When moving to a new home, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the change and forget to take care of essential tasks. Amidst the hustle of packing, organizing, and settling into your new space, one essential task you shouldn’t overlook is notifying the relevant people and organizations about your change of address. Planning ahead and ensuring you’ve informed everyone properly will help you avoid any disruptions in communication and services. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) provides a helpful list of key individuals and services you should notify when moving. Here’s a guide to help you stay on top of this:
Personal Contacts
When it comes to notifying others about your move, family and friends are typically the first to be contacted. However, the list extends beyond your immediate circle. Going through your phone or contact list can be an effective way to ensure you don’t miss anyone important. But beyond your inner circle, there are others you may forget to notify, such as:
Employer
Informing your employer of your address change is important for tax documents, benefits, and any other official work-related correspondence.
Schools, Colleges, Universities, and Daycare
If you or your children are enrolled in educational institutions, notify them about your move for enrollment records, important mail, and contact information updates.
Landlord (if necessary)
If you are renting, be sure to notify your landlord about your move if you’re leaving a rental property so they can adjust lease agreements and return any deposits.
Clubs, Associations, Charities
Don’t forget to notify clubs or organizations you belong to, as well as any charities you donate to, so they can update their records and ensure you continue to receive relevant communications.
Healthcare Professionals
Notifying your healthcare providers is crucial, as they maintain your primary health records and play a vital role in any emergencies. These are the key healthcare professionals you shouldn’t forget to notify:
Doctor
Update your family doctor’s office with your new address. This is to ensure your health records and any prescriptions are sent to the correct location.
Dentist
Similar to your doctor, your dentist needs your updated address for appointment reminders, billing, and treatment records.
Veterinarian
If you have pets, don’t forget to update your veterinarian’s office. This is so your pet’s medical records are accurate and communications reach you without delay.
Other specialists
For any other medical professionals you see regularly (e.g., physiotherapists, optometrists), notify them to ensure your contact information is updated in their system.
Creditors and Services
It’s essential to inform your service providers about your move to ensure a smooth transition to your new home. This helps avoid any interruptions in services, allowing you to settle in without unnecessary delays or disruptions.
Phone, Cable, Internet, Mobile Company
Make sure your utility providers are notified of your new address to avoid service interruptions and ensure your billing information is up-to-date.
Electricity/Hydro
Contact your local utility company to transfer your services to the new address, and arrange for final meter readings at your old home.
Natural Gas
Similar to your electricity provider, inform your natural gas company about your move to ensure there are no disruptions in service.
Heating Fuel Company
If you receive heating fuel deliveries inform your provider about your new address. Ask if you’re eligible for any deposit refund.
Credit Card Companies
Update your address with credit card companies to ensure timely billing and important account updates.
Insurance Companies/Brokers
Update your home, auto, and other insurance policies with your new address to avoid any issues with claims or coverage.
Lawyer/Notary
If you have a lawyer or notary handling any legal matters, let them know your new address to keep your records accurate.
Subscriptions
For any magazine subscriptions or services that deliver physical goods, make sure to notify them so deliveries are sent to the correct address.
Government Services
As you might expect, it’s important to notify your provincial or territorial government about your change of address. Avoid issues down the line by notifying these government services:
Driver’s License
Update your driver’s license with your new address. The purpose is to comply with local regulations and to ensure it reflects your current location.
Health Card
Notify your province’s health department to update your health card with your new address. This ensures your healthcare services continue without delay.
Vehicle Registration
Don’t forget to update your vehicle registration with your new address, which is a legal requirement in most provinces.
Canada Post/ePost
Sign up for mail forwarding services with Canada Post to ensure you don’t miss any important mail. You can also update your ePost profile for digital mail.
Canada Revenue Agency
Ensure the Canada Revenue Agency has your correct address to receive important tax documents and communications regarding your tax situation.
Canada Pension Plan/Quebec Pension Plan
If you receive benefits, let the appropriate government agency know your new address to avoid disruptions in payments or correspondence.
Old Age Security
Update your address with the agency handling Old Age Security benefits to ensure you continue receiving your payments without issue.
Employment Insurance
If you’re receiving Employment Insurance, update your address with Service Canada to avoid delays in payments or important notices.
Moving is undoubtedly a mix of excitement and stress, and it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of tasks. However, staying organized and proactive about updating your address can help you avoid unnecessary delays and confusion during the transition. By keeping track of all the key people and services you need to notify, you’ll ensure a smoother move and a seamless adjustment to your new home.
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