Make your home buying experience more memorable and less stressful by being prepared. Once you’ve officially purchased a home, it’s time to anticipate what’s to come. Here’s what you should plan ahead before the closing date of your home.
Top Five Priorities
Moving Truck and Movers: Book your moving truck or hire a mover early. Their schedules can get quite busy so this isn’t something you want to leave to the last minute. My clients have had great experiences with Two Men and a Truck, a full service and professional moving company. You can also do your research and hire a local mover that suits your needs.
Your Lawyer: Do they have all the documents they need? Make sure you or your Realtor have provided the lawyer with every document relevant to your home purchase. They will need to conduct title searches well before the closing and coordinate mortgage instructions and other details.
Your Bank or Mortgage Broker: Do they have copies of the agreement of purchase and sale? Do they have all the documents they need? Make sure you or your Realtor provide all of the documents immediately after your offer is accepted so they can quickly secure the financing needed for your home purchase.
Home Insurance Company: If you haven’t already started shopping around for home insurance quotes, do so now. Finalize the details of your home insurance well before closing and most certainly once your offer has been accepted and conditions (if any) are fulfilled.
Schools: If you have children going to schools, make sure you know which schools they will be attending. Work with your Realtor to find out what schools serve your neighbourhood. Register your children with the schools before closing to make their transition an easier one.
What to Set Up or Disconnect
Gas and/or Oil: Contact Enbridge Gas at 1-877-362-7434 to set up your gas account. If your home uses oil for heating, get in touch with me to find an oil provider.
Hydro: In Toronto, contact Toronto Hydro at 416-542-8000 to set up your hydro account.
Internet & Telephone: Get in touch with Rogers, Bell or any internet and telephone provider you plan to use. If you have an existing account, make sure you notify the company you are currently using so you can either move or cancel the existing service.
Cable or Satellite: Unless you’re strictly watching YouTube or Netflix, chances are you’ll want to set up or move your cable or satellite service. Contact the company you plan to use to make this happen.
Alarm System: If you have an existing contract with an alarm company, make sure you discuss terminating it or transferring it to the new owners. Get in touch with the alarm company if you want to set up a system at your new home.
Lawn Care Providers: Now is the time to connect with a lawn care provider if you need this service at your new home. They can set you up on a contract service but make sure you know the details and the costs.
Notify of Address Change
One of the most tedious details when it comes to moving are address changes. You can get a forwarding service from Canada Post. Make sure you update your address for:
□ Car insurance
□ Credit cards
□ Magazine and newspaper subscriptions
□ Child Tax and/or Tax Credit Program
□ Banks
□ Revenue Canada
□ Vehicle Registration
□ Doctor and Dentist
□ Health Card
□ Family and Friends
□ Pharmacy prescription services