What belongs in Month 1
Month 1 updates are items that do not have statutory deadlines (unlike the DMV) but that carry meaningful consequences if left undone too long. Banks, investment accounts, the IRS, and insurance companies all use your address for correspondence, tax documents, and claims. Letting these lapse past 30 days means real risk of missed mail, incorrect tax documents, and complications in financial transactions.
Banks and credit cards — protect against fraud and missed mail
Update every bank account, credit card, and credit union account independently. Fraud alerts, new card deliveries, and year-end 1099 tax documents all go to the address on file. See: Bank Address Change Guide.
Investment and retirement accounts — 1099s in January
All investment accounts — 401(k)s, IRAs, brokerage accounts — mail tax documents in January for the prior year. If you move in October and don't update your investment accounts by December 31, those documents go to your old address. Update all of them in Month 1. See: Investment Account Guide.
IRS — before next refund or notice
File Form 8822 now if you are expecting a refund, have quarterly estimated payments due, or have any open IRS matter. Otherwise, update your address on your next annual return. See: IRS Address Change Guide.
Life insurance and health insurance
Update both. Life insurance beneficiary correspondence and premium notices go to your address on file. Health insurance updates through HR (for employer plans) or healthcare.gov (for ACA marketplace plans). See: Insurance Guide.
Healthcare providers and pharmacy
Your primary care physician, specialists, dentist, and pharmacy all have your address for appointment reminders, billing, and lab results. These are easy to update by calling the front desk or using the patient portal (MyChart, athenahealth, etc.).