Buying a home in Ottawa is a major milestone, but the work doesn't stop when you get the keys.
One of the first things you'll need to do after moving is update your address. There are more organizations to notify than you might initially expect, from government agencies and financial institutions to your employer, insurance provider, and subscription services.
Updating your address early can help prevent missed bills, important documents going to your old address, and other unnecessary headaches.
Here's a practical checklist for changing your address after buying a home in Ottawa.
Start With Canada Post
If you're moving to a new home, Canada Post's Mail Forwarding service can redirect eligible mail from your old Canadian address to your new one for a set period.
This can be particularly helpful because it gives you time to update your address with organizations you may have forgotten.
However, Mail Forwarding should be treated as a backup rather than a replacement for updating your address directly.
Canada Post notes that Mail Forwarding does not forward parcels, so make sure your shipping address is updated with retailers and other companies that send you packages. (canadapost-postescanada.ca)
Update Your Government Address
If you have moved within Ontario, update your address with the relevant government services.
This may include your:
- Ontario driver's licence
- Ontario Photo Card
- Vehicle permit
- Health-related government records
- Provincial tax-related information, where applicable
Ontario provides online services for changing your address on certain government records. (ontario.ca)
If you receive government correspondence, make sure the appropriate agencies have your new address.
Update Your CRA Address
Don't forget the Canada Revenue Agency.
Your address can affect where tax-related correspondence and other information are sent.
You can update your address through your CRA account or through the appropriate CRA process.
If you're a homeowner, keeping your address current can also help ensure that important tax-related documents reach you.
Update Your Bank and Credit Cards
Your financial institutions should be high on your list.
Update your address with:
- Banks
- Credit unions
- Credit card companies
- Investment accounts
- Mortgage providers
- Lines of credit
- Loan providers
If you have multiple financial accounts, check each one rather than assuming that changing your address with one account updates everything automatically.
Update Your Home Insurance
If you've purchased a new home, your insurance provider should already have the new property information.
Still, make sure your mailing address and contact information are correct after the move.
If you previously had tenant insurance, condo insurance, or insurance for another property, confirm that your coverage has been properly updated or cancelled as applicable.
Keep copies of your insurance documents for your records.
Set Up or Transfer Your Utilities
Your new home will need the appropriate utilities and services.
Depending on the property, this could include:
- Electricity
- Water
- Natural gas
- Internet
- Cable
- Security systems
For Ottawa homeowners, the City of Ottawa handles municipal water and sewer billing.
If you're moving into an Ottawa property, make sure the appropriate water account information is set up or transferred.
Hydro Ottawa also provides moving services for electricity accounts, including starting service at a new address. (hydroottawa.com)
Update Your Employer
If you receive tax documents, payroll information, benefits information, or other correspondence from your employer, make sure your new address is updated.
If you work remotely, this is especially important because your home address may be connected to employment records.
Update Your Doctor and Other Health Providers
Make a list of the healthcare providers you regularly use.
This may include:
- Family doctor
- Dentist
- Optometrist
- Pharmacy
- Specialists
- Physiotherapist
- Other healthcare providers
You don't necessarily need to update every provider immediately, but keeping your records current can help ensure important correspondence reaches you.
Update Your Children's Information
If you have children, remember to update their address with organizations such as:
- Schools
- Daycares
- Childcare providers
- Sports organizations
- Activity programs
- School transportation services
If you've moved to a different school zone, check whether your child's school registration or transportation arrangements need to be updated.
Update Subscriptions and Deliveries
This is one of the easiest things to overlook.
Think about all the services that regularly send something to your home:
- Online shopping accounts
- Meal delivery
- Subscription boxes
- Magazines
- Clothing subscriptions
- Pet supplies
- Grocery delivery
- Prescription deliveries
Update your saved shipping address before placing your next order.
Don't Forget Your Memberships
Update organizations you regularly deal with, such as:
- Gyms
- Professional associations
- Clubs
- Community organizations
- Libraries
- Loyalty programs
Some may still have your old address even if they don't regularly send physical mail.
Update Your Vehicle and Driver Information
If you have moved, make sure your address is updated with the appropriate Ontario government records.
Ontario provides a process for changing the address associated with your driver's licence, health card, and vehicle permit. (ontario.ca)
Don't wait too long to handle this after your move.
Update Your Pets' Records
If you have pets, remember to update their information too.
Check:
- Veterinary records
- Microchip registration
- Pet licensing
- Pet insurance
- Grooming or daycare services
A current address can be especially important if your pet ever goes missing.
Update Your Emergency Contacts
Take a few minutes to update your address and contact information with people or organizations that may need it in an emergency.
This can include:
- Family members
- Emergency contacts
- Care providers
- Schools
- Employers
It is also a good opportunity to make sure your new address is correctly entered in your phone's emergency contact information.
Create a Digital Address Checklist
Moving involves dozens of small administrative tasks.
Instead of trying to remember everything, create a simple checklist.
Government
☐ Ontario driver's licence
☐ Ontario Photo Card
☐ Vehicle permit
☐ CRA
☐ Other government records
Financial
☐ Bank accounts
☐ Credit cards
☐ Mortgage
☐ Investments
☐ Loans and lines of credit
Home
☐ Home insurance
☐ Electricity
☐ Water
☐ Internet
☐ Security system
Personal
☐ Employer
☐ Doctor
☐ Dentist
☐ Pharmacy
☐ Schools/daycare
☐ Memberships
Deliveries
☐ Canada Post
☐ Online shopping accounts
☐ Subscription services
☐ Food and grocery delivery
☐ Prescription delivery
Keep Your Old Address Available Temporarily
Even after you've updated your address everywhere you can think of, something may still arrive at your old home.
If possible, maintain a way to receive forwarded mail or have someone check the old address temporarily.
This can help catch anything you missed.
Save Important Confirmation Emails
As you update your address, keep confirmation emails or screenshots for important accounts.
This can be useful if an organization later claims that your address was not updated.
A simple folder in your email called "New Home – Address Changes" can make this easy to organize.
Don't Try to Do Everything on Moving Day
Moving day is already busy.
If possible, start updating your address before the move and continue working through your checklist after you settle in.
A simple approach is:
Before moving:
Update banks, insurance, employer, government services, and Canada Post.
Moving week:
Set up utilities and internet, and update delivery addresses.
After moving:
Work through subscriptions, memberships, healthcare providers, schools, and any remaining accounts.
Give Yourself Time
You probably won't remember every organization that has your old address.
That's normal.
Keep your checklist somewhere accessible and update it whenever you think of another account.
Within a few weeks, you should have most of the important records updated.
Just Bought a Home in Ottawa?
The move itself is only one part of becoming a homeowner.
At Murtaza Homes, we help buyers navigate the home-buying process from the initial search through closing and the transition into their new home.
If you're planning to buy a home in Ottawa and want guidance through the process, contact Murtaza Homes to get started.
This article is for general informational purposes. Government procedures and requirements can change, so confirm current requirements directly with the relevant agency.
