Who to notify when you move: a change-of-address checklist

Why a written list helps

Moving day is busy, and the paperwork that follows is easy to forget. Missed notices can mean bills, statements or service reminders going to your old address. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) publishes a change-of-address checklist, and it is a good base for your own. Copy it into a notebook or shared note, then add anything specific to your household. This article is general information, not advice. Source 1

Start with the people closest to you

CMHC’s list begins with personal contacts: relatives and friends, your employer, schools, colleges, universities and daycares, a landlord if you have one, and any clubs, associations or charities you belong to. It suggests cross-checking your phone contacts and address book so no one is missed. A quick message to close contacts is often the easiest place to begin. Source 1

Healthcare providers

Tell your doctors, your dentist, your veterinarian and any other health specialists. CMHC says you can call with the new address, or mention it at your next appointment. If you are moving farther away, you may also want to ask whether your records should go to a new provider, though that is a question for each practice. Source 1

Utilities, providers and money

The creditors and services group is the longest. It covers phone, cable, internet and mobile providers, electricity or hydro, natural gas, and a heating fuel company, where CMHC suggests asking about any deposit refund. It also includes banks and other financial institutions, credit card companies, insurance companies or brokers, your lawyer, and subscriptions such as news, books, music and loyalty programs. CMHC advises giving utilities and service providers plenty of notice so service continues without interruption. Home and tenant insurance are worth a call early, since your coverage should match the address you are moving to. Source 1

Government offices

CMHC lists the driver’s licence, health card, vehicle registration, Canada Post, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and Employment Insurance. It recommends notifying both the federal government and your provincial or territorial government. Provincial items usually have their own process, so check the official website for your province before you go. Source 1

Changing your address with the CRA

The CRA offers four ways. The fastest is to sign in to your CRA account and edit your contact information online. You can also phone, and the CRA says phone changes are processed the same day. Mailing the address change request form takes longer, and the CRA lists a processing time of several weeks. You can also update it with your tax return, but you cannot do so through NETFILE. The CRA notes that it does not pass your new address to other government departments, so each office has to be told separately. Source 2

A simple order to work in

Begin with utilities and internet, since they affect your first day in the home. Next, handle money: banks, cards and insurance. Then tell the government offices and healthcare providers, and finish with subscriptions and clubs. Keep the list somewhere you can tick items off, and review it after a few weeks in case a bill or letter shows up that points to something you missed. Source 1 Source 2

Conceptual illustration generated with AI; it does not depict an actual property.

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