Should I change my address before or after closing?
Change your address before or after closing? Don’t guess. Do this.
Quick Answer — What to Do
Change non-critical addresses before closing and lock down legal and financial updates after you close. Start mail forwarding early. Update banks, mortgage, and government IDs once the deed is in your name. This approach reduces risk and keeps utilities and mail flowing.
Why timing matters
The transfer of property is simple on paper and messy in practice. If you change every address before closing and the deal collapses, you create headaches with utilities, insurance, and legal records. Wait too long and you risk missed bills, lost mail, or service interruptions. Balance risk and convenience.
Practical timeline and checklist
-
3–4 weeks before closing
-
Set up USPS mail forwarding for at least 12 months.
-
Contact movers and schedule move day contingent on closing.
-
Notify subscription services and online retailers of temporary shipping address if needed.
-
1–2 weeks before closing
-
Schedule utilities to switch on/off around possession date (power, gas, water, internet).
-
Talk to your insurance broker about effective date for homeowner’s policy.
-
Day of closing
-
Confirm possession date with title company and lender.
-
Do not change mortgage, title, or government records until closing is recorded.
-
Within 1–14 days after closing
-
Update mortgage lender and property tax office with new address.
-
Change bank, credit card, employer payroll, and investment account addresses.
-
Update driver’s licence, voter registration, and health providers.
What to change before closing vs after closing
Before closing (safe to do):
- USPS mail forwarding
- Movers and moving date scheduling
- Subscriptions and online retailers
- Non-critical retailer addresses
After closing (wait until recorded):
- Mortgage and lender records
- Deed and title records
- Property tax and homeowner association records
- Legal IDs (driver’s licence/state ID) and voter registration
Tips that save time and money
- Use a change-of-address checklist and mark dates.
- Schedule utility switch-over for the possession date; not the closing date.
- Keep digital scans of closing documents handy to prove ownership if a service asks.
- Set calendar reminders for government updates (30 days window common).
Why work with a local realtor who manages this for you
A focused realtor coordinates timelines with lenders, title companies, utility reps, and movers. That coordination prevents service gaps, avoids extra fees, and ensures legal records are updated at the right time. You reduce stress and stay in control.
For no-nonsense, local guidance on timing your address change and moving checklist, contact Tony Sousa — a local realtor who handles transitions end-to-end. Email: tony@sousasells.ca | Phone: 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
Follow this plan and you’ll move once, without chasing mail or bills.
