Homebuyers’ Moving Guide to Ottawa
A trusted plan for settling into your new home

Buying a home in Ottawa is a momentous milestone that marks the start of a new chapter in your life. Whether you’ve found a century home in The Glebe, a modern townhouse in Kanata, or a family retreat in Barrhaven, each neighbourhood has its own rhythm and lifestyle to adjust to.

Once the paperwork is signed and the keys are almost in hand, the focus shifts to the move itself. Packing, planning, and adjusting to a new community can feel overwhelming, but with the right steps, it all comes together smoothly.

This guide walks you through the moving process from start to finish, so you can settle into your Ottawa home with confidence.

Start with a Plan
Moving is simpler when you break it down into smaller, manageable stages.

Here’s a practical week-by-week guide to help you prepare for the big day.

Eight weeks before moving
• Research and compare local moving companies across Ottawa.
• Declutter your home — donate, sell, or recycle items you don’t need.
• Create a master checklist that includes your closing date, final inspection, and moving day.
• Use an online volume calculator to estimate your moving costs accurately.

Six weeks before moving
• Lock in your moving company and confirm your date.
• Notify service providers like Hydro Ottawa, Enbridge Gas, Bell, and Rogers.
• Begin using up pantry and freezer items so there’s less to move later.

Four weeks before moving
• Pack items you don’t use daily — seasonal clothing, books, and décor.
• Update your mailing address with Canada Post, your bank, and subscription services.
• Request time off from work around your move if needed.

Two weeks before moving
• Double-check details with your movers, including parking and timing.
• Pack a “first-night” box with toiletries, bedding, and snacks.
• Set up mail forwarding through Canada Post.

Moving Day Tips
When moving day arrives, a bit of preparation makes all the difference. Before you leave your old home:
• Walk through each room to make sure nothing’s left behind.
• Turn off lights, appliances, and breakers.
• Lock windows and doors securely.

Ottawa’s weather can change quickly, from snow flurries in April to rainstorms in September,

so keep a few towels, water bottles, and a change of clothes close by.

If you’ve hired professional movers, let them handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on the transition.

Choosing Reliable Ottawa Movers
The right movers can make your entire experience easier. Ottawa’s mix of tight downtown streets, suburban crescents, and older homes means experience matters. Look for local Ottawa moving teams that are insured, well-reviewed, and have handled moves in your specific area. Some movers also offer packing services, furniture assembly, and short-term
storage options that can save time and reduce stress if your moving timeline is tight.

Packing Made Simple
A bit of organization early on makes unpacking far smoother. You’ll need:
• Sturdy boxes, quality tape, and bubble wrap.
• Labels with both contents and destination room.
• Wardrobe boxes for clothing.
• Extra padding for fragile items.
 **Keep your most important items, including personal documents, valuables, and chargers, with you on moving day.**

Unpacking and Settling In
Start by setting up the rooms that make life feel normal again: your kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. Then take it one space at a time. As you unpack, flatten boxes, tidy as you go, and take breaks to enjoy your new surroundings. Don’t rush it.

Take your time to feel comfortable in your new space.

Getting Connected in Ottawa
Once the move is behind you, it’s time to make the city your own.
• Update your address with ServiceOntario for your driver’s licence and OHIP card.
• If you’re new to the city, register for utilities and local services early.
• Explore your new neighbourhood, whether it’s coffee on Preston Street, a morning run along the Rideau Canal,

or a family afternoon at Mooney’s Bay.
Ottawa is a city built on community, and getting to know your local shops, schools, and parks is the best way to feel right at home.

Your Trusted Real Estate Partners
Moving is about more than logistics; it’s about building the next part of your story in a place that fits.
At The Toscano Team, we’re here long after the keys are handed over. Whether you’re buying, selling, or planning your next move, our goal is to help you transition smoothly and feel supported every step of the way.

The Toscano Team – Helping you move confidently and live comfortably in Ottawa.