Everything You Need to Set Up Before You Get the Keys
Buying your first home is exciting—but there’s a lot to do before closing day arrives. From setting up utilities to arranging home insurance, this pre-closing checklist ensures you’re ready to walk into your new home with confidence (and Wi-Fi). Here’s what to tackle in the days or weeks leading up to your closing.
✅ Secure Home Insurance
One of the most important steps before closing is securing your home insurance—in fact, your lender will require proof of coverage before funding your mortgage. Use this time to compare policies, not just prices. The cheapest option may not offer the protection you truly need.
Consider speaking with an insurance broker to explore different coverage types, understand what's required by your lender, and find the best fit for your needs and budget.Bonus Tip: Ask about bundled packages with your auto insurance provider—these can lead to great discounts and simplify monthly payments.
✅ Set Up Property Tax Payments
Property taxes are usually paid through your local municipality, and the easiest way to stay on top of them is to set up a monthly pre-authorized payment plan. You’ll need:
Your property address
A void cheque or bank account info
Your tax roll number (provided by your lawyer or the township)
Setting this up in advance means one less thing to worry about on closing day—and ensures you don’t miss your first payment.
✅ Set Up Hydro/Electricity
Your electricity provider depends on your location. In Uxbridge and many surrounding areas, this is typically Hydro One, while in cities like Toronto or Ottawa it may differ. Simply search: 👉 “Hydro in [your town]” to find your provider and set your account to begin on your closing day.
✅ Set Up Water & Sewer Services
If your home is on municipal water and sewer, contact your town or region’s utility department to start service. Look up: 👉 “Water services in [your town]” to find the right provider.
Note: If your home uses a well and septic system, you may not need to set this up through the municipality.
✅ Set Up Gas or Propane (If Applicable)
If your home uses natural gas or propane, you’ll need to contact the correct provider:
Natural gas: Usually a regional utility
Propane: May require contacting a private supplier directly
Note: If your home is fully electric, skip this step.
✅ Set Up Garbage & Recycling Collection
Head to your municipality’s website to find:
Your garbage, recycling, and green bin schedule
Rules about waste sorting and special collection days
Info on ordering bins (usually cheaper than hardware stores)
Many towns also offer mobile apps for reminders and updates—super handy when you're new to the area!
✅ Set Up Wi-Fi & Internet
Shop around for internet providers in your area—options and speeds can vary widely depending on location. Don’t forget to check for:
First-time customer promotions
Email sign-up discounts
Contract-free options if you're not sure about your long-term plan
📅 Pro tip: Book your installation for the day after closing. Since you won’t know the exact time you’ll get your keys, this prevents missed appointments and ensures you’re online ASAP.
✅ Budget for Closing Costs
Don’t forget to budget for closing costs—we recommend setting aside about 1% of the purchase price. These can include:
Legal fees
Land transfer tax
Title insurance
Adjustments (for property taxes, utilities, etc.)
Note: This estimate doesn’t include moving costs, so be sure to factor those in separately.
✅ Everyday Living Costs
Once you move in, you’ll also need to budget for everyday essentials like:
Groceries
Cleaning supplies
Toiletries
Laundry detergent
Pet food, if applicable
💡 Money-saving tip: Shop in bulk where possible and always be on the lookout for discounts, flyers, and loyalty programs. These small savings add up fast—especially when setting up a new home.
Final Thoughts
Moving into your first home is a huge milestone—and with a little preparation, your closing day can be smooth, stress-free, and even enjoyable. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to provide referrals and answer your questions along the way.