The Ultimate Change of Address Checklist for Ontario (and Canada)
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Moving to a new home marks an exciting milestone—whether you’re staying local in Ontario or relocating across Canada. But between the packing tape and paperwork, one crucial task often gets overlooked: notifying the right people about your new address.
A missed update can mean lost mail, delayed bills, or service disruptions.
To help make your move seamless, we’ve created this free, printable Change of Address Checklist—a step-by-step guide to who you need to notify, from healthcare providers and government agencies to schools, banks, and beyond.
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In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know:
- Moving? People need to know. Here’s why.
- Comprehensive Change of Address Checklist
- Bonus: Commonly Missed Change of Address Notifications
- When Should You Start Notifying People of Your Address Change?
- Your Next Chapter Starts Here: Make Your Address Change Seamless
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Change of Address Notifications in Ontario and Canada
Moving? People need to know. Here’s why.
When you’re changing addresses in Ontario, or anywhere in Canada for that matter, it’s not just about the physical transition of moving boxes or hiring the best movers in town. It’s about the intangible shifts, too.
Ensuring that your mail reaches your new doorstep, that your healthcare services remain consistent, and that all official records reflect your new address is important. Missing out on vital mail, bills, or official notifications can lead to unnecessary complications, penalties, or even legal issues.
Why should you notify people about your change of address?
- Security: You don’t want personal information landing in the wrong hands.
- Continuity: Ensuring services, subscriptions, and utilities transition smoothly to your new place.
- Compliance: Many institutions (and the government!) legally require you to update your address within a certain timeframe.
Comprehensive Change of Address Checklist
1. Personal Contacts
Your family and friends are the backbone of your social life. Informing them ensures you continue to receive those birthday cards, invitations, and surprise packages. It’s also essential for close acquaintances and other contacts like your children’s school, your gym, or your local community groups.
2. Academic Institutions
If you or your family members are enrolled in schools, colleges, or universities, it’s a must to update your address with those institutions. This ensures your records are up to date and that you continue to receive report cards, event notifications, and other academic communications.
3. Healthcare Professionals
Health is wealth. Ensuring that your medical practitioners, from general physicians and pharmacists to health experts like physiotherapists or therapists, are informed is crucial. This ensures timely appointments, accurate prescription renewals and deliveries, and any health-related updates.
4. Veterinarians
Our furry friends need care, too. If you have pets, make sure your vet knows about your move. This is essential for appointment reminders, vaccination schedules, and any emergency communications.
5. Creditors and Services
From your Netflix subscription to your electricity provider, all your service and subscription providers need to know where you’ve moved. This ensures accurate billing and uninterrupted service. Also, informing creditors ensures you stay on top of any payments or dues.
6. Government Services
The government plays a pivotal role in our daily lives. From the healthcare benefits we receive to eligible rebates, we constantly interact with government entities. Keeping them updated ensures you receive all necessary communications and remain compliant with local, provincial and federal regulations. Miss any of these, and be ready for some major headaches.
7. Driver’s Licence
Your driving permit isn’t just a ticket to the open roads; it’s a primary identification document. Updating this ensures you’re legally compliant and that any traffic or vehicle-related communications reach you.
8. Clubs and Organizations
Whether you’re a part of a book club, a gardening group, or a professional organization, ensure they have your new address. This ensures you stay informed about events, meetings, and other communications. After all, you don’t want to miss out on any of the fun!
9. Legal Professionals
If you have ongoing legal matters or simply have a family lawyer, it’s essential to update them with your new address. This ensures all legal documents, court notices, and other important communications reach you and you alone.
10. Canada Post
In the digital age, we often forget the importance of physical mail. Setting up mail forwarding with Canada Post ensures you don’t miss out on any vital communications or packages, be it a wedding invitation, a tax document or your latest Amazon order.
11. Canada Revenue Agency
Taxes are an inevitable part of life. Keeping the CRA in the loop ensures you receive all necessary documents, notifications, and refunds on time.
12. Canada Pension Plan
Planning for the future? If you’re a beneficiary or contributor to the CPP, it’s essential that they have your updated address to ensure seamless communication and benefit disbursement.
