Moving isn’t just about packing boxes – it also involves important tasks like updating your address with various organizations to keep everything running smoothly. Although it might seem like a minor detail, staying on top of your address changes is essential to avoid missed bills, lost mail and service interruptions. In this blog, we’ll provide you with a complete change of address checklist, detailing who to notify when moving and when to do it. This guide will ensure that nothing – and no one – gets overlooked during your move!

Why It’s Important to Notify Organizations About an Upcoming Move

Your address is connected to many parts of your daily life, from receiving bills and packages to accessing government services. When you move, updating your address ensures that nothing important slips through the cracks. Failing to do so can lead to:

• Missed or delayed payments: If your bills are sent to your old address, you could miss payments, leading to late fees, service interruptions and even damage to your credit score.  
• Lost Mail: Not updating your address means important letters and packages, such as bank statements or legal notices, might get lost or delayed at your old address.  
• Healthcare Communication: While your doctor may call you, government offices often send important healthcare appointment reminders by mail. Without updating your address, you could miss these, affecting your well-being. 
• Identity Verification Issues: Verifying your identity at institutions can be difficult if your address doesn’t match your records, causing unnecessary delays.
• Service Disruptions: If you don’t inform utility companies in time, you could face delays in essential services like electricity or internet when you move into your new home.

Canada Post Change of Address Service

Before jumping into the full change of address checklist, one of the first things you should do is set up mail forwarding with Canada Post. For a small fee, the Canada Post change of address service ensures that, even if you forget to notify some organizations right away, your mail will still be forwarded to your new address. Here’s how to set it up:

• Online: Visit the Canada Post website, go to the change of address section and follow the instructions to set up mail forwarding. You can choose to have your mail forwarded for 3 months, 6 months, or up to a year, depending on your needs.
   
• In-Person: If you prefer, you can visit your local post office to set up mail forwarding in person.

Once your mail forwarding is set up, Canada Post will redirect your mail from your old address to your new one for the time you select. This gives you peace of mind and some extra time to update your information with various organizations. To ensure everything goes smoothly, it’s best to set up mail forwarding at least two weeks before your scheduled move.

The Complete Address Change Ontario Checklist: Who to Notify When Moving

Now that you’ve set up mail forwarding, it’s time to inform individual organizations about your address change. Use this address change for residents of Ontario checklist to stay organized and make sure you don’t miss anyone important.

1. Government Agencies and Services

When you move, it’s essential to update your information with government agencies. These organizations maintain important personal and legal records and failing to update your address could delay your access to benefits or services. Here are the key government agencies you should notify:

• ServiceOntario: This should be one of your top priorities. You’ll need to update your driver’s license, health care and vehicle registration. You can handle all of this online through the ServiceOntario website.
• Canada Revenue Agency (CRA): The CRA needs your updated address to ensure you receive tax returns, benefit payments and other important correspondence. You can update your address by logging into your CRA My Account online.
• Elections Canada: If you want to vote in future elections, make sure your voter registration is current with your new address.

2. Utilities and Home Services

Utility companies provide essential services like electricity, gas and water, so it’s important to notify them well in advance of your move to avoid any interruptions. Moving is also a great opportunity to review your plans and see if there are better packages or deals available in your new area.

• Electricity, Gas and Water Providers: Inform these providers at least two to three weeks before your move to arrange for disconnection at your old home and connection at your new one. Many utility companies have online portals that make it easy to schedule these changes.
• Internet, Cable and Phone: Reach out to your internet, cable and phone providers well before your move. If you’re relocating to a new area, check whether the same services are available at your new address, as you might need to switch providers.  

3. Financial Institutions

Your bank and other financial institutions need to know your new address so you can continue receiving important statements and notices without any interruptions.

• Banks and Credit Unions: Make sure to update your address with your bank or credit union for all your accounts, including checking, savings, loans and mortgages. Most banks allow you to do this easily through their online portal.
• Credit Card Companies: Inform your credit card company about your new address to ensure your statements and bills are sent to the right place. This also helps prevent any service disruption.
• Investment Providers: Don’t forget to update your address with your investment advisors, pension providers and retirement account managers to keep your financial information current.  

4. Insurance Providers

When you move, it’s important to update your home insurance to reflect your new property and your auto insurance may also need adjustments based on your new location.

• Homeowners or Renters Insurance: Let your insurance provider know about your move so they can update your policy with your new address and coverage needs. Depending on the value and location of your new home, your premiums may change.
• Auto Insurance: Changing your address can affect your car insurance premiums, especially if you move to a different city or province. Be sure to notify your provider to update your address and check for any changes in rates.
• Health and Life Insurance: If you have private health or life insurance, make sure to update your contact information with your provider. This will help you avoid missing important documents or updates about your policies.

5. Subscription Services and Online Retailers

If you’re like many people, you probably have several subscription services that regularly deliver items to your home. Make sure to update your address with these companies:

• Magazines: Update your subscription information for any print publications you receive.
• Online Shopping Platforms: If you frequently shop on sites like Amazon, update your shipping and billing addresses to avoid having your packages sent to your old address.
• Streaming Services: While digital platforms like Netflix, Spotify and Disney+ don’t need your physical address for service, they do require your updated billing information to ensure seamless payments.

6. Healthcare Providers

Your healthcare providers need your new address to ensure you receive important health updates, appointment reminders and medical records.

• Family Doctor and Specialists: Make sure to update your information with your primary care physician and any specialists you see regularly.
• Pharmacies: Check that your pharmacy has your new address on file. If needed, transfer your prescriptions to a location closer to your new home.
• Dentist and Optometrist: These providers also need your updated contact details to continue sending appointment reminders and billing information.

7. Employers and Schools

Your employer and your children’s schools need to know about your move to keep their records accurate and ensure important documents are sent to the right address.  

• Employers: Inform your HR department about your move so they can update your payroll and benefits information, including any workplace pension or insurance plans you have.
• Schools: If your children are in school, make sure to update their records with your new address. This applies to daycare centres, elementary schools, high schools and universities.

Moving: When to Change Your Address

As you work through this change of address checklist, timing is crucial. Notifying the right people at the right time will help ensure a smooth transition. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Three Weeks Before Your Move Notify Canada Post, utility companies and government agencies.
• Two Weeks Before Your Move: Contact all your financial institutions, insurance providers and healthcare services.
• One Week Before Your Move: Update your address with subscription services, employers and other service providers.
• After Moving: Follow up with any organizations you may have missed and check to ensure your mail is being forwarded correctly.

Get the Support You Need For Your Move With Bird’s Moving!

Moving is a significant life event and updating your address with the right organizations is essential for a smooth transition. With this comprehensive change of address checklist, you can stay organized and make sure all your important records are updated. At Bird’s Moving & Storage, we’re here to help make every part of your move as seamless as possible. If you need assistance with your upcoming move, our experienced team is ready to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re relocating across the street or another province, we understand the complexities of moving and can help ensure everything goes smoothly. Contact us today to learn more about our services.