Senior Moving Checklist:
7 Things To Handle In Addition To The Move
Moving is stressful for most of us, including seniors. So, anything that can be done ahead of the move is important. This list offers six things that are best handled in the month before the actual move itself. And, one item (#7) that should be handled within 10 days of your move.
#1
Healthcare, When Staying In The Area
- Make sure your pharmacy has your new address, especially where prescriptions are delivered by courier or by mail.
Healthcare, When Moving To A New Area
- Find a new primary care doctor in the area you are moving to.
- Arrange for the transfer of your medical records history to your new primary care doctor.
- Find a pharmacy to handle any future prescriptions for medications, and to transfer any standing orders from your old pharmacy to the new one.
#2
Notify Utility Services (BC Hydro, Fortis, Shaw, Telus, etc.)
- Be sure to cancel any current utility services for the day after your move, for your old address, including gas, electricity, telephone, Internet, mobile phone, etc.)
- Arrange for any utilities that are needed for your new address, if not arranged by a management company, to be set up for the day of your move.
- Provide your new address to utilities companies that will be cancelled. This way the final bills will be sent on to you after your move. Not doing so can result in outstanding/unpaid charges. And, outstanding bills can negatively impact your credit rating.
- Ensure services you will be retaining, like mobile phone services, have your new address for billing purposes.
#3
Cancel &/or Purchase Any Insurance Policies As Appropriate
- Be sure to cancel the insurance policy on your existing property once ownership of the property has changed hands and you have moved out of the property and no longer need the insurance.
- Be sure to obtain any new insurance needed on possessions at your new property.
- Notify any other insurance providers of your new address and contact information.
#4
Canada Post Mail Forwarding
Once you know your new mailing address, ensure mail addressed to your old address is forwarded to your new mailing address. You can do this by purchasing Mail Forwarding services from Canada Post. The image below shows the packages and pricing available in April 2023.
We recommend notifying Canada Post of your move and new address a minimum of 2 weeks before your actual move. And, ideally 4 weeks before your actual move. This ensures everything is set up and ready to go once you have moved. When purchasing your Mail Forwarding you will be asked the date of your move. This lets Canada Post know when to stop delivering mail to your old address and when to begin delivering it to the new address.
#5
Notify Financial Institutions Of Your New Address
Mail Forwarding by Canada Post should ensure mail addressed to your old address is delivered to your new address. However, there is a cost to relying on this long term.
While Mail Forwarding is an excellent short term solution, to make sure you are continuing to receive your mail. It is important to alert any financial organizations who communicate with you by mail of your new mailing address. And of your new phone number, if it has changed as well.
This can be done by visiting your bank, credit union and other financial institutions in-person or by phone. In either case you will need to confirm your identity. So be prepared to have identification with you when you visit or call in.
If you are comfortable dealing with these organizations online, you should be able to make the changes online as well.
#6
Notify Family & Friends Of Your New Contact Information
Your family may already know your new address and phone number, but for family who may not live nearby and for friends you want to notify:
- Send an email with your new details to those you want to notify, or
- Consider creating a single page announcement letter with this information. Then, simply print off multiple copies for sending out in envelopes with your contacts name and mailing address.
#7
Change The Address For Your Drivers Licence & Vehicle Insurance
For seniors who are still driving, it is important that the address that appears on a drivers licence and any vehicle insurance are changed with ICBC within 10 days of moving.
Your driver’s licence can be changed in one of three ways: online, by phone or in-person. The address on your BCID must be updated either over the phone or in person at a driver licensing office. Remember to change your address on your insurance policy too.