An interprovincial move simply means you’re relocating from one Canadian province or territory to another. It doesn’t just mean a long-distance move—changing provinces may only mean a difference of a few kilometers, but you may need new health coverage, a new driver’s licence, new vehicle registration, and other major changes.
A comprehensive interprovincial moving checklist can help you avoid missed deadlines. In this guide, we’ll provide a practical pre-moving day timeline, plus tips on what to update as you settle into your new home.
Keep one box or folder for the papers you cannot afford to lose. It should include:
You may also want to keep your signed mover contract and bill of lading in the same place. Scan important paperwork to create a digital copy as well.
A detailed home inventory is an essential part of your interprovincial moving plan. It can help you assess the valuation coverage you need and provide support for any claims.
Before you start packing, walk through each room. Write down everything in it and take clear photos of furniture, electronics, appliances, art, and other high-value items. Make a note of serial numbers in case an item needs to be replaced.
Keep your inventory with you throughout the move for easy reference.
Apply for your new health card within the first 1–3 days of moving into your new home. Most provinces enforce a 3-month waiting period to ensure only permanent residents receive health cards, so don’t waste any time. Meanwhile, you’ll need to contact your former provider and cancel coverage.
Licence and registration deadlines vary by province:
Province | Driver’s Licence | Vehicle Registration |
Ontario | 60 days | 30 days |
British Columbia | 90 days | 30 days |
Alberta | 90 days | 90 days |
Quebec | 6 months | 90 days |
Nova Scotia | 90 days | 90 days |
Manitoba | 30 days | 90 days |
Saskatchewan | 90 days | 90 days |
Atlantic Canada provinces require an updated licence and registration within 30–90 days. In most provinces, your vehicle will need to pass a safety inspection first, so don’t wait to check the requirements and start the process.
Government systems do not share information, so your interprovincial moving checklist should include updating your address with each department or agency. Be methodical and update CRA, Service Canada, EI, CPP, OAS, direct deposit, and other accounts.
Canada Post offers a 4- and 12-month Mail Forwarding service for a fee.
If possible, set up hydro, gas, water, and internet before moving day to avoid moving in without essential utilities. Cancel services at your old home after your final meter reading. Don’t forget garbage and recycling pickup, snow clearing, and any parking permits or elevator permits you might need.
Contact your insurance providers to see if the move will affect your policies. If home insurance wasn’t covered in the purchase or rental agreement, you’ll need to set it up before the move as well.
Call the local school board as soon as you know your new address to confirm what they need for registration. You’ll typically need proof of address, birth certificates, previous transcripts or report cards, and immunization records.
If your little ones aren’t ready for school or need a summer program, start researching childcare early in case your choice has a waitlist. All provinces and territories offer childcare subsidies, so take advantage to find affordable options.
Planning a move? Allied Van Lines has been a trusted leader in interprovincial moving in Canada since 1928. We provide full-service long-distance and household moving support for households throughout the country and maintain a 96% customer satisfaction rating. Request a free quote today.
Each province is different, but most require new residents to exchange driver’s licences within 60 to 90 days. Most provinces enforce a 3-month waiting period for health cards, so apply as soon as you move to get the process started.
Interprovincial moving costs depend on distance and shipment weight, plus any additional moving services like packing or storage. Long-distance moves in Canada can range from about $3,200 to $21,000. Request a free quote from Allied for a more precise estimate.
Choose certified full-service movers with strong reviews and Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) accreditation. Request written, binding estimates that include delivery windows and clear fee breakdowns. Compare at least three quotes, and be wary of significant price disparities.
Yes. You’ll need to update your information with CRA, Service Canada, and any other federal program you use. Since address changes are not shared automatically across government departments, you must update each agency separately.
