person thinking about the various tasks involved in moving

Having managed thousands of moves over the last 20 years, Orbit International Moving Logistics has a good handle on everything you need to do to transition from one home to another, whether it’s local moving around the corner or long-distance moving across the world. 

One of the often forgotten or left to the last-minute items is determining your address change needs when you move and when to change them.

To help keep things simple, we’ve created a list of address changes when moving below, along with some tips to keep your mail flowing smoothly for those who may not get the messages in time or send you mail around the dates of your move.

What Addresses Do You Need to Change When You Move?

Whether for a billing address or a mailing address, you want to make sure that everyone has your correct address following a move, so that you don’t have to deal with interruptions in services or other unpleasant surprises. It’s easy to forget how many businesses and institutions require up-to-date personal information, so let’s dive into our detailed change of address checklist:

Relatives & Friends

If your move occurs during the holiday season, some people like to slip their change of address into holiday cards. If you have personalized stationary or address stamps, it’s probably time to order some with your updated address. 

Employment Related

  • Your Employer
    • Even if your move involves a job change, be sure to provide your new address to your previous (and latest) employer so they can send you any tax or employment documents without delay.
  • Unions
  • Professional Associations 

Education Related

  • Elementary or Secondary Schools
    • Be sure to provide any change of address information to your child(ren)s past and new school, if applicable.
  • Post Secondary Institutions
  • Alumni Associations
  • Student Loan Providers
  • Scholarship and Bursary Providers

Former landlord or new owner

It’s always helpful for them to have your address, email address, and cell number so they can reach you should something fall through the cracks and arrive at your old address.

Financial Institutions

  • Banks
    • If you still write cheques, you’ll also want to connect with your bank to have them print you some new cheques with your updated address.
  • Credit Card Companies
  • Investment Companies (including education and retirement savings plans)
  • Pension Plan Provider
  • Canada Revenue Agency/Local Revenue Agency

Extracurricular

  • Social and Sports Clubs  
  • Subscription Services
    • With so many subscription services offered nowadays, this goes beyond magazines and newspapers. It can also include food, clothing, or other curated personal subscriptions. Also, remember to update your address with grocery and sundry delivery services, like Amazon, or anywhere else you regularly order products to be delivered to your home.
  • Charities
  • Volunteer Associations
  • The Library

Personal Care

  • Family Doctors and related healthcare specialists
  • Health care/Health Insurance
  • Specialists
  • Dentists/orthodontists
  • Veterinarian

Utilities

  • Phone Company (including mobile)
  • Cable and Internet Provider
  • Streaming Services
  • Electricity company/hydro
  • Natural gas company
  • Heating/fuelling company, if applicable
  • Home insurance providers

Vehicle-Related

  • Car Dealership
  • Mechanic
  • Car Insurance provider
  • Vehicle and license plate registration
  • Driver’s License

Other

  • Family lawyers/notaries
  • Voter registration – Elections Canada and local elector services

Don’t forget to notify the post office

Canada Post and other national post office services offer residential mail forwarding services for reasonable rates, so even if contacting someone with a change of address slips through the cracks, you will still receive mail that arrived at your old address at your new address. It is worth noting that Canada Post does not forward parcels or packages as a part of their mail forwarding services. Mailing forwarding services range in price from around $100 per year within the same province, $120 for a different province, and $275 for US and international forwarding services.

When should I change my address?

When you can or should change your address varies between providers, but with most, it’s generally recommended that you send your change of address request two weeks to a month before your actual move.

Trust Orbit Moving for All Your Relocation Needs

We hope this address checklist is helpful on your upcoming move! For more tips and assistance with your move, feel free to contact Orbit International Moving Logistics – we’re here to help make your move as seamless as possible.

At Orbit, we specialize in both local and international moves. Our dedicated team ensures a smooth transition whether you’re moving around the corner or across the globe. We offer customized solutions, professional packing, and reliable transport to make your move stress-free.

For local moves, our team provides efficient and timely services, ensuring your belongings are safely transported to your new home. Our international movers can take care of virtually every aspect of your international relocation, whether you are moving to Israel, Europe, Asia or anywhere in between, our team and our global network of partners will deliver your possessions securely and on schedule. Reach out today for a free quote!

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