Moving is an exciting time, but there are many details to consider.
Planning out your move and preparing can help make switching homes go as smoothly as possible.
One detail that many homeowners often overlook when moving is changing their address with all relevant organizations, governmental systems, and other entities that require your address to provide services.
To make it easier for you, we have created this comprehensive list to help you keep track of who you need to notify when you change addresses.
When switching addresses, it is best to start by notifying the post office. The post office will forward all of your mail to your new address for an entire year. Changing your address with the post office can be done online, and it should be done at least one week before moving.
As soon as you know your new address and the date you’ll be moving, you should notify the gas and hydro company, so you aren’t without heat or electricity. Arrange for the electricity to be shut off from your old home and turned on in your new home the day you are moving, so you aren’t moving in the dark.
You will most likely have to call your gas and hydro provider to change your address.
Let your home or renters’ insurance company know where they will need to transfer your policy to. Landlords will typically request proof of your renter’s insurance transfer before your move-in date, so this should be dealt with promptly.
Also, Healthcare professionals like doctors, dentists, and veterinarians should be informed of your move so they can keep their records up to date and for mailing and billing purposes. Be sure to call your healthcare providers by phone and let them know.
You should notify the Canada Revenue Agency and other government agencies of your change of address which can be done on their website. others?
Notify your phone, cable, and internet provider as soon as possible so you do not go without these essential services.
Most providers will need to be notified about address changes by phone.
Inform your employer about your move, regardless of if you have direct deposit or not, as many will still send pay stubs and tax forms to your home by mail.
Most banks and credit card providers now provide the options to change your address online. However, not all do, so it is best to call ahead and find out.
Also, inform all of the agencies who provide you health insurance, dental insurance, car insurance, life insurance, and so on. If your health insurance is provided through the federal marketplace, you can change your address online at Healthcare.gov.
If you have subscribed to any service that sends you products by mail, such as magazines, change your address through email or by phone.
If you use sites like Amazon, eBay, or any other online shopping stores, be sure to change them before placing an order. All of these sites provided the option to change your address on their respective site.
If you are a part of any clubs, donate to any charities, or are a part of any organizations, inform them of your move, so they know where to reach you when they send mail your way.
This article can act as a checklist to ensure you don’t forget to change your address with any relevant parties.
Having your address updated takes some time, but it will ensure you don’t miss important mail.
To learn more about how best to move into your new home, check out our ‘Guide to Moving, Packing, and Storage’ article.