Moving isn’t just about packing boxes. It’s also about managing dozens of little details — like making sure you notify the right organizations of your new address. Whether it’s to avoid missed bills, maintain your insurance coverage, or continue receiving your mail, updating your address at the right time is essential.
In this article, we’ll walk you through who to notify when you move, and how to stay organized and stress-free during the process. We’ve also included helpful tips and links to some of our other guides, like Moving Checklist: Everything You Need to Think About and July 1st Moving Day in Quebec.
Important Parties to Notify When Moving
Once you’ve secured your new place and started planning your move, make a list of everyone who needs to know your new address. Here are the key categories:
Your Daily Service Providers
- Hydro-Québec (electricity – you can update your info online in just a few clicks)
- Énergir, if you use natural gas
- Phone, internet, and cable providers – plan your transfer or cancellation in advance
- Alarm or smart home systems, especially if address-linked
Your Financial Institutions
- Banks and credit unions (Desjardins, BNC, etc.)
- Credit cards, mortgage providers, RRSPs, TFSAs
- Insurance providers: home, auto, life, disability, and workplace group plans
Your Health Professionals
- Family doctor
- Dentist
- Optometrist
- Veterinarian
- Pharmacy
⚠️ Why it matters: Your medical and pharmaceutical records may need to be transferred, especially if you’re changing regions.
Your Social and Professional Contacts
- Employer
- Union
- Your children’s school or daycare
- Professional associations or regulatory bodies
- Clubs, gyms, libraries, and community services
Government Agencies to Notify
This is one of the most important parts — but good news: in Quebec, there’s a convenient service called the Quebec Address Change Service, which allows you to notify multiple provincial organizations at once:
- RAMQ (health insurance)
- SAAQ (driver’s license and vehicle registration)
- Revenu Québec
- Élections Québec
- Retraite Québec
- Ministry of Employment and Social Solidarity
- CNESST
For the federal government, you’ll need to notify each department individually:
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) – for your taxes
- Elections Canada
- Service Canada – for employment insurance, old age security, etc.
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, if you’re a permanent resident or naturalized citizen
💡 Tip: Complete these updates at least 2–3 weeks before your move, so the changes take effect in time.
Update Banking Info for Direct Deposits
Do you receive direct deposit payments (tax refunds, pensions, etc.)? Then it’s crucial to update your bank account details with:
- CRA and Revenu Québec
- RAMQ for reimbursements
- Your employer for payroll
- Service Canada for EI or social benefits
Check your online portals or contact the relevant services to avoid payment issues.
Leaving Quebec for More Than 183 Days?
If you’re going abroad for more than 183 days in a year — whether for travel, work, or studies — you must notify RAMQ. Failing to do so could temporarily suspend your health coverage.
Use the “Temporary Departure from Quebec” form, which can be completed online. Also, make sure your private insurance covers out-of-province or international care.
Set Up Mail Forwarding
We all forget something. To avoid missing important mail, Canada Post offers mail forwarding services to your new address for 6 to 12 months. It’s not free (around $80 for 12 months), but it’s an easy way to ensure you don’t miss anything — even from people you might forget to notify!
Practical Reminders for a Stress-Free Address Change
Besides notifying the right organizations, follow these tips for a smooth transition:
- Track everything in a calendar – Google Calendar or a paper planner works great
- Keep confirmations – screenshots, emails, digital folders
- Have your client/account numbers ready – makes everything faster
- Declutter during your move – cancel unused subscriptions and services
For First-Time Movers or Newcomers
If you’re moving for the first time or new to Quebec, here are some must-do tasks:
- Register with RAMQ if eligible
- Open a Canadian bank account for payments and deposits
- Update your foreign driver’s license with SAAQ
- Notify your municipality to receive school and municipal tax bills
Check out our full article on July 1st Moving Day — it’s packed with helpful insights for your first move.
Pro Tips from Our Movers
Because moving isn’t just paperwork:
- Label every box – note the contents and room (e.g., kitchen, bedroom)
- Prepare a “survival bag” – water, toilet paper, chargers, a change of clothes
- Protect important documents – passports, contracts, medical files
- Coordinate your lease, insurance, and service transfers – avoid any gaps
FAQ – Who to Notify When Moving?
- Who are the most important organizations to notify?
RAMQ, SAAQ, CRA, your bank, insurance providers, Hydro-Québec, and your internet provider. - When should I update my address?
Ideally 2 to 3 weeks before your move. - What happens if I forget to notify someone?
You may experience missed mail, service interruptions, or even a lapse in insurance coverage — all of which can be costly. - Can Déménagement Pro Service help me?
Absolutely! We provide a full checklist, personalized reminders, and expert advice to make sure you don’t forget a thing. - Do I need to notify my municipality?
Yes — for property taxes and school tax purposes, it’s essential.
In Summary…
A successful move isn’t just about boxes and trucks — it’s about making sure everyone important has your new address. With online tools, Canada Post’s mail forwarding service, and a bit of planning, you can handle it all smoothly.
And when it comes to packing, logistics, and move-in day itself — you can count on Déménagement Pro Service. Contact us for a free quote, personalized advice, and a seamless moving experience from start to finish.