There’s a whole lot of people moving into new homes this time of year. I’ve never met anyone who enjoys moving and, most of us do it so rarely that we never get really good at moving. Here’s our moving checklist that will take you from buying to closing, organized by category
Paperwork, Financing & Legalities
- Hire a lawyer: You will need a lawyer to close your deal and transfer title. Hire one as soon as you have signed your paperwork.
- Financing: Send your paperwork to your mortgage broker or your bank so that you can finalize your financing.
- Home insurance: Set up home insurance for your new home. The insurance company will have many questions about your new home, so start this process early.
- Buy Life insurance: If you haven’t already done this, buying property is the perfect time to get life insurance. That way, if you die, your life insurance policy will pay off your mortgage balance. Life insurance is often cheaper and more flexible than mortgage insurance, but ask your mortgage broker for advice.
- Will: This is also an excellent time to do your will. If you die, you want clear directions for who is in charge of your estate. When you own a substantial asset like property in Toronto, it is essential to plan for it if the worst happens to you. The good news is that the lawyer you hire to complete your transaction can often help with your will.
Change Your Address
Before you move
Change your address with your bank, subscriptions, and professional associations that you are part of. Consider setting up a mail forwarding service through Canada Post to give you some time to continue changing your address even after you have moved. You can sign up here
After you move
Go to service Ontario and change your address on your Drivers Licence, health card, vehicle registration.
★ For more tips and tricks for buyers check out:
- So You Bought a House, Now What?
- What Home Inspections Don’t Reveal About a Property
- How to Survive Your Closing Date
Set Up Services
You should notify the following companies of your move-in date so that there is no disruption in your service:
- Enbridge: You can use their online tool by clicking here
- Toronto Hydro: You can use their online tool by clicking here
- Your internet, phone and cable providers.
Moving
- Buy Packing Materials Early. Home depot often has the lowest prices on boxes, tape and bubble wrap. Don’t use recycled boxes (from the LCBO or No Frills, for example) because you could get cockroaches.
- Book a mover early.
- If you bought a condo, book the elevators for your moving day.
- Book a locksmith to change the locks on closing.
- Book a cleaner to clean your house if you plan on moving in right away rather than doing renovations
- Download jiffy: This is not an ad! But, the most stressful part of moving into your new house will be the surprises. As you paint and unpack, you don’t also want to be searching for a plumber to fix the toilet that won’t stop running. Jiffy is like UBER, but it connects homeowners and tradespeople. It is the easiest way to hire people when you’re in a rush.
If You’re Moving Out Of Your Neighbourhood
If you’re moving far away (even within the same city), there are some other things you should think about as you plan your move:
Find a new family doctor
This can be difficult to do in Ontario, so start this process early if you want a doctor who is relatively close to your home.
Enrol your children in school or daycare
Determine your home school and enroll your children there. You can find your homeschool for TDSB here and TCDSB here. You can also phone the principal at that school and book a tour. Daycares in Toronto often have long waiting lists, so sign up early!
New health care services
Much OHIP-covered healthcare is catchment-based, especially if you or your children are connected to any community services. If you get any provincial funding for mental health therapies, respite care, or in-home therapy services, you should notify your case manager to see if your new address is in a new catchment. You’ll be transferred to a different local health network manager and casework if it is.
★ Check out these first-time buyer FAQs:
- Mortgage Broker vs. Bank: What’s the Difference?
- What’s The Best Time to Buy a House in Toronto?
- Deposit Vs Down Payment: Whats The Difference?
The most important thing to remember is to take care of yourself. This is a stressful time, and you’ll be tired. Carve out some space so that you and your family don’t get too overwhelmed. Plan to stay with friends or at a hotel for a few nights while you set up your new house. Order in your dinners. Take breaks from unpacking to explore your new neighbourhood. You’re on a fun new adventure. Best of luck!
Robyn VanderVennen
The Kim Kehoe Team
