The Complete Markham Moving Day Checklist: Utilities, Address Changes, School Transfers and First Week Essentials
The Complete Markham Moving Day Checklist: Utilities, Address Changes, School Transfers and First Week Essentials
Your offer is firm. Congratulations. Now comes the part nobody teaches you: everything that has to happen before and after the keys are in your hand.
Neeraj Moolchandani is a top real estate agent in Markham, Ontario.
The Short Answer
After your Markham purchase is firm, arrange home insurance before closing, set up hydro with Alectra Utilities, gas with Enbridge Gas, and water with the City of Markham, and book movers or an elevator if you are moving into a condo. In Ontario, you must update the address on your driver's licence and vehicle permit within 6 days of moving, and on your health card within 30 days. Register children with the right school board early. On closing day your lawyer releases the keys once funds transfer, so plan the move for later that day or the next.
Neeraj and the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the teams Markham buyers trust from first showing to first night, put this checklist together so nothing slips through the cracks.
Four to Six Weeks Before Closing
- Send your firm agreement to your lawyer and lender.
- Book movers, especially for month end, which fills up fast.
- Arrange home insurance to start on closing day. Your lender will need proof.
- Give notice to your landlord if you rent. See our lease timing guide.
- Register children with the school board for your new address.
- Start packing rooms you use least.
Two Weeks Before
Utilities
| Service | Provider in Markham | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Hydro | Alectra Utilities | Open an account in your name from closing day |
| Natural gas | Enbridge Gas | Transfer service to your name |
| Water and wastewater | City of Markham | Your lawyer often arranges a final reading; confirm the account |
| Internet and TV | Your chosen provider | Book installation early, especially for a home office |
| Rented equipment | Water heater or furnace rental company | Confirm any rental contract that transfers with the home |
Confirm providers for your address. Condo buyers may have some utilities included in fees.
- Book a condo elevator and loading dock time, if needed.
- Set up mail forwarding with Canada Post.
- Confirm your closing funds with your lawyer.
Questions about closing day? Neeraj is still here after the offer. Call or text Neeraj at (647) 370 8885.
Address Changes
- Driver's licence and vehicle permit. Must be updated within 6 days of moving. You can do it online through ServiceOntario.
- Health card. Must be updated within 30 days.
- CRA. Update through your online account.
- Banks, credit cards, and insurance.
- Employer and payroll.
- Doctors, dentists, and pharmacies.
- Subscriptions and online shopping accounts.
- Pet licence. Markham requires dogs and cats to be licensed. Update your details with the City.
School Transfers
- Confirm the school for your new address with the school board's locator.
- Contact the new school to register, with proof of address and your child's records.
- Let the current school know the last day.
- Check bus eligibility for the new address.
Our school zone guide explains bus distances and enrolment caps.
Closing Day
- Your lawyer transfers funds and registers the home in your name.
- Keys are usually released once registration is done, often in the afternoon.
- Plan the move for late in the day or the next morning, in case of delays.
- Do your final visit, if your agreement allows one, before closing.
Need names for movers, cleaners, or trades? Neeraj can share some. Call or text Neeraj at (647) 370 8885.
Your First Week
- Change or rekey the locks and garage codes.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. They are required by Ontario law.
- Find the main water shut off, electrical panel, and furnace filter.
- Check for a backwater valve and sump pump, and how they work.
- Learn your garbage, recycling, and green bin schedule from the City.
- Meet your neighbours.
Keep our emergency preparedness checklist handy as your first season begins.
Moving soon? Let us help the last steps go smoothly. Call or text Neeraj at (647) 370 8885.
Moving Day Questions, Answered
How long do I have to change my address in Ontario?
You must update your driver's licence and vehicle permit within 6 days of moving, and your health card within 30 days. Many changes can be done online through ServiceOntario.
Who provides hydro and gas in Markham?
Most of Markham is served by Alectra Utilities for electricity and Enbridge Gas for natural gas. Water and wastewater are handled by the City of Markham. Confirm providers for your address.
When do I get the keys on closing day?
Your lawyer releases the keys once funds are transferred and the home is registered in your name, often in the afternoon. Plan your move for later in the day or the next day.
Do I need home insurance before closing?
Yes. Your lender will need proof of home insurance starting on closing day before it releases the mortgage funds.
How do I transfer my child to a new school in Markham?
Confirm the school for your new address using the board's locator, then register with proof of address and records. Check bus eligibility for the new address too.
From Firm Offer to First Night
Neeraj stays with you through closing, so the last steps feel as clear as the first.
Call or text (647) 370 8885 · info@kaizenrealestate.ca
Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage · 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4
Address change deadlines: Government of Ontario. Utility providers and City services: confirm for your specific address. This article is general information, not legal, tax, mortgage, or financial advice. Market commentary describes current conditions and is not a promise of future prices. Information is believed accurate but should be independently verified. Not intended to solicit properties currently under contract.
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