Your Address Change Checklist: A Comprehensive Guide for a Smooth Move

Your Address Change Checklist: A Comprehensive Guide for a Smooth Move

Moving to a new home is an exciting adventure, but amidst the hustle and bustle, it's crucial not to overlook one important task: updating your address. While it may not be as exhilarating as exploring your new neighborhood or planning home improvement projects, ensuring your address change is properly handled will save you from potential headaches, missed deliveries, and even fines in the future. This insightful guide, brought to you by the Compass Team, will help you navigate the process of updating your address, so you can focus on enjoying your new home!

Getting started: Before you dive into notifying everyone about your address change, it's essential to have the correct information. Take a moment to double-check your sale or lease agreement and ensure you have the accurate street number, suite number, street direction, and postal code. Once you have these details, you can proceed to the first step.

Step 1: Set up a mail forward with Canada Post: To ensure you don't miss any important mail during the transition, setting up a mail forwarding service with Canada Post is a wise move. By forwarding your mail for a year, you'll have peace of mind knowing you won't miss anything crucial. The process is simple, with prices starting at $92.50. You can set up the service online or in-person within just 10 minutes. Keep an eye out for the yellow sticker on forwarded items and remember to initiate a change of address request with the mailer to update your information. Setting up your mail forward at least 30 days before your moving date is recommended.

Who to notify when your address changes: Now that you have your mail forwarding in place, it's time to notify the necessary parties about your address change. Here's a comprehensive checklist of who to inform and when:

1. Service providers:

   • Phone company
   • Cable and internet provider
   • Hydro services
   • Insurance provider
   • Subscription boxes and streaming services

2. Medical care or providers:

   • Doctors and physicians
   • Holistic health services providers
   • Dentists
   • Pharmacies
   • Optometrists
   • Veterinarians
   • Medical insurance programs

3. Government services: Different provinces and territories have specific deadlines for address change notifications related to driver's license, vehicle registration, and health card. Ensure you check your provincial/territorial website for exact details. Here are some examples:

   • Driver's license and vehicle registration (e.g., Ontario - within six days, Alberta - within 14 days)
   • Health card (e.g., Ontario - within 30 days)

4. Educational institutions:

   • Schools
   • Daycares
   • Colleges
   • Scholarship programs
   • Trade programs

5. Personal contacts:

   • Employer or human resources department (within one or two weeks of moving)
   • Close friends and family members (they will likely ask for your new address)

6. Other: While most notifications fall under the above categories, there may be additional organizations or individuals you need to inform. If you have any doubts or feel like you're forgetting something, don't hesitate to reach out to your REALTOR® for guidance.

Updating your address doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following this comprehensive checklist and staying organized, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free transition to your new home. Remember, if you have any questions or need further assistance, the Compass Team is here to help. Happy moving!