When you move in Ontario, update your address with government agencies first, then utilities, financial accounts, insurance and everyday services. Start a few weeks before your closing date and finish in your first week in the new home. This change of address checklist keeps everything in one place, so nothing important goes to your old mailbox.
Key takeaways
- ServiceOntario lets you update your driver’s licence, health card and vehicle permit together online.
- Tell the Canada Revenue Agency so tax and benefit mail reaches you.
- Book utility transfers before closing so the lights and heat stay on.
- Call your insurance broker before you move, not after.
- Mail forwarding catches anything you forgot.
Before you move: set up the essentials
Once your purchase is firm and you know your closing date, start with the things that need lead time.
- Home insurance. Your lender will need proof of insurance on the new home before closing. Ask your broker to set up the new policy and cancel or transfer the old one.
- Utilities at the new home. Arrange hydro, natural gas, water and internet to start on your closing day.
- Utilities at the old home. Schedule final readings and shut-offs for the day after you leave.
- Mail forwarding. Canada Post offers a paid forwarding service. Set it up so it starts on moving day.
- Movers and elevator or parking bookings, if you’re leaving a condo.
Moving to a bungalow? Our moving tips for bungalow buyers cover packing, furniture fit and setting up a one-level home.
Government address changes in Ontario
Government records are the most important to update. They affect your ID, taxes, benefits and voting.
ServiceOntario
ServiceOntario’s online address change lets you update your driver’s licence, Ontario health card and vehicle permit in one transaction. Ontario expects drivers to update their address promptly after a move, so don’t leave this for later.
Canada Revenue Agency
Update your address through your CRA online account or by phone. This keeps your tax notices, GST/HST credit and child benefit payments on track.
Other government services
- Service Canada for Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security or Employment Insurance
- Elections Canada and Elections Ontario, so you’re registered at your new address
- Your new city, for pet licences, garbage and recycling schedules, and parking permits
Financial and insurance accounts
Banks and insurers need your current address for security and legal notices.
- Your bank and any credit unions
- Credit card companies
- Investment and RRSP, TFSA or FHSA providers
- Your mortgage lender, if it’s changed for the new home
- Your employer, for payroll and tax slips
- Home, auto and life insurance providers
- Pension plans
Bungalow tip: If your new bungalow has a basement apartment you plan to rent, tell your insurance broker before closing. Rental units need the right coverage, and missing it can cause problems with claims.
Everyday services people forget
These are the accounts that slip through the cracks. Go through the list once and tick them off.
| Category | Who to update |
|---|---|
| Health | Family doctor, dentist, pharmacy, eye clinic, vet |
| Family | Schools, daycare, sports clubs, activities |
| Shopping | Online stores, loyalty programs, saved delivery addresses |
| Subscriptions | Magazines, meal kits, streaming accounts with billing addresses |
| Travel and driving | Highway 407 account, roadside assistance, parking apps |
| Memberships | Gyms, libraries, professional bodies, charities |
| Home services | Security monitoring, lawn care, snow removal |
A quick trick: scroll through your email and bank statements from the last few months. Every company that bills you or mails you is a reminder of who needs your new address.
Helping a parent move into a bungalow?
Many bungalow buyers are downsizers, and adult children often help with the move. If you’re handling a parent’s address change, a few extra steps help:
- Make a single list of every pension, benefit and bank account, with phone numbers.
- Get permission in writing. Some agencies will only speak with the account holder or someone with a power of attorney.
- Book calls together so your parent can confirm their identity on the phone.
- Update medical contacts, including specialists, home care and the pharmacy that fills prescriptions.
- Keep the old address active through mail forwarding a little longer than usual, since older accounts can take time to catch up.
Your first week in the new bungalow
Once you’ve moved in, wrap up the details:
- Confirm utilities are in your name and take your own meter photos.
- Check that mail forwarding is working.
- Register for your city’s property tax account or online portal.
- Change the locks and garage door codes.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level.
- Update your address on any remaining accounts as mail arrives.
For ongoing upkeep in your new home, keep our bungalow maintenance checklist handy.
Frequently asked questions
How do I change my address on my Ontario driver’s licence?
Use ServiceOntario’s online address change or visit a ServiceOntario centre. The online service can update your driver’s licence, health card and vehicle permit together.
Does the city update my property tax address automatically?
Your purchase is registered with the province, and your city usually updates ownership from that. Still, contact the city’s tax office to set up your account and confirm where bills will go.
Is Canada Post mail forwarding worth it?
For most movers, yes. It’s a paid service, but it catches the accounts you forget while you finish updating your address everywhere.
The bottom line
A smooth move is mostly about timing. Line up insurance and utilities before closing, update government records right away, and use mail forwarding as your safety net.
Still searching for the right home? Set up new bungalow listing alerts so you’re ready when it appears, and check our buyer’s guide for every step before moving day.
