So, you’ve sold your home—high fives all around! But before you ride off into the sunset (or into your new place with a moving truck full of boxes and existential dread), there are a few loose ends to tie up. You don’t want the new owners texting you six months later asking, “Uh, which day is garbage pickup?”
To save yourself (and them) from unnecessary headaches, here’s a handy checklist of everything you need to do before handing over the keys.
Gather All the Keys (and More!)
You know the front door key is a must, but don’t forget:
- Spare keys hidden under a rock or in the shed
- Garage door openers
- Mailbox keys
- Keys for sheds, gates, or outbuildings
- Security system codes
- Smart home devices—reset them so the new owners aren’t locked out of their own home
Garbage & Recycling Pickup Schedule
The last thing the new homeowners want is a pile of trash and no idea when it will disappear. Leave a note or link to your municipality’s waste collection schedule. For those in Durham Region, you can find local garbage collection info here.
Say Goodbye to Your TV & Internet Plan
Unless you want to keep paying for someone else’s Netflix marathons, make sure to transfer or cancel your services. Some of the most common providers in Canada include:
No one wants to move into a Wi-Fi dead zone, so let them know which provider works best for them.
Set Up Your Final Utility Readings
Don’t get stuck paying for someone else’s hot showers. Call ahead to cancel or transfer:
💡 Electricity (Hydro One, Toronto Hydro, or your local provider)
🔥 Gas (Enbridge Gas, or whoever keeps your house toasty)
🚰 Water (check with your municipality)
Many companies let you submit final meter readings online—no waiting on hold for an hour!
Update Your Address (Unless You Want Strangers Getting Your Amazon Packages)
Redirecting your mail is one of those things that’s easy to forget until you realize your new debit card is sitting at your old house. Here’s what to update:
- Canada Post forwarding service: Set it up here
- Driver’s license & vehicle registration: Update with ServiceOntario
- Banks, credit cards, and insurance providers
- Subscription boxes, memberships, and online shopping accounts
Book Movers (or Bribe Friends with Pizza)
If you’re hiring movers, book them early—especially during peak moving season. If you’re enlisting friends, at least promise them something better than lukewarm takeout.
Cancel or Transfer Home Insurance
Your home insurance doesn’t magically disappear when you move. Call your provider to cancel, transfer, or set up new coverage at your next place. Pro tip: Many policies require at least 30 days’ notice.
The Final Walkthrough: Don’t Leave These Behind!
Before you slam the door one last time, do a final check of these often-forgotten spots:
✔ Basement storage & attic
✔ That one drawer everyone forgets about
✔ Garage corners (there’s always a dusty box of mystery items)
✔ Medicine cabinet (because nobody wants your expired cold meds)
✔ Outdoor storage bins
Cross all this off, and you can drive away stress-free, knowing you’ve left everything in tip-top shape (and won’t get a frantic text from the buyers later).
Until next time,
Kim