Moving into a new home can be exciting, but it also comes with a fair share of stress—especially when it comes to keeping your finances organized. Between tracking expenses, managing bills, and updating your address, it’s easy for important tasks to fall through the cracks. Fortunately, a bit of planning can help keep things on track and save you from future headaches.
This guide breaks the financial side of moving into three clear phases: before, during, and after. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a long-time renter making a change, or refinancing your mortgage, having a plan in place can help the transition go smoothly. If you’re still exploring your mortgage options or considering refinancing, you can apply easily online.
Before the Move: Plan and Prepare
Estimate Your Moving Costs
Start by taking stock of what you have and what you’ll need. Will you need to buy moving boxes, tape, or labels? Are you hiring professional movers or renting a truck? If you’re moving to a new home that doesn’t include appliances, furniture, or utilities, make a list of those needs as well. Budgeting ahead of time gives you a clear picture of your total costs and helps avoid last-minute spending.
Save Your Receipts
Keep a record of all your moving-related purchases and agreements. This includes receipts for movers, rental trucks, storage, and even packing supplies. If you’re paying for services, follow up with email confirmations and save all digital receipts in one place.
Consider taking photos of paper receipts on your phone—just make sure the images include the store name, purchase date, and full item list. This can be especially helpful if you’re reimbursed by your employer or plan to claim any eligible expenses.
Review Your Bills and Subscriptions
Look through your recent bank or credit card statements and list all recurring expenses, such as utilities, internet, streaming services, and subscription boxes. Determine what you need to cancel, transfer, or pause.
Some companies only operate in certain regions, so check with your new landlord or condo board to confirm what’s available in your new area. Moving is also a great opportunity to renegotiate contracts or find better deals.
Update Your Mailing Address
To ensure mail follows you to your new home, set up mail forwarding through Canada Post. It’s a simple and affordable way to make sure nothing important gets lost in the shuffle. You can arrange this online, and the service is available for up to 12 months with an option to extend.
Moving Day: Stay on Top of It
Despite your best planning, moving day tends to bring surprises. Keep a folder or envelope with all your important documents and receipts handy. It should be stored somewhere easily accessible—like your bag or glove box—so you can quickly reference it during the day.
Keep all moving-related emails or text confirmations saved on your phone as well, just in case you need to confirm pickup times or dispute unexpected charges.
After the Move: Update and Settle In
Once you’re unpacked and starting to settle into your new space, take some time to update your address on the services you use regularly. This includes online shopping platforms, streaming subscriptions, government records, and your driver’s license. Be sure to also update your banking information, credit card billing addresses, and any automatic payments you’ve set up.
If you haven’t already, now is a great time to revisit your financial goals. Whether you’re planning renovations, considering a refinance, or simply want a better interest rate, working with a mortgage broker can help. Get a free quote to explore your options.
Final Thoughts
Organizing your finances during a move doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By breaking it into manageable phases, you can keep things under control and avoid surprises. And if you ever need help navigating mortgage decisions—before or after a move—contact us. We’re here to help you feel confident in your next step.
