The Ultimate Moving Checklist for Ontario

Between closing your sale, closing your purchase, and physically moving your life, a move has dozens of moving parts. The fix is a plan you can work through in order. This Ontario moving checklist breaks the whole process into timed stages — from eight weeks out to the day you get the keys — so nothing gets forgotten in the chaos.

Key takeaways

• Start planning 6–8 weeks before your move, especially if you're booking movers.
• Transfer or set up utilities for both addresses before closing day.
• Update your address with key institutions to avoid missed mail and bills.
• Closing day has its own to-do list — confirm funds, keys, and meter readings.
• HOMEH gives eligible buyers the industry's highest Cashback Rebate, helping cover moving costs. Sellers list for 1%, or free when they also buy with HOMEH within 6 months, or $395 + HST with a Mere Posting.

Your moving timeline

A move goes smoothest when you spread the work across the weeks leading up to it. Here's the high-level timeline; the sections below break each stage into specific tasks.

If you're moving between two homes you own, timing matters even more — read how to time your home sale and purchase alongside this checklist.

6–8 weeks out: plan and book

The earliest stage is about locking in the big decisions before good slots fill up — especially movers, who book out fast at month-end and in summer.

• Get quotes and book a moving company (or reserve a rental truck).
• Declutter room by room — donate, sell, or recycle what you won't move.
• Gather packing supplies: boxes, tape, labels, and protective wrap.
• Start packing items you rarely use, such as seasonal and storage items.
• If you have a gap between closings, arrange short-term storage or housing.

3–4 weeks out: address and utilities

This is the admin stage. Sorting your address and utilities now prevents missed bills, service gaps, and lost mail later.

• Set up mail forwarding through Canada Post.
• Arrange electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable for your new home.
• Schedule disconnection or transfer of services at your old home for closing day.
• Update your address: bank, employer, insurance, CRA, and your driver's licence/health card with ServiceOntario.
• Notify any subscriptions and deliveries of your new address.

Don't forget your insurance

Most lenders require home insurance to be in place by closing. Line up your new policy early so there's no gap in coverage — review what to expect in our guide on home insurance when buying a house.

1–2 weeks out: pack and confirm

With the admin done, the final stretch is about packing efficiently and confirming the details of moving day itself.

• Pack room by room and label every box with its room and contents.
• Set aside an "essentials" box: chargers, toiletries, basic tools, and snacks.
• Confirm the date, time, and address with your movers.
• Defrost the fridge/freezer and dispose of anything you can't transport.
• Confirm closing details and key handover with your lawyer and agent.

Closing day and beyond

On closing day, ownership and keys change hands once your lawyer completes the transaction. Have your moving logistics ready to go the moment you're cleared to take possession. For the full mechanics of the day, see what happens on closing day.

• Confirm with your lawyer that funds have transferred and the deal has closed.
• Pick up keys and do a final walkthrough of the new home.
• Record meter readings at both properties.
• Check that utilities are active at the new home and off at the old one.
• Unpack the essentials box first, then work room by room.

Cover your moving costs with HOMEH cashback

Movers, supplies, and utility setup add up. Eligible HOMEH buyers receive the industry's highest Cashback Rebate — money that can cover your moving costs many times over. Sellers list for 1%, or free when they also buy with HOMEH within 6 months, or $395 + HST with a Mere Posting. Estimate yours with the cashback calculator or plan your move at sell and buy with HOMEH.