Change of Address Checklist for Your Kelowna Move
Updated: 2 days ago
Moving in Kelowna? The fastest way to handle your change of address is to do it in three waves: two weeks before the move (mail, utilities and internet), move week (ICBC, health coverage and banks), and your first days in the new home (government accounts, subscriptions and neighbours). This change of address checklist walks you through each wave, whether you're moving across Kelowna, out to West Kelowna or up to Lake Country, and it pairs nicely with renting moving totes so the packing side is handled too.
Why a change of address checklist matters
Packing gets all the attention, but missed address updates cause the headaches that show up weeks later: a final utility bill sent to your old place, a renewal notice that never arrives, or a parcel left on someone else's porch. A simple list, worked through in order, keeps every account pointed at your new home.
Tip: start a note on your phone with your new address written out exactly, including the unit number and postal code. Copy and paste it every time, so every account gets the same spelling.
Two weeks before your move
Mail forwarding
Set up mail forwarding with Canada Post so anything you miss still finds you. It's a paid service, so book it early and pick a start date on or just before your moving day.
Electricity and natural gas
Book your stop date at the old place and your start date at the new one. In the Kelowna area, electricity comes from FortisBC or the City of Kelowna's electrical utility, depending on your address, and natural gas comes from FortisBC. Ask for a final meter reading on your move-out day.
Water, sewer and garbage
Homeowners usually set up water and sewer through the City of Kelowna or a local water district, such as the irrigation districts that serve parts of Rutland and Glenmore. In West Kelowna, Lake Country and Peachland, check with that municipality. Renters can usually skip this one, but confirm with your landlord.
Internet and TV
Internet installs can book up fast at month-end, so schedule your new install now. If your provider sent you a modem, ask how to return it before you pack it.
Move week
ICBC driver's licence and vehicle
In BC you need to update the address on your driver's licence and vehicle registration within 10 days of moving, even for a move across town. You can do it online with ICBC or at a driver licensing office.
Health coverage
Update your address with Health Insurance BC for your MSP coverage, and tell your doctor's office and pharmacy so prescriptions and reminders reach you.
Banks, credit cards and payroll
Update your bank, your credit cards and your employer. Your employer needs your new address for your tax slips, and your bank uses it to verify you.
Pack a change of address folder
Keep your lease or sale papers, a bill for the new place and your ID in one folder that travels with you, not in a moving tote. Many accounts ask for proof of address, and you'll want it handy on move day.
Your first days in the new home
Government accounts
Update your address with the Canada Revenue Agency through My Account, and with Elections BC so you're on the voters list for your new neighbourhood. If you receive any benefits, update those accounts too.
Subscriptions and online shopping
Change the default shipping address on every online store, meal kit and subscription box you use. It's the most common miss, and parcels can keep arriving at the old place for months.
Schools, clubs and services
Tell your schools, daycare, gym, vet and any clubs. If your kids are changing schools, the school district will ask for proof of your new address, so keep that folder close.
Say hi to the neighbours
Not an account, but worth it. Your new neighbours know which day the garbage goes out and where the best walk is.
Keep the packing side simple too
While you work through the list, let the packing take care of itself. Bin Ready Tote Rentals drops off clean 102L moving totes with yellow snap-on lids and a free dolly, you pack at your pace, and we pick up the empties when you're settled. No cardboard to fold and no tape needed. Slide a card into the clear label sleeve on the side of each tote, keep stacks no more than 3 or 4 high, and roll them to your vehicle on the dolly.
Every package covers 14 days: Start (20 totes) $99, Apartment (30 totes) $149, Home (40 totes) $189 and Family (65 totes) $249. That's about 35¢ a tote per day. Need longer? Just $2 a tote per extra week.
We serve Kelowna, Glenmore, Dilworth, the Upper and Lower Mission, Rutland, West Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland, Vernon and Penticton. Bin Ready isn't a moving company: we don't haul full totes or hold belongings. You move, we bring the totes and pick up the empties. Book your moving totes here.
Not sure how many you need? Read how many moving totes do I need or follow our 14-day packing plan. The moving day checklist covers the big day itself, and our moving tips page has free printable checklists, including an address change and utility checklist.
Change of address FAQ
How soon should I start my change of address?
Start about two weeks before your move. Book mail forwarding, utilities and internet first, then handle ICBC, health coverage and banks in move week.
Do I have to update ICBC when I move within Kelowna?
Yes. Any move in BC means updating the address on your driver's licence and vehicle registration, even a move across town. You have 10 days to do it.
Who do I call for utilities in Kelowna?
It depends on your address. Electricity comes from FortisBC or the City of Kelowna's electrical utility, natural gas comes from FortisBC, and water comes from the City or a local water district. Your old bill or your landlord can tell you which applies.
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