How do I change my address in Manitoba?
By SCOTT MOORE, REALTOR
February 13, 2019Once the celebration of buying a new home or selling your current home wears off, next up is the nuts & bolts of moving. Changing your address is one of the more annoying tasks in a move, and this checklist will help you make sure not to miss anything.
How far in advance do I need to change my address?
We recommend waiting to change your address until you’ve moved into your new home—otherwise mail can end up at the new address before you’ve moved in, which can be complicated. Here are a couple of exceptions:
Home Insurance – this is important to arrange at least a week or two ahead of your move because you will need home insurance in place before possession day.
If you’re using Canada Post’s mail forwarding service, you should set it up about a week before you move. For about $80 you can have Canada Post automatically forward your mail to your new address for a year (or $55 for 4 months). This is one of the best ways to buy yourself some time with the rest of this list!
TV/Internet. Call a couple of weeks ahead of time so that you can get an installation appointment on the day you move in.
Alarm Monitoring. This is a good one to have set up ahead of possession day.
Children’s school busses & schools. You definitely want them dropped off at the correct address on moving day!
How do I change my address with Manitoba Health?
You need to change your address with Manitoba Heath within 10 days of moving. Manitoba Address Change is a one-stop for changing many Manitoba services, including Manitoba Health. Start there before moving further down the list!
Who do I need to update my address with?
Driver’s License & car insurance--You only have 15 days after your move to do this & it must be done in person at an Autopac location
Manitoba Hydro--remember to take meter readings at both your old & new homes on possession day!
City of Winnipeg Water — again, remember to get readings at both your old & new homes
City of Winnipeg Tax
Cell Phone Providers
Life Insurance
Health Insurance
Manitoba Health
Employer
Schools
Banks
Credit Card companies
Car Loans/Lease
Student Loans
Online shopping companies like Amazon & Indigo — one of the number one reasons we hear from our clients after possession is because they bought something online without checking the shipping address and their new purchase is now enroute to their old address!! Don’t wait until you make a purchase to update your settings — do it now!
Other shopping companies like Costco, HBC, Red River Co-op, etc
Newspaper and Magazine subscriptions
Clubs, organizations, charities
Doctor, dentist, veterinarian
Streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, etc)
Canadian Firearms Program — you have 30 days to update your address
How do I tell my friends and family that I’m moving?
In the olden days people used to send out change of address cards. If you have time, this is a lovely custom to revive. If not, a group email or text works too.