Paperwork, that dreadful paperwork. Most people get goosebumps when they hear that word and not the good kind. Besides the people whose job is to deal with papers on a daily basis, for us, mortals arranging the documents can really be a drag. It can be especially overwhelming when you’re in the middle of such a hard event like moving to a new home. You maybe don’t realize, but one of the hassles will be handling all those pesky post-move paperwork. Still, don’t despair – when you know on what to focus on, you will be able to sort everything out much easier.

Post-move paperwork you will be dealing with

In order to solve a problem, you have to identify it first. It will be best to include in your moving list all the post-moving paperwork that you have to handle. That way, you will know exactly what you need to tackle first. If you didn’t do that prior relocation, do it as soon as you move. There’s no time like right now, and dealing with government facilities may take a big chunk of it.

Post-move paperwork that awaits you:

• Utilities
• Postal Service
• Medical and veterinarian records
• Educational files
• Driver’s license
• Residency documents if you’re a newcomer in Canada

Assuming that you have used the services of one of the reliable moving companies Ontario, your belongings have arrived at your new home undamaged. Still, if you notice that some of your things are missing or have damages, add the insurance claim to the list of the post-move paperwork that you need to handle.

Get your utilities up and running

One of the first things that you have to do in your new home is to turn on your utilities. Preferably, you arrange that before the move. Still, if you forgot, there’s no point wallowing for the past. Now it’s time to rectify that overlook and make sure that your new home has running water and electricity as soon as possible. Contact the companies that provide utilities in your new neighborhood.

Here’s a list of service providers that you have to call:

• Electricity company
• Gas company
• Water company
• Cable provider
• Telephone company
• Internet provider

Notify the Postal Service about an address change

When you change your address, you should notify the Postal Service about it. Don’t delay that just because nobody sends you letters for years and everything is online. The government sector and official authorities are still using this system, and falling to change your address can cause you some inconveniences. Better to be safe than sorry, so head out to your local Post office and get this choir off your back. Make things easier by making the change of address checklist.

Medical Records are one of the most important post-move paperwork that you have to handle

Scratch that, it is the only documentation that you absolutely have to prepare before you relocate. Sure, even the birds on the tree know that medical care in Canada is free. Still, your new doctor has to have your medical file in order to provide you proper care. Collecting all your medical files and relocating them with you is not only logical but mandatory step.

If you have done it, all that is left is to start searching for a new physician and transferring all of your paperwork to a new health facility. Luckily, the Canadian healthcare system is very efficient and all the files can easily transfer electronically. Still, that won’t happen if you don’t request it.

Don’t forget your pet!

Your furry friend is part of your family, so don’t neglect its health. When you’re moving with the pet, its veterinarian files should go with you. Still, with all the hassle that relocation brings, that can easily slip your mind. You can correct that with a call to your former veterinarian.

Ask it to send you your pet’s file to your new address or to transfer them directly to the new veterinarian. Those files are much easier to transfer than the medical files, so it won’t be difficult at all.

Even if your pet is healthy and doesn’t have any common health issues, it is important for the new veterinarian to have its medical history. No matter how well you prepare a pet for the change, relocation will be very stressful to your animal friend and it can reflect poorly to its health.

Educational Files

When you’re moving with children, you’ll have to prepare the documentation about their education and transfer it to the new school. Same goes for Canadian students that are moving within the country’s borders. First, you need to contact the educational facility and find out what papers you need to collect and transfer. Prepare yourself for high fees, because acquiring these papers sometimes can be pretty expensive. When you get all the necessary documentation, take it to your kid’s or your new school and enroll.

Driver’s License

Are you moving to the other part of Canada, across provincial lines? If that’s the case, then you should know that you will have to change your driver license, as some of the long distance moving companies Canada that you negotiated with probably have told you. Don’t stress just yet, it is a rather easy thing to do.

Since all provinces and territories recognize licenses from elsewhere in Canada, you just need to file a request to exchange a current one. For most of the municipalities, you can do it online. While it is basically a formality, it’s still a legal requirement.

On the other hand, if you own an International Driving Permit, you can drive without the need to acquire the Canadian driver license.

The most important post-move paperwork for newcomers in Canada

Assuming that you aren’t in the country illegally, you already have most of the immigrant paperwork. With the proper visa, you have your legal status, but what about healthcare? While everybody that require emergency medical assistance will get it in Canada for free, for other issues you will be in quite a pickle if you don’t have the Health Card. That is just another of those “better to be safe than sorry” situations. Don’t gamble with your health and get your Health Card as soon as possible.

In order to do that, you will need:

• Proof of Canadian citizenship, permanent residents or another immigration status
• Residency Proof
• Proof of identity