Guide › Moving in Canada: the checklist

Moving in Canada: the checklist

The general list plus what comes on top in this country: deadlines, offices and customs.

58 tasks · General checklist

Contracts and authorities

17 weeks before
Check the notice period: by province, Ontario 60 days, BC one month, Québec at lease end
Ontario: 60 days to the end of a rental period (Residential Tenancies Act, s. 44); British Columbia: one month; Québec: the lease renews, give notice of non-renewal three to six months before the end.
14 weeks before
Give written notice to end the tenancy (Ontario: form N9)
Use the provincial form and keep a copy.
13 weeks before
Arrange viewings for the next tenant
11 weeks before
Sign the new lease
10 weeks before
Pay the deposit and the first month's rent
Ontario: only a last month's rent deposit, no damage deposit; BC: half a month's rent as security deposit; Québec: deposits are not allowed.
9 weeks before
Arrange the handover date for the old flat
6 weeks before
Cancel internet and TV contracts
6 weeks before
Book a van for the cellar and small items
4 weeks before
Book time off for moving day
3 weeks before
Draw up the list of address changes
2 weeks before
Move your tenant insurance to the new address
Many landlords require proof before move-in.
7 days before
Cancel the standing order for the old rent

Packing and decluttering

5 weeks before
Get moving boxes
5 weeks before
Get packing material
4 weeks before
Set a decluttering day per room
3 weeks before
Move the cellar and attic ahead of time
2 weeks before
Pack seasonal and rarely used things
10 days before
Pack the workspace
5 days before
Pack the kitchen, defrost the fridge
2 days before
Pack the first-night box
2 days before
Keep the toolbox separate

Old home

9 weeks before
Declutter: sell, give away, dispose
6 weeks before
Clear out the cellar and attic
4 weeks before
Book a large item pickup with the city
By appointment or on fixed collection days, depending on the city.
7 days before
Factory-reset the smart home devices
1 day before
Read and photograph the meters
7 days after
Clean the old place for the handover
10 days after
Sign the handover protocol, count the keys
4 weeks after
Track the return of the deposit
BC: within 15 days of moving out and giving a forwarding address (RTA s. 38); Ontario: the rent deposit covers the last month.

New home

9 weeks before
Complete the move-in condition inspection report
BC: mandatory together with the landlord (RTA s. 23); elsewhere with dated photos.
6 weeks before
Book the electrician and tradespeople
6 weeks before
Check mounting points: shower rail, lamps, curtains
4 weeks before
Order the internet connection
4 weeks before
Decide what to buy new
2 weeks before
Draw a furniture plan per room, take measurements
7 days before
Test the internet connection
7 days before
Set up hydro, gas and water at the new address
Providers depend on province and city; schedule the start before move-in and close the old accounts.
1 day after
Record and report defects on moving in
3 days after
Label the doorbell and letterbox
7 days after
Set the smart home up again
7 days after
Meet the neighbours and the property manager

Moving day

13 weeks before
Fix the moving date
9 weeks before
Book the moving company
2 weeks before
Apply for a moving permit for the truck with the city
Montréal, Toronto and Vancouver: online, one to two weeks ahead.
2 weeks before
Reserve the lift at both addresses
10 days before
Arrange care for children and pets
3 days before
Move the plants separately
3 days before
Plan bikes and bulky items separately
On moving day
Food and drink for the helpers
On moving day
Final walk-through of the old flat

After the move

6 days after
Driver's licence and vehicle: change the address with the province
Ontario: within six days (Highway Traffic Act s. 9); BC: ten days (ICBC); Québec: 30 days (SAAQ).
7 days after
Set up mail forwarding with Canada Post
canadapost-postescanada.ca; four to twelve months.
10 days after
Register at the school board
Bring proof of address, the birth certificate and immunisation records.
2 weeks after
Tell the bank, employer and insurers
2 weeks after
Update subscriptions and delivery services
2 weeks after
Provincial health card: change the address (OHIP, MSP, RAMQ)
When changing province apply for a new card; the old coverage usually continues for up to three months.
2 weeks after
Change your address with the CRA (My Account)
Otherwise the Canada Child Benefit or GST/HST credit may stop.
2 weeks after
Elections Canada: update your address on the voters list
elections.ca; often automatic through the tax return.

In the app: when setting up the move or under Tasks → Template. Everything can be deselected; a template is a suggestion.

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The checklists in this guide are compiled with care, but without guarantee of completeness or currency. Deadlines and responsibilities change. The information of the respective authority or contracting party is authoritative.