A complete change of address checklist covers three things in order: your priority contacts (government, bank, employer), your mail forwarding setup, and the slower-moving accounts like subscriptions and memberships that are easy to forget. Missing any one of these can mean delayed mail, a lapsed insurance policy, or a bill that never reaches you. Here’s how to work through it methodically before and after your move.
Notify These Priority Contacts First
Start with the accounts where a missed update causes real problems: your employer or payroll department, your bank and credit card issuers, your insurance providers, and Ontario Health (OHIP). These typically take the longest to process a change and carry the biggest consequences if your address is out of date.
Update Your Government IDs and Records
In Ontario, you’ll need to update your address with ServiceOntario for your driver’s licence and health card, and with the CRA for tax purposes. If you own a vehicle, don’t forget vehicle registration and permit records too. Most of these can be updated online, but give yourself a few weeks in case any require an in-person visit.
Set Up Mail Forwarding With Canada Post
Even with every account updated, some mail will still land at your old address for a while. Canada Post’s mail forwarding service catches anything that slips through, and it’s worth setting up at least two weeks before your move date so there’s no gap in coverage.
Update Financial and Subscription Accounts
Work through banks, credit cards, loyalty programs, streaming and subscription services, gym memberships, and any professional associations you belong to. See our full Ontario moving checklist for a broader move-day timeline that this list slots into.
Change of Address Checklist Timeline
| Timeframe | What to Do |
|---|
| 3-4 weeks before | Set up Canada Post mail forwarding, notify your employer |
| 2-3 weeks before | Update bank, credit card, and insurance accounts |
| 1-2 weeks before | Update ServiceOntario (licence, health card) and CRA |
| After you move | Update subscriptions, memberships, and any accounts you missed |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until moving week to start. Government record updates can take longer than expected.
- Forgetting smaller subscriptions. Streaming services and professional memberships are easy to overlook.
- Assuming mail forwarding covers everything. It’s a safety net, not a substitute for updating accounts directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I start my change of address checklist?
Begin three to four weeks before your move date, starting with mail forwarding and your employer, then working through financial and government accounts.
Do I need to update my driver’s licence address right away?
Yes. In Ontario, you’re required to update your address with ServiceOntario within a set period after moving, so it’s best to handle this within your first couple of weeks.
What if I forget to update an account?
Canada Post mail forwarding acts as a backup, redirecting mail sent to your old address for a set period so you have time to catch anything you missed.
Is a change of address checklist different for renters versus homeowners?
The core steps are the same either way, though renters should also add their landlord or property manager to the priority contact list.
Checking off your change of address list is a lot easier when the move itself is handled. Contact Bradford Moving or by phone at to plan your next move with a team that keeps the details straight. Work through this change of address checklist a few weeks before your move date, and you’ll walk into your new place without a single missed bill, lapsed policy, or piece of mail left behind.
