes, use this checklist as your guide. Call us at (858) 490-0155 to schedule your San Diego move.
Also see our companion page with direct links to every utility and service provider
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