Moving out of your home can seem chaotic—after all, there's so many things that need to be taken care of!
We've compiled a checklist for you to help ensure you've got all your bases covered.
Arrange Conditions & Contingencies
Your agreement of purchase and sale may have certain conditions and contingencies that need to be met before the sale of your house can go through. Your Realtor should be aware of any conditions and contingencies that need to be fulfilled before closing and will keep you appraised of their status.
Get All Necessary Documents to Your Lawyer
- Review and sign the documents your lawyer has prepared for you.
- Provide your lawyer with the deed, mortgage and loan information, property tax bills, surveys and any other documentation needed.
- Provide your lawyer with any documentation of repairs—if any—that were made per any home inspection contingencies.
Cancel Insurance Policies
- Once you receive confirmation that the deal has closed, contact your insurance agent to cancel any home insurance policies.
Cancel All Utilities & Services
Update your accounts for utilities, home phone services, Internet, etc., and cancel or move any services such as:- Utilities
- Internet
- TV/phone
- Security system
- Gardening/plow services
- Cleaning services
Change Your Official Address
Once your closing is official, be sure to update the address on important documents such as your driver's license and notify institutions such as your bank, the post office, government offices, etc. Set up mail forwarding if applicable.
Documents/places that will require an updated address:
- Driver's license
- Health card
- Vehicle permit
- Bank
- Post office
- Gym
- Magazine/monthly subscriptions
Prepare the Home for the New Owners
- Clean the property, ideally once all your belongings have been removed.
- Collect any appliance manuals, warranties, or documents for the buyers.
- Leave all keys, remotes, and security information for the buyers.
- Close all blinds and lock the house before you leave for good.
Financials
- If you are a non-resident of Canada from a tax standpoint, you will need to acquire a certificate from the Canada Revenue Agency that states you’ve paid the applicable tax. If you don't, the buyer will withhold a portion of the sale price. Do this as early as possible.
