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The Only Change Of Address Checklist You Will Ever Need (Download)

Picture this: you're all set to make a big move, boxes packed, goodbye parties thrown, but that nagging feeling persists. Did you forget to notify someone about your new address? Moving is more than just transporting boxes; it's about ensuring the rest of your life smoothly transitions with you. Let's tackle that checklist!
By · November 13, 2023
The Only Change Of Address Checklist You Will Ever Need (Download)

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  • Tasks you shouldn't overlook when changing addresses
  • Who to notify? From government agencies to your magazine subscription

  • Smart hacks to make address changing a breeze

  • Printable lists because pen and paper still rock

  • The nitty-gritty of legalities around address changes

P.S. If the mere thought of moving feels overwhelming, check out Top Move. It's like the Amazon for moving stuff. Answer some quick questions about your move, and get affordable moving quotes in your inbox. Plus, their secure platform lets you chat with movers and peek at their ratings.

Government Authorities to Notify When Changing Your Mailing Address

Moving to a new property isn't merely a change of scenery; it's a formal update marathon to various government bodies. Any government-related service or benefit you use will need your updated address.

  • Post Office: Forward mail with Canada Post.

  • Tax Agencies: Notify the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)to ensure updated tax forms.

  • Driver's License and health cards: This is province or territory dependent but you can normally update your address online.

  • Car Insurance Provider: you can change your motor vehicle's address online.

  • Voter Registration: Ensure your voter registration address is up to date with Elections Canada.

  • Healthcare Providers: need your new address to ensure benefit continuity and healthcare access.

  • Schools/Daycares: If you've got little ones, their institutions need the 411 on your new home.

  • Social Security: Especially crucial if you're receiving benefits. Make sure your social security department has your current details.

    Pro Tip: Use a service like Updater to streamline many of these updates.

While juggling these tasks, having Top Move by your side can transform the moving ordeal into a structured, hassle-free endeavor. They bridge you to reliable moving companies, smoothing out the physical move as you tackle the administrative nuances.

Service Providers to Notify When You Change Your Address

Embracing a new address requires a smooth transition of services for daily conveniences. Notify these providers to ensure uninterrupted service:

  • Bank and Credit Union: Update address for banks and credit card companies.

  • Insurance Providers: Essential for home, car, and renter's insurance. You may even need moving insurance.

  • Utility Companies: Update utility providers like gas, electricity, trash, and your water provider.

  • Internet and Cable Providers: Schedule transition to avoid downtime.

  • Cell Phone Provider: Ensure accurate billing with an updated address.

  • Subscription Services: Redirect magazines, streaming services, retail websites, and subscription boxes.

  • Healthcare Providers: Update contact info with doctors and dentists.

  • Memberships: Inform gym, retail clubs, and other organizations.

Pro Tip: Create a spreadsheet to track all these updates. Trust us; it's a lifesaver.

Top Move can help with the move connecting you to reputable movers while you handle notifications, ensuring a hassle-free transition to your new address.

Legal Requirements and Regulations Related to Changing Your Address

Transitioning to a new home or business involves legal obligations alongside personal milestones. Meeting legal requirements is essential to avoid any surprises. Here's a glimpse into the legal aspects tied to address change:

  • Voter Registration: Update to stay eligible for elections.

Top Move Tip: Use the Elections Canada Online Serviceto update your voter registration. It's quick and ensures you won't miss out on the next election.

  • Driver's License and Car Insurance: Legally required post-move. Most provinces allow 10 days for you to update this information.

  • Insurance Policies: Notify providers to maintain coverage.

  • Tax Agencies: Essential for tax compliance.

Pro Tip: Use the CRA's My Accountfeature to update your address online.

Neglecting these can result in penalties, like fines for outdated driver's license.

Tips for an Efficient Change of Address Process

Relocating can be a whirlpool of tasks, but with a structured approach, you can navigate through smoothly. Here are some pro tips:

  • Start Early: Begin the address changing process well before your moving day, just be sure to specify the start date.

  • Utilize Checklists: Having a tangible or digital checklist ensures nothing gets overlooked.

  • Notify Crucial Parties First: Start with the essentials - government bodies, financial institutions, utilities, and your employer.

  • Use Online Services: Many entities allow address updates on the internet, saving you time.

  • Utilize Phone Services: Phone family, friends, and service providers whenever possible to speed up the process.

  • Consolidate Notifications: Notify multiple parties at once wherever possible. Use services like Canada Post’s Mail Forwarding to notify multiple parties at once.

By following these tips, you're not just moving; you're moving smart, ensuring a seamless transition to your new abode.

Don't Forget These Commonly Overlooked Tasks

While you're engrossed in the big picture of your moving process, don't let the small crucial details slip through the cracks.

  • Pet Microchip Information: Update the address linked to your pet's microchip.

  • Medical Records: Notify your healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care.

  • Subscriptions: Don't forget to reroute your magazine or box subscriptions.

  • Memberships: Update your address for gym, club, or association memberships.

  • Vehicle Servicing: Inform your car's service center for future correspondence.

