You’re almost there! After navigating a long and winding road, you’ve arrived at the final step before fully settling into your new home. While you may be eager to dive into unpacking and decorating, one crucial task remains: UPDATING YOUR ADDRESS. Notifying family, friends, companies, and government agencies of your move ensures that important mail and services follow you to your new home.
Here’s a quick guide to help you through this process:
1. Family & Friends
Let your loved ones know about your new address by sending a change-of-address card via mail or email. A small personal touch goes a long way!
2. Government Agencies
Informing government agencies about your move is vital, and most services now allow you to update your address online, saving you time and effort.
Canada Post
Set up mail forwarding through Canada Post’s "Change of Address" service. This service forwards your personal and business mail from your old address to your new one, preventing missed correspondence. It’s best to activate mail forwarding a few weeks before moving day. Canada Post can also notify select government agencies and businesses of your new address, streamlining the process.
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Update your address online using CRA's "My Account" portal. Alternatively, you can make the change by phone, mail, or when filing your next tax return. Keeping your address current ensures you don’t miss important correspondence, such as tax refunds, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), or GST/HST credits.
Service Ontario
Update your driver’s licence, health card, and vehicle registration through your local registry (Service Ontario). While some updates can be completed online, you may need to visit a registry office in person depending on your province.
3. Financial Institutions
Notify your bank and credit card companies about your new address to ensure your accounts, loans, and lines of credit are updated. If you’ve purchased a home, your mortgage will already reflect your new address.
4. Insurance Providers
Update your home or rental insurance policies with your new address. Don’t forget to update your auto insurance, as a change of address can affect your policy rates.
5. Healthcare and Medical Professionals
Inform your doctor, dentist, and other healthcare providers about your new address. If you have pets, don’t forget to update your veterinarian!
6. Employers
Notify your employer to ensure your tax information and Employment Insurance records are up to date.
7. Memberships and Subscriptions
Update your address for memberships (e.g., gym, clubs) and any subscriptions you receive (e.g., magazines, streaming services).
8. Utilities
Ensure utilities such as: electricity, gas, water, internet, and TV are transferred to your new address before moving day.
9. Education Institutions
If you have children attending school, notify their school of your address change, even if they’ll remain enrolled at the same institution.
Moves often happen due to lifestyle changes, work or school opportunities, or the need for more space—or sometimes less! Whether you’re downsizing, starting fresh, or relocating to be closer to loved ones, moving is a significant part of life’s journey.
While packing and organizing can be overwhelming, staying on top of tasks like updating your address helps prevent unnecessary disruptions. Once everything is settled, you can focus on making your new house feel like home, knowing your family and friends can easily stay in touch.
Best wishes as you settle into this exciting new chapter!