Having an accepted offer is a huge milestone, but there are still a number of important steps between now and closing day. To help make the transition as smooth and stress free as possible, here’s a helpful checklist of what to expect and what to start organizing before possession day arrives.
| Choose Your Real Estate Lawyer |
One of the first things you’ll want to do is retain a real estate lawyer to handle the legal side of the transaction.
Your lawyer will:
- Review the Agreement of Purchase and Sale
- Prepare closing documents
- Coordinate mortgage payout (if applicable)
- Handle the transfer of funds and ownership
- Explain final closing costs and adjustments
| Start Planning Your Move Early |
Moving companies can book up quickly, especially at month-end and during the summer months.
Consider:
- Hiring professional movers
- Renting a moving truck
- Booking elevator times (if applicable)
- Arranging storage if needed
- Confirming parking access for movers
| Arrange Home Insurance Changes |
Contact your insurance provider to:
- Cancel or transfer your existing policy
- Arrange coverage for your new home
- Confirm overlap dates if needed
| Notify Utility Providers |
You’ll want to contact your utility companies ahead of time to schedule final readings and service transfers or cancellations.
Common Utilities & Services
- Hydro
- Gas
- Water
- Internet
- Cable/Satellite
- Security systems
- Propane (if applicable)
Helpful Tip
Try to keep utilities active until closing day to avoid issues during final walkthroughs or inspections.
| Update Your Mailing Address |
Changing your address ahead of time helps avoid missed bills, statements, and important documents.
Places to Update
- Canada Post mail forwarding
- Banks and credit cards
- Driver’s licence & health card
- Insurance providers
- CRA
- Employer/payroll
- Schools/daycares
- Subscriptions and online shopping accounts
- Doctors, dentists, and pharmacies
Helpful Tip
Mail forwarding through Canada Post can help catch anything you may miss during the transition.
| Begin Packing & purging |
Packing always takes longer than expected, so starting early can make moving week much easier.
Good Time to:
- Donate unwanted items
- Sell furniture you no longer need
- Dispose of hazardous materials
- Label boxes clearly by room
- Pack seasonal items first
- Set aside important documents and valuables
| Gather Important Home Information for the Buyers |
Leaving helpful information behind creates a great final impression.
Helpful Items to Leave:
- Garage door openers
- Extra keys
- Appliance manuals
- Alarm instructions
- Paint colours or renovation information
- Garbage/recycling schedules
- Warranty information
| Plan for Closing Day Logistics |
Closing days can sometimes involve delays with fund transfers and key exchanges.
Keep in Mind:
- Movers should ideally be flexible with timing
- Keys are usually released once the transaction officially closes
- Avoid scheduling anything too tight or time-sensitive that day