A Comprehensive Checklist for a Change of Address

So, you’re taking the bold step and moving to a new place! 

This decision can be exciting and challenging at the same time. Whether you are upsizing, downsizing, moving far away, or across the street – a change of address is not complete until you update several agencies and services. Our BIG “Change of Address Checklist” will help you remember all the essential places to update your address. Keep it handy!

The BIG Checklist for Your Change of Address

As you embark on a new adventure or life stage, take advantage of this checklist to update your new address.

Government Agencies (Federal & Provincial)

If you want to continue receiving tax information, essential communications, and benefit payments, you must inform federal and provincial agencies about your change of address. This list includes all the federal and provincial government offices you should contact.

Federal departments where you must update your address

• Personal tax and direct deposit - Canada Revenue Agency (Personal)
• Business tax information - Canada Revenue Agency (Business)
• Employment Insurance, CPP, Old Age Security - Service Canada
• Immigration, visas, and permits - Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada
• Boat, Aircraft, and Air Traffic License - Transport Canada
• Firearms License - RCMP
• Voter Registration - Elections Canada
• Canada Savings Bonds Program - Bank of Canada
• Public Service Pay - Public Services and Procurement Canada
• NEXUS Pass - Canada Border Services Agency
• Veteran benefits - Veterans Affairs Canada 
• Passport - you can just write it in!

Provide your change of address to these Provincial departments

• Provincial ID Card
• Change address on Driver’s License
• Health Card
• Vehicle Registration

Insurance Company/Broker

Whenever you move, your insurance providers will need an updated address to order to accurately calculate premiums, as well as documentation for billing and claims.

• Auto Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Home Insurance
• Travel Insurance
• Life Insurance & Living Benefits
• Business Insurance

Financial Institutions

Your financial institutions should know your new address to protect your money and identity. It is crucial that any sensitive information (e.g., bills) that show up in the mail will be delivered to your new address. Prevent identity theft and fraudulent transactions on your accounts by updating your address; you don’t want your personal details to end up in the wrong hands.

• Banks
• Loan Institutions
• Mortgage Companies
• Credit Card Companies
• Private Pension Boards
• Premium Bonds

Utilities & Communication Services

Your utilities are connected to your location, so let providers know your change of address a few weeks before you move. They will help you disconnect the service in your old home and set it up in your new one.

• Hydro/power provider 
• Water provider
• Gas provider
• Cable services 
• Landline/cell phone services
• Internet services

Subscription Services & Shopping (Online & In-Person)

If you sign up for HelloFresh or have a monthly skincare subscription, these services need to know you have a change of address. Either update them with your address or cancel the service so you don’t incur unnecessary charges. Many online stores will also need your new billing address on file. 

• Fitness classes and gym membership
• Fashion and beauty
• Food delivery services and meal prep kits
• Magazines, newspapers, etc.
• Streaming services (Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc.)

Medical & Mental Health Facilities

Your health care providers should know about your address change for billing information to ensure accuracy for health claims. If you are staying in the same area, you might want to stay with your current health care providers. If not, perhaps they can recommend a trusted colleague in your new location.

• Physician 
• Dentist
• Pharmacist
• Optometrist
• Physiotherapist, massage therapist, etc.
• Mental health care providers
• Veterinarian
• Hospital/Emergent Care Clinics

Schools and Educational Institutions

If you have children, moving to a new neighbourhood means you might need to register them for a new school. Don’t forget to contact existing childcare and education places with your change of address.

• Pre-school
• Day Care
• Elementary School
• Middle School/Junior High
• High School
• Scholarships/Bursaries/Student Assistance Programs
• Trade/Apprenticeship Programs
• College/University

Household Service Provider

Inform these household service providers when you move in case you need to cancel their services.

• Home Cleaner
• Gardener
• Repair services
• Accountant

Group Memberships

If you receive regular mail updates from local groups, or they have your billing information on file for donation and tax purposes, let them know you’ve moved so you can stay connected. 

• Community Groups 
• Religious Groups
• Cultural Associations
• Support Groups
• Library

Personal Contacts

It might be rare to get a postcard or thank-you card in the mail nowadays, but your friends and family might want to know your new address so they can pop by or send you a wedding invitation. Be careful how you share your new address with your contacts – avoid posting it on social media sites.

• Family and friends
• Employer
• Landlord
• Post office (they can set up mail forwarding for you!)

How a Change of Address Affects Your Insurance 

When insurers look at your car insurance and property insurance, your postal code dictates many factors that affect your rates. Here are some of the ways your address will impact your insurance costs. 

• Frequency of claims in the area - companies calculate rates by analyzing the statistical likelihood of claims in your area.
• Traffic patterns and accident rates - if your new city has low accident rates and quieter streets, your car insurance will tend to be lower.
• Commuting distance - moving closer to work will reduce your commute and work wonders for your car insurance price! More time commuting on the roads will typically bring your cost up.
• Parking situation - private driveways and secure garages could earn you a discount on your car insurance.
• Crime rate - areas with fewer break-ins, vandalism, etc. will have more reasonable home and auto insurance premiums.
• Proximity to fire station/hydrant - being closer to fire services means a faster response time and less fire damage to your home, which keeps your home insurance more affordable.
• Proximity to other homes - the closer you are to other houses, the more likely a fire could spread to yours. This can make your home insurance go up in price.
• Probability of Natural Disasters - some areas are prone to flooding, forest fires, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. The higher the probability of a severe weather event, the higher your property insurance premiums will be.
• Home Size & Rebuilding Costs - when you move to a new house, the square footage, home value, and estimated rebuilding costs will be different. The higher the estimated cost to rebuild, the higher your home insurance will be. 

 

Phew! You made it. It’s a long list, but with this BIG “Change of Address Checklist,” you’ll be able to get everything in order and settle into your new home in no time. Read our tips on moving to a new house. If you are moving, now is the perfect time to shop around for car and home insurance. Start a quote today with a BIG broker to get amazing deals without sacrificing reliable coverage. Find out how much you could save - get a quote.