Moving Checklist Ontario 2026
The complete province-specific checklist for moving in Ontario — from giving notice to your landlord to updating your OHIP, driver's licence, and CRA records.
Ontario Moving Timeline Checklist
Work through each phase in order. Ontario-specific tasks are highlighted throughout.
- Set your confirmed moving date
- Create a detailed moving budget (truck, movers, supplies, deposits)
- Research and book 3+ moving company quotes
- Begin decluttering — donate, sell, or discard
- Give notice to landlord (60 days for most Ontario leases)
- Research storage options if bridging between homes
- Confirm new home possession or lease start date
- Start collecting free boxes from grocery/liquor stores
- Book your moving company or reserve rental truck
- Order packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers)
- Begin packing non-essential rooms (storage, spare bedroom)
- Book elevator access at condo buildings (both addresses)
- Arrange storage unit if needed — book early for summer moves
- Notify Canada Post of address change (forward mail 6 months)
- Photograph valuables for insurance documentation
- Research new neighbourhood: schools, doctors, transit
- Update address with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) — My Account online
- Notify Service Ontario — update driver's licence and health card
- Transfer or cancel utilities at old address (Hydro, gas, water)
- Set up utilities at new address — allow 2 weeks for activation
- Update address with employer and payroll
- Notify bank, credit cards, and investment accounts
- Update address with WSIB if self-employed
- Arrange childcare and pet care for moving day
- Pack all but daily essentials
- Prepare "first night" box (bedding, toiletries, phone charger, snacks)
- Defrost and clean fridge and freezer
- Confirm parking permits at both addresses
- Disassemble large furniture
- Return library books, borrowed items; collect your own
- Confirm moving company booking and get written confirmation
- Arrange parking for moving truck (City of Toronto permit if needed)
- Do a final walkthrough of every room, closet, and cabinet
- Check attic, basement, garage, and outdoor storage
- Confirm all appliances are off and windows are locked
- Take meter readings at old address (hydro, gas, water)
- Hand over keys and get signed receipts
- Inspect new home before unloading — document any existing damage
- Take meter readings at new address
- Set up beds and bathroom essentials first
- Update driver's licence address at ServiceOntario within 6 days of moving
- Update Ontario health card (OHIP) address — online or at ServiceOntario
- Register children at new school — contact local school board
- Register with a new family doctor (Ontario Health — find a doctor)
- Update vehicle permit address at ServiceOntario
- Notify your dentist, pharmacy, and specialists
- Update voter registration with Elections Ontario
- File change of address with any remaining contacts
Ontario Government Services to Update
These are the most important Ontario and federal government services to notify when you move.
ServiceOntario
What to update: Driver's licence, health card, vehicle permit address update
How: Online at ontario.ca/serviceontario or in-person at any ServiceOntario location
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
What to update: Tax records, benefit payments (CCB, GST/HST credit)
How: Online via My Account at canada.ca/cra, by phone, or on your next tax return
Canada Post
What to update: Mail forwarding to new address
How: Online at canadapost.ca or at any post office
Elections Ontario
What to update: Voter registration for provincial elections
How: Online at elections.on.ca
Ontario School Boards
What to update: School registration for children
How: Contact the local school board for your new address
WSIB (if applicable)
What to update: Workplace Safety and Insurance Board records
How: Online at wsib.ca or by phone
Ontario Utility Providers by City
Contact these providers to transfer or set up utilities at your new Ontario address.
| City | Electricity | Natural Gas | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | Toronto Hydro | Enbridge Gas | City of Toronto |
| Brampton | Brampton Hydro / Alectra | Enbridge Gas | Region of Peel |
| Mississauga | Alectra Utilities | Enbridge Gas | Region of Peel |
| Hamilton | Alectra Utilities | Enbridge Gas | City of Hamilton |
| Kitchener | Kitchener Utilities / Alectra | Kitchener Utilities | Region of Waterloo |
| Guelph | Guelph Hydro / Alectra | Enbridge Gas | City of Guelph |
🏠 Ontario Tenant Rights When Moving
- • Last month's rent deposit: Your landlord must return your last month's rent deposit (plus interest) within 10 days of your move-out date if you gave proper notice.
- • Key deposit: Landlords can only charge a key deposit equal to the replacement cost of the key — not a general security deposit.
- • Move-out inspection: You have the right to a move-out inspection with your landlord. Request one in writing to document the unit's condition.
- • Landlord and Tenant Board: If there are disputes about your deposit or move-out, file with the LTB at tribunalsontario.ca/ltb.
Frequently Asked Questions — Moving in Ontario
How much notice do I need to give my landlord in Ontario?
Under the Ontario Residential Tenancies Act, you must give 60 days written notice before the end of your lease term for a fixed-term lease, or 60 days notice for a month-to-month tenancy. The notice must be given on the first day of a rental period. Use the N9 form from the Landlord and Tenant Board.
How do I update my address with ServiceOntario?
You can update your driver's licence and health card address online at ontario.ca/serviceontario, by phone at 1-800-387-3445, or in person at any ServiceOntario location. You must update your driver's licence within 6 days of moving. There is no fee for an address change.
Do I need a parking permit to park a moving truck in Toronto?
Yes, in the City of Toronto you may need a Temporary Parking Exemption Permit to park a moving truck on a residential street. Apply online at toronto.ca or call 311. Permits are typically free and issued for up to 3 days. Other Ontario municipalities have similar requirements — check with your local city.
How do I transfer my OHIP coverage when moving within Ontario?
OHIP coverage is continuous when moving within Ontario — you do not need to re-apply. Simply update your address with ServiceOntario. If you are moving to Ontario from another province, there is a 3-month waiting period before OHIP coverage begins, so maintain your previous provincial coverage during this time.
What is the best time of year to move in Ontario?
September through November and February through April are the best times to move in Ontario. Summer (June–August) is peak moving season — prices are 20–40% higher and availability is limited. Winter moves (December–January) are cheaper but weather can be challenging. Book at least 4–6 weeks in advance for summer moves.
Do I need to update my address with the CRA separately from ServiceOntario?
Yes — CRA and ServiceOntario are separate federal and provincial systems. Update CRA via My Account at canada.ca/cra to ensure your tax refunds, Canada Child Benefit, and GST/HST credit payments go to the right address. You can also update your address on your next tax return, but doing it online is faster.
How do I find a new family doctor after moving in Ontario?
Use the Health Care Connect program at ontario.ca/healthcareconnect to be matched with a family doctor or nurse practitioner accepting new patients. You can also check the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (cpso.on.ca) directory. Walk-in clinics are available while you wait for a family doctor.
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