  • Library Card: Update your address at your local library to avoid late fees on borrowed items.

  • Insurance: Ensure all your insurances (health, car, home) are aware of your move.

  • Voter Registration: You'll want to vote in your new locale. Update your registration.

  • Online Profiles: Think about the websites where you've listed your address, like LinkedIn or personal blogs.

  • Gardening or Cleaning Services: If you use these services, they'll need to know where you're off to.

  • Delivery Meals or Grocery Services: Ensure your next meal kit or grocery order doesn’t go to your old home.

  • Online Shopping Sites: Update saved addresses in platforms like Amazon, eBay, or any other online store you frequent.

  • Bank Statements: Some people prefer paper statements. If you do, make sure the bank has your new address.

  • Pharmacy: Transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy closer to your new place if necessary.

Use a reminder app to set deadlines for these often-overlooked tasks. You'll thank yourself later.

These often-forgotten tasks are simple yet significant in ensuring a seamless address change. The more tasks you delegate, the smoother your transition will be. One of the best ways to simplify your move is to delegate the responsibility of finding trustworthy movers to a company like Top Move. It's good for you, and good for the planet.

Change of Address Checklist

For billing purposes, to prevent fraud, and to ensure the ultimate change of address from your old house to your new home, having a checklist is important. You wouldn't want to overlook notifying your employer or service providers and face the consequences.

Checklist of who to notify

Official Documentation:

  • Driver’s License

  • Vehicle Registration

  • Voter Registration

  • Passport

Financial Institutions:

  • Banks/Credit Unions

  • Credit Card Companies

  • Insurance Providers

Utilities:

  • Electricity

  • Internet

  • Gas

  • Water

  • Trash Collection

Communication:

  • Post Services

  • Internet Provider

  • Mobile Phone Provider

  • Cable/Satellite Provider

Subscriptions and Memberships:

  • Magazines/Newspapers

  • Streaming Services

  • Gym/Club Memberships

  • Retail Memberships like Costco

Health and Wellness:

  • Doctors/Dentists

  • Health Insurance

  • Pharmacy

Employment:

  • Employer

  • Professional Associations or Licensing Boards

Online Accounts:

  • Online Shopping Accounts

  • Online Profiles (Google Maps, Apple Maps)

Legal and Professional Advisors:

  • Legal Representatives

  • Tax Advisors

Insurance:

  • Vehicle Insurance

  • Homeowner's or Renter's Insurance

Others:

  • Schools/Daycare (if applicable)

  • Pet Licenses and animal care (if applicable)

  • Friends and Family

Change of Address Checklist for Businesses

Checklist for Changing Your Business Address

Switching business premises? It's a mammoth task with a different set of wheels in motion compared to a home move. Here's a roadmap:

  • Update Online Listings: Ensure your new address reflects on Google My Business and other online directories.

  • Notify Vendors and Clients: Maintain the trust and flow of business by informing those you work with.

  • Amend Legal Documents: Update business licenses, permits, and other legal documents.

  • Website and Marketing Materials: Your organization's address on your website, business cards, and marketing materials should be current.

Navigating through these steps will help in transitioning your business to its new locale smoothly.

Checklist for Changing Your Business Address

  • Update Online Listings: Google My Business, Yelp, and other directories.

  • Notify Vendors and Clients: Keep the business ecosystem informed.

  • Amend Legal Documents: Ensure all permits and licenses are updated.

  • Website and Marketing Materials: Reflect your new address accurately.

  • Internal Communication: Inform employees and stakeholders.

  • Update Stationery: Business cards, letterheads, etc.

  • Adjust Insurance: Update your insurance policies.

  • Redirect Mail: Set up mail forwarding with the postal service.

  • Update Financial Institutions: Banks, credit card companies, and others.

  • Social Media: Update address on all platforms like LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Tackling these tasks will create a seamless transition to your business's new location.

Settle Smoothly with Top Move's Aid

Relocating is a hefty task but with a structured approach, it becomes manageable. You're not merely changing locations; you're transitioning your entire life. With a structured approach and the right partner, you can make this transition not just manageable but downright smooth.

Key Takeaways for a Seamless Move

  • Start early with a checklist: Don't underestimate the power of planning. The earlier you start, the smoother things will go.

  • Update Crucial Parties: This isn't just about letting your mom know you're moving. You've got government agencies, banks, and utility companies to inform. Don't forget to update your address with Canada Post and the Canada Revenue Agency.

  • Don't Overlook the Details: Subscriptions, gym memberships, and even your pet's microchip information need updating. A small oversight can lead to bigger headaches down the line.

  • Leverage Online Tools: Use platforms like MovingWaldo to update multiple addresses at once. It's a Canadian service that's a real timesaver.

In the whirlwind of moving, your checklist is the plan, Top Move is the partner. Answer a couple of questions on our platform, submit your contact info, and get affordable quotes from local movers in your area directly to your inbox.

Looking for a moving company?

We are helping thousands of Canadians to move or deliver their items anywhere across Canada. Door to door service. Fixed prices.
9.6 · 174 reviews

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