The Homeowner's Calendar

The weeks leading up to the day you take possession of your new home can be as exhausting as they are exciting. Here's a suggested calendar of events to keep you on track as you count down to closing day.

Two months before

Give rental notice

Select a moving company.

Planning to do-it-yourself? Begin packing items you won't need during this time.

Sell or give away unneeded items.

Six weeks before

Make records of belongings/valuables - insure if required.

Make arrangements to store items if necessary.

Obtain copies of personal records (i.e.: medical, dental, academic) if you will be switching providers.

Four weeks before

• Notify post office of change of address - send change of address cards
• Notify utility and phone providers of change of address - arrange for connection at new address
• Confirm move details with mover
• Obtain boxes from mover - continue packing items as appropriate.

Two weeks before

• Draw up floor plan of new home - provide to moving company with instructions on locating furniture and label furniture accordingly
  
• Arrange for babysitting, pet-sitting on move day
  
• If discarding bulky items, make arrangements according to municipal requirements
  
• Arrange necessary move and related insurance costs.

One week before

Take down any fixtures that you plan to bring with you.

Pack a move-day travel bag with essentials (i.e. change of clothes, toiletries).

Label items to be moved in the car, if appropriate.

Have your lawyer/notary advise you of the exact amount owing, then have your certified cheque or bank draft prepared accordingly.

Moving day

Review directions with mover.

Save all copies of moving documentation.

Before leaving, check each room carefully: close windows, turn off water and appliances, lock doors.

Notify landlord that property is vacant.

Leave forwarding information.

Closing Day
The day you've been waiting for has finally arrived. Here's what you can expect to take place on closing day:

• All the appropriate documentation should be with your lawyer/notary
• With your lawyer/notary, review the statement of adjustments which details the exact amount you owe the vendor on closing
• You should have a certified cheque or bank draft payable to your lawyer/notary to cover these costs and your legal fees and disbursements
• Your mortgage representative will provide your mortgage funds to your lawyer/notary, who will issue payment to the vendor
• Your lawyer/notary will arrange for you to pick up your keys

Congratulations and welcome home!