Moving is a busy time. While you’re dealing with cleaning, packing, decluttering and dozens of other logistics, it’s easy to completely forget to add a few critical things to your moving checklist. Neglecting to do these tasks could cost you money, stress and anxiety down the road.
Here are the six things that are considered as “musts”, so you can make sure they are part of your checklist.
Forwarding Mail
Nobody wants a stranger digging through their mail. Unfortunately, it happens too often when you either forget to forward your mail or wait till the last-minute. Canada Post will gladly forward your mail, for a fee, but remember, they will not forward any forwarding of parcels (remember to check if any Amazon shipments are on the way). Mail forwarding does expire after a year, unless you renew it, for yet another fee.
Update your Driver’s license
Yes, it’s true. If you forget to notify Service Ontario of your new address within 6 days of your move, you can be the proud owner of a hefty fine under section 33(1) of Highway Traffic Act regulation 340/94. Updating your driver’s license is probably the last thing you think of when your new home is full of boxes and you cannot find a shirt to wear, but the good news is that it only takes a few minutes to make the change online or at any Service Ontario location.
TIP: Get this done ahead of your move, so you don’t have to worry about it later. If you have multiple drivers in your household, each person will need to get this done.
Update Vehicle registration
So you updated your license, but what about your vehicle registration slip? Forgetting to update your new address on your vehicle registration can cost you an $85 fine if you get pulled over. If the ministry does not have a current address on file, you may also not get your renewal notice for your stickers. Updating your vehicle registrations can be done in-person at any Service Ontario location.
Update Health card
Nothing sucks more than needing to go to the doctor or hospital and finding out that your health coverage is invalid. Your health card needs to be kept updated with your most current address in order to stay valid. Good news is that you can do it, in one shot, with your driver’s license online.
Notify Immigration
If you have an immigration application in process or have any matters to do with immigration or citizenship, updating Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) with your most current address is absolutely mandatory. Failing to do so can result in arrest or detention (worst case scenario), or cause long delays with your application.
Update Nexus Card
Here’s one that’s often missed and isn’t a part of many checklists. People who have a Nexus card swear by it. It feels awesome to by-pass long lineups at customs and sip a latte while watching people line-up for hours at the airport. Nexus also needs to know where you currently live, or you may find yourself back in longer lineups trying to explain why you should be able to keep your Nexus privileges. Nexus can be also update online. It’s quick and easy.
There are many more traps in the moving process that can cost you if you forget to do them. That’s part of the reason we built MoveSnap, making sure you don’t miss important things, making your move easier.
This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgement of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by RBC Ventures Inc. or its affiliates.
