Moving is stressful. There is so much to do to prepare and organize. Updating your mailing address to all your accounts and subscriptions can seem like a daunting task. It is an important task though. We’ve provided a summary of who needs to know about your address change.

Canada Post

Canada Post offers a mail forwarding service where they will re-route all your letter mail from your old address to your new one. You can subscribe online or at your local post office. Even though we receive much of our “letters” via email, many documents have to be sent through the postal service including replacement credit/debit cards and anything that requires an original signature. By using the mail forwarding service you ensure that all of your mail gets sent directly to you – and not someone trying to steal your identity.

Federal Government

It is important to keep your contact information up to date with the federal government so that you receive any benefit payments and important correspondence. Most people remember to change their address with the Canada Revenue Agency but they will not forward your new information to other government departments except Elections Canada. You may also need to contact Transport Canada for boat, aircraft, firearms licences, Canada Pension and Old Age Security, Veterans Affairs, Immigration Canada. Check the Government of Canada website for a detailed list of most common departments you need to contact.

Provincial Government

If you are moving within the province of British Columbia, you can change your address online in a few easy steps for most government departments. If you are moving out of, or into, British Columbia, you will have to contact each one individually. These services include health cards, driving licence, auto registration and insurance, provincial benefit programs and services (student aid, disability support, etc.).

Local Government and Local Services

You will have to change your address with your local government as well. This would include water/sewer utilities, property taxes, garbage collection and pet licencing etc. Also, this would include your transit passes, library card, and membership at your community centre.

Banks and Financial Institutions

It is important to update your address with your bank and investment companies to ensure that you receive all your financial statements. Your investment advisor can change your address on your investments for you. If you don’t have an advisor you will have to contact each investment firm individually. When you update your address on your credit cards, you may have to update your address on any subscriptions (e.g. Amazon) that are set to automatically charge your credit card. Other places to change your address include PayPal and eBay accounts too.

Health, Life, and Legal

Update your address at all of your health providers including doctors, dentists, pharmacy, physiotherapists, etc. If you have private health insurance, be sure to inform them of your new contact information. Remember too – blood banks and bone marrow registries!

An often overlooked address change is with your life insurance company, simply because they often only send a statement once a year. Check your policies and inform them of your move. It’s a good idea to confirm beneficiaries on each policy as well.

Remember to contact your legal counsel if they hold copies of your will, power of attorney, separation, divorce, custody agreements, etc. They would also be able to inform you of any legal implications to changing provinces if that applies to you.

Home and Auto

Update these household-related services:

• Electricity
• Heating
• Home Insurance
• Television/Cable
• Home Telephone
• Cell Phones
• Internet Service Provider

Remember to notify your services such as housekeeping services, lawn, garden, and pool maintenance, home security, and pest control service.

As mentioned above, automobile licence, registration, insurance, and driver licencing can be easily changed through the provincial website unless you are moving into or out of B.C. Remember to also update your roadside assistance service (BCAA, OnStar, etc.) and your satellite radio service if you subscribe.

Profession and Work

At work, visit your HR department and let them know your new address and when it takes effect. Contact any professional licencing boards, professional and alumni associations too.

Family and Pets

Contact schools and daycares with your new address even if your children will still be attending the same ones. If you are moving in the summer, it can wait until the start of the new school year unless you will need to arrange for the school bus.

Pets get easily lost after a move because they are in unfamiliar territory. Some pets can’t be reunited with their humans because of outdated contact information. In addition to contacting your pet’s veterinarian, update your address on your pet licence, as well as the microchip company.

Subscriptions and Memberships

We have so many services that we subscribe to. Here are just a few to consider:

• Entertainment (Netflix, Crave, etc.)
• Transportation (Uber, Lyft, etc.)
• Shopping (Amazon, grocery delivery, etc.)
• Loyalty Cards (Airmiles, PC Optimum, etc.)
• Subscriptions (meal delivery services, magazines, etc.)
• Memberships (leisure clubs, gyms, Costco, etc.)
• Website (domain name registrar, web host, etc.)
• Charities and Volunteer Organizations

One benefit of using a password manager is that you’ll have a list of websites you regularly visit. Go through the list one by one and update your contact information. While you’re at it, check that you have a good quality password and update it if necessary.

TIP: Turn off the “one-click buy” options for online shopping sites a few weeks before you move. Parcels delivered by Canada Post and courier services are not automatically re-routed to your new address!

Let Out of Chaos help you minimize stress during your move. Learn about what Move Management Services we offer or contact Linda today.

Image by geri cleveland from Pixabay