What should you do before and after moving into a Markham home?Start about two weeks before closing: book movers, set up hydro and water with Alectra, gas with Enbridge, internet and home insurance, and register children with the school board. On closing day, read the water meter and send it to Alectra, change the locks and test the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Within six days, update your driver’s licence address with ServiceOntario, and update your health card within 30 days. If movers or guests park on the street overnight, request City exemptions in advance, at $6 each since October 1, 2026.
Moving day goes smoothly when the small tasks are done early. This checklist follows the order most Markham movers need, from two weeks before closing to the first week in the new home.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, gives this list to buyers once their offer is firm.
Two weeks before closing
- Book movers, especially for month-end dates.
- Set up electricity, water and wastewater with Alectra; Alectra asks for notice ahead of your start date.
- Set up natural gas with Enbridge Gas.
- Book internet installation; appointments fill quickly.
- Confirm home insurance starts on closing day.
- Register children with the York Region District School Board or York Catholic District School Board.
One week before
- Start Canada Post mail forwarding.
- Request overnight parking exemptions for helpers or guests, $6 each online, up to 10 per licence plate per year.
- Confirm elevator bookings if moving out of or into a condo.
- Pack an essentials box: documents, medications, chargers, basic tools, cleaning supplies.
Closing day
- Pick up keys from your lawyer or agent.
- Read the water meter and submit it to Alectra.
- Take photos of the gas and hydro meters.
- Change the locks and garage codes.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Just bought in Markham?
Michael John Lau can share trusted movers, trades and local contacts for your first weeks.
Contact MichaelSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
The first week
| Task | Deadline or note |
|---|---|
| Driver’s licence and vehicle permit address | Within 6 days, through ServiceOntario |
| Health card address | Within 30 days |
| Property tax account and pre-authorized payments | Set up with the City of Markham |
| Garbage, recycling and green bin schedule | Check the City’s collection calendar |
| Pet licence | Register pets with the City |
| Library card | Free for Markham residents |
Schools
Confirm your school boundary with the board before you register, since boundaries and programs can change. Bring proof of address, such as the agreement of purchase and sale, and your child’s documents. See choosing a home near the right school zone.
New to Canada or Ontario?
Newcomers have extra steps, such as OHIP, a SIN and banking. See the Markham newcomer’s guide. Ultimately, the decision about how to plan your move is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information to settle in smoothly.
A little planning makes the first night in a new home feel like home. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Who supplies hydro and water in Markham?
Alectra Utilities bills electricity, water, wastewater and stormwater together.
Who supplies natural gas in Markham?
Enbridge Gas.
Do I need to read the water meter on closing day?
Yes. Submit the reading to Alectra on your service start date.
How soon must I update my driver's licence address in Ontario?
Within six days of moving, through ServiceOntario.
Can movers park on the street overnight in Markham?
Only with an exemption. Online exemptions cost $6 each since October 1, 2026.
How do I register my child for school in Markham?
Confirm the boundary, then register with the York Region District School Board or York Catholic District School Board with proof of address.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are licensed REALTORS® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. Licence #4784577. Call (647) 370-8885. Utility, water meter, parking exemption and address change details are from Alectra, Enbridge, the City of Markham and ServiceOntario (2026). Confirm current requirements with each provider. This article is general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with another brokerage.