Bonus: Commonly Missed Change of Address Notifications
Even the most organized movers can forget a few things. Here are some commonly overlooked updates to include in your change of address process:
1. Online shopping sites
Update saved addresses on Amazon, Sephora, DoorDash, and other delivery services to avoid missed packages.
2. Loyalty and reward program
Don’t lose points or perks—update programs like Air Miles, PC Optimum, Costco, and Scene+.
3. Your child’s extracurricular groups
Sports leagues, dance classes, and after-school clubs often rely on mailing lists for updates and registration.
4. Digital wallets and mobile apps
Services like Apple Pay and Uber may still be tied to your old billing or delivery info.
Tip: Scan your recent transactions or app notifications to spot accounts you may have forgotten to update.
When Should You Start Notifying People of Your Address Change?
Timing matters. To avoid missed bills, delays in service, or legal complications, it’s best to start updating your address about 2–4 weeks before your move.
Here’s a quick guide:
Government Services
| Who to Notify | When to Notify | How to Notify |
| Canada Post (Mail Forwarding) | At least 2 weeks before moving | Online or in person |
| Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) | Within 1 week of moving | Online or by phone |
| Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) | 1–2 weeks before moving | Online, phone, in person, or by mail |
| Health card / OHIP | 2 weeks before moving | Online or in person |
| Driver’s licence & vehicle registration | 2 weeks before moving | Online or in person |
Service Providers & Financial Institutions
| Who to Notify | When to Notify | How to Notify |
| Electricity provider | 1–2 weeks before moving | Online or by phone |
| Internet/cable/mobile provider | 1–2 weeks before moving | Online, phone, or in person |
| Streaming services (e.g., Netflix) | Before or after moving | Online |
| Credit card companies | 2 weeks before moving | Online, by phone, or in person |
| Banks and lenders | 2 weeks before moving | Online or in person |
| Insurance providers | 2 weeks before moving | Online, by phone, or via email |
Academic & Healthcare Institutions
| Who to Notify | When to Notify | How to Notify |
| Schools and colleges/universities | 2–3 weeks before moving | Online, by phone, or email |
| Healthcare professionals (GPs, therapists, specialists) | 2–3 weeks before moving | In person, online, or by phone |
| Pharmacies | 2–3 weeks before moving | In person or by phone |
Personal & Community Contacts
| Who to Notify | When to Notify | How to Notify |
| Family & friends | 1–2 weeks before moving | Email, phone, text, or in person |
| Children’s schools | 2–3 weeks before moving | Email, phone, or in person |
| Clubs, gyms, and local groups | 1–2 weeks before moving | Online, phone, or in person |
| Legal professionals | 2–3 weeks before moving | Online, phone, or in person |
Starting early gives you time to catch any missed updates and helps ensure nothing gets lost in the shuffle.
Your Next Chapter Starts Here: Make Your Address Change Seamless
Moving is more than just a physical transition; it’s a journey filled with emotions, tasks, and, you guessed it, checklists. But with the right one in hand, you can ensure that your address change in Ontario or anywhere else in Canada is seamless and stress-free.
Remember, it’s not just about the physical move but ensuring continuity in services, staying compliant, and keeping everyone in the loop.
For more insights, tips, and assistance, especially related to mortgages and financial planning during your move, dive deeper into our blog or get to know us.
Here’s to a smooth move and a fresh start!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Change of Address Notifications in Ontario and Canada
1. Who do I need to inform when changing my address in Canada?
Apart from the entities listed above, consider notifying any clubs, associations, or non-profits you’re a part of. Also, if you have magazine subscriptions, monthly memberships, or even online shopping accounts, ensure they’re updated, too.
2. What do I need to notify change of address?
Typically, proof of your new address, like a utility bill or rental agreement, is required. Each institution or service might have its specific requirements, so it’s best to check in advance.
3. Who do I notify of a change of address in Ontario?
In Ontario, beyond the general list, ensure you notify provincial government agencies like the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Health. Also, inform local services, utilities, and any community groups or local memberships you might have.
4. What do I do when changing addresses when moving?
Start with a comprehensive checklist, like the one we’ve provided. Notify all necessary parties, set up mail forwarding, and ensure all your services are transitioned to your new address.
5. Can I update my address in one place for multiple services?
Not exactly. While some services like ServiceOntario let you update your driver’s licence and health card together, most institutions require separate updates. That’s why having a checklist like this is so helpful.