how to merge lives after marriage

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I recently wrote a post for newlyweds about how to change your name in Chicago, and now I'm following up with a list of practical things to do early in married life, if your intent is to merge/consolidate/combine as much as possible with your new spouse.  Every couple is different so not all suggestions may pertain to you.  Also, this is not a comprehensive list by any means, but I hope this will provide some guidance.  Without further ado, I present:

The Quick & Dirty List of Merging Lives

- Note to the bride: First step should be to change your last name, if you're taking your husband's.  You'll have to complete a name change with all of the places I'm about to mention.

- Address change?  If you are moving in together or moving to a new place together, you'll have to update your address with the U.S. Postal Service.  You can do it here on their website and pay a convenience fee of $1, or go into your local branch and submit the form for free.  And, like with your name change, you'll have to also update your address with the rest of the places on this list.

- Update HR.  If you both work, update your accounts with your employers.  Change your status from single to married.  Update your W-4 form.  You might also want to designate your spouse as your emergency contact and beneficiary.  With a name change, you'll want to have your tech department update your email address and user IDs for any systems or websites you log into with your maiden name.

- Health Insurance.  If you both have insurance benefits through your employers, determine if there is a cost-savings to staying on your plan or going onto your spouse's.

- Car Insurance (& Other).  Combine car insurance policies to get a multi-car discount.  Update other policies as needed, such as renter's or home owner's.

- Banking.  If you're combining finances, add your spouse to your bank account(s) or open a new account together.

- Credit cards.  Consider adding your spouse to your credit card accounts.  Regardless of how you handle finances, make a plan for how the two of you will pay your bills.

- Utilities.  Add your spouse as a contact on these accounts. 

- Cell phones.  This one is tricky since many people are locked into contracts.  Obviously there is a cost-savings to being on a family plan together.  If you're already on a plan with other family members, discuss if / how you'll migrate onto a new plan with your spouse.

- Miscellaneous.  Other places you'll need to inform of your name change: your voter registration card, your passport, your church or place of worship, your doctors' offices, your Facebook or other social media profiles, your email address (start a new one or update your account to show your married name), your library card, your pharmacy, websites you order from frequently such as Netflix or Amazon, your alma maters ... basically any place that has your maiden name on file.  Also important to update are any professional certificates or licenses.  As a teacher, I had to update my name with the Illinois State Board of Education.

There's no denying that changing your name and merging your lives is quite a process.  Take your time and it will all get sorted out.  If you have other suggestions for this list, post them in the comments!