Moving 101: Change of Address Checklist
February 24th, 2023
Moving can be a stressful experience, whether you are a first-time homeowner or have purchased and sold properties several times. To make things easier, it’s important to make a checklist of everything you need to accomplish before, during, and after your move.
One of the biggest mistakes new homeowners make when relocating is forgetting to update their address. You don’t want to miss out on important mail once you are settled in your new home. Therefore, you must ensure everyone is informed about your address change.
To help with this, we have put together a helpful change of address checklist Canadians can use when moving.
Between all the unpacking and redecorating, you will need to set aside time to change your address with all the right people and places. A great place to start is to fill out a change of address form at the Canada Post when you move to a new location. While this is necessary, it is not the only resource you need to change your address.
Change of Address with Government Agencies
There are a few government agencies you will need to notify when you move. Additional places include the post office, Canada Customs & Revenue Agency, Ministry of Health, and Old Age Security services, if needed. Other institutions may need to include your Canada pension plan and the Ministry of Transportation for all auto-related needs.
Fortunately, even though there are many agencies you may need to update your address with, most will allow you to do so online.
Change of Address with Health Services
If you plan to stay with the same healthcare providers, all you will need to do is request to update your files with your new address. However, suppose you are moving farther away and transferring to a new doctor. In that case, you must obtain your medical records from your previous providers, such as your doctor, dentist, veterinarian, and other specialists.
Change of Address with Personal Sources
There are several personal sources you will need to give your change of address to, such as your friends and family members, as well as anyone in your community you want to stay in touch with. You will also need to reach out to any clubs or organizations your children belong to so they can still be involved with them or join up with a different chapter in their new hometown.
If you are not moving far enough away to change your job, you will need to let your current employer know what your new address is. You will also need to update your driver’s license and any memberships, such as gym or club memberships you belong to. That is especially true if you are a chain fitness center or warehouse shopping club member.
Be sure to update any mail order subscriptions you may have, such as with magazines or medical supplies, so they will know where to deliver your items.
Change of Address for Insurance Companies
Your insurance providers, such as your health, life, and auto insurance companies, will need to know about your change of address. You can call them and speak with an agent to ensure your information is changed promptly. Or, if it is available, you can also update this information online.
By contacting your house content insurer, you will also learn if moving coverage is available with your current policy.
If applicable, do not forget to change your address with other insurance companies, including your dental insurance provider and your employment insurance program.
Your Utilities and Other Services
The need to change your address with your utility company and other service providers depends on whether or not you will still be using the same provider at your new home.
Suppose you are moving to a new area where you will use a different company for your electricity or water. In that case, you will need to let your current providers know the exact dates you want your utilities shut off at your old residence. You will also need to let your new providers know when you want your services turned on at your new home.
Services you will need to update and inform about your change of address include your cell phone provider, gas company, electric company, cable, internet providers, and the water department.
Change of Address for Financial Services
With your financial services, along with updating your address, you may also want to consider transferring to a new branch or a different bank entirely if your current provider does not have a branch near your new place of residence.
For other financial services, such as loan providers and credit card companies, most will allow you to change your address and additional personal information online. However, if there is a local branch or office location, you should stop by and learn more about what they offer.
Change of Address for Online Services
Finally, you must change your online profiles and accounts for various online services. It may be the most accessible category since you can make all these changes online without needing to fill out and drop off any paper forms.
If you do a lot of online shopping, you likely have your current address saved on your accounts with your favorite online retailers. While most people do not go through and change their address with every online retailer they use until they are already buying something, it is a good idea to update your profile on the sites you use most often to save time.
It is also a good idea to make a list of all the streaming services you use so you can update your address for them before your next payment goes out.
Get in Touch with Us For More Information
Now that you have made all the necessary updates and changes, it is time to move into your new residence. If you are looking to update your insurance policy our team would be happy to assist you with all your home, auto, and life insurance needs. We look forward to helping you find the right coverage at the right price for your new home.
