residential moving
Moving into a new home is exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming. Between packing boxes, booking movers, and figuring out where everything goes, it’s easy to let important things like utilities slip through the cracks. The last thing you want is to arrive at your new place and discover there’s no electricity, water, or internet. Taking a little time to plan your utility shutoff and start dates ahead of your move can save a lot of stress and make settling in a whole lot smoother.
Make a Complete List of Your Utilities
Before you even touch the phone, make a complete list of everything you currently pay for. Most people remember electricity and internet, but forget the smaller items that still need cancelling or transferring.
Your list might include:
- Electricity
- Natural gas
- Water and sewer
- Trash and recycling
- Internet
- Cable or streaming boxes
- Home phone or VoIP
- Home security systems
- Optional or easy-to-forget services (pool maintenance, irrigation systems, storage lockers)
Keeping account numbers handy makes all your calls far quicker.
Contact Your Utility Providers Early
A good rule of thumb in Ontario is to give 2-4 weeks’ notice to utility companies. That’s usually enough time to arrange start and stop dates, especially if a technician needs to visit your new home.
During your calls, it’s smart to ask about:
- Deposits for new accounts
- Setup or transfer fees
- Final billing dates
- Whether you can transfer loyalty credits or discounts to your new address
Don’t forget to change your official address on you Ontario ID’s and cards such as driver’s licence, health card, etc.
When to Switch Your Utilities
Getting the timing right on your utility transfers is essential for a smooth move. A simple guideline helps avoid most issues:
- Old home: Schedule shutoff for the day after you move out
- New home: Have all services start the day before you move in
This prevents losing power or water while finishing up at your old place and ensures you don’t arrive at a dark or unheated new home. When scheduling, keep in mind that different utilities require different lead times in Ontario:
- Electricity / Gas / Water: Usually 2-14 days; same-day activation is sometimes possible if the connection already exists
- Internet / Cable: Can start within 3 days, but some installations may require 2–4 weeks, especially in areas without existing fibre lines
- Phone / VoIP: Typically 1-14 days, depending on number transfer requirements
- Security Systems: About 1-3 weeks due to required technician appointments
Keep in mind that utility setup and transfer times can vary depending on the city. For example, electricity and water services in the face-paced Toronto may be faster than in the growing Hamilton or other smaller cities. Internet and cable installations also often differ by location, so planning early is essential.
Extra Tips for a Smooth Transition
- Double-check the availability of service at your new home for things like internet and cable. In some areas, an appointment may be required to install these services weeks in advance.
- Save money by bundling services such as internet, cable, and phone together.
- Ask your utility providers if they offer moving credits or loyalty rewards, as some companies give credits when you transfer your services. It can be a nice little bonus to help with your moving costs.
- Keep a moving day kit complete with flashlights, chargers, and a power strip.
- Notify neighbors, if necessary, for trash or temporary shutdowns.
Make Your Move Stress-Free
To make moving a little less stressful, gather all your utility contacts in one easy-to-find folder, set reminders on your phone or calendar for key dates, and let your professional movers know about your utility schedule. They can take care of the tricky timing and handle the logistics so you do not have to worry. This gives you the freedom to focus on the exciting parts of moving in, like arranging your furniture, unpacking your favorite things, and making your new house feel like home, all while avoiding the stress of being without utilities.