Moving from Montréal to Toronto can be an exciting, albeit stressful, experience. Whether you’re relocating for work, school, or personal reasons, there’s a lot to consider when planning your déménagement Montréal-Toronto. One of the most essential tasks you must tackle during this process is transferring your utilities and services to your new home. Doing this properly ensures that when you arrive, you’ll be able to enjoy all the comforts of your new space without delay.

Here’s a complete guide to help you understand how to transfer your utilities and services when moving from Montréal to Toronto. This will include everything from setting up electricity and water to transferring internet and other essential services. So let’s dive in!

Start Early to Avoid Gaps in Service

The first thing to do when preparing for your déménagement Montréal-Toronto is to start early. It’s best to give yourself at least two to three weeks before your moving date to get everything in place. While the process might seem simple, it requires some coordination between different service providers, and delays can lead to gaps in your services once you’ve arrived at your new home.

To avoid any inconvenience, contact your current utility providers in Montréal well in advance and inform them about your move. Notify them of your moving date and request that the services be shut off or transferred by the day you leave. At the same time, reach out to the utility companies in Toronto to ensure that your services are activated by the time you arrive.

Transferring Electricity Service

Electricity is one of the first and most important services to arrange for when moving. In Montréal, electricity is provided by Hydro-Québec, while in Toronto, the provider is Toronto Hydro. Transferring your electricity service is fairly straightforward but involves specific steps.

• Notify Hydro-Québec: Before leaving Montréal, you’ll need to contact Hydro-Québec to close your account. Make sure to provide your final meter reading to avoid any billing confusion. They will ask for your move date to ensure they can close your account properly.
• Contact Toronto Hydro: In Toronto, Toronto Hydro is responsible for electricity. Set up an account with them in advance by calling or visiting their website. You will need to provide information about your new address and the date you want the service to begin. This will ensure that your electricity is activated before you arrive.

Remember that while Hydro-Québec and Toronto Hydro are both responsible for electricity delivery, your account details and billing might differ slightly in terms of rates and services. Take time to understand the payment options and any additional services they might offer to ensure you have the best setup possible.

Setting Up Water and Waste Services

When moving to Toronto, it’s crucial to set up your water and waste services as well. The local government typically handles these essential utilities. In Toronto, water services are provided by the City of Toronto, while the municipal government also manages waste collection.

• Contact the City of Toronto for Water Services: As with electricity, the earlier you start, the better. You’ll need to set up an account with the City of Toronto for your water services, including billing for both water consumption and waste management. You can contact them by phone or online to arrange this transfer. Ensure you provide your new address and the date you wish the service to begin.
• Waste Collection: The City of Toronto provides waste and recycling collection on a regular schedule. They offer blue bins for recycling, green bins for organic waste, and grey bins for general garbage. When setting up your water account, ask about the collection schedule and make sure your new home is set up to receive the necessary bins. If you’re living in a multi-unit building, waste collection might be handled differently, so inquire about those details as well.

Transferring Internet and Cable Services

Internet and cable services are often a top priority when setting up utilities at your new home. Whether you’re working from home, studying, or just enjoying entertainment, having a reliable internet connection is essential. Most people use companies like Bell, Rogers, or other major providers for internet and cable services.

• Contact Your Current Provider in Montréal: Whether you use Bell, Videotron, or another provider, start by contacting your current internet and cable service provider in Montréal to inform them of your move. Let them know the exact date you will be leaving and make sure they disconnect the services on your moving day. They may also ask for your final bill payment and any equipment returns, such as modems or cable boxes.
• Choose a New Provider in Toronto: Toronto offers a range of internet and cable providers. Popular options include Rogers, Bell, and Telus, though several smaller companies might offer competitive rates. Research different providers to find the best deal that suits your needs for speed, cost, and package options.
• Schedule Installation: When setting up your new internet and cable services in Toronto, schedule an installation for the day you plan to move in. This will allow you to have service right away. Some providers may offer self-installation kits, while others may require a technician to come to your home.

Transferring Gas Service

In addition to electricity and water, you may also have gas service in your new home. In Montréal, natural gas is typically provided by Énergir. In Toronto, Enbridge Gas provides gas service. Transferring your gas service is similar to transferring electricity but involves contacting both the current provider and the new one.

• Contact Énergir in Montréal: Inform Énergir of your move well in advance. Provide them with your moving date and request they turn off your service on the appropriate date. Be prepared to give them your final meter reading to avoid any billing issues.
• Set Up Enbridge Gas in Toronto: To have gas service in your new home, contact Enbridge Gas in Toronto. They will set up your account and activate service. Like electricity and water, they will ask for your move-in date to ensure the service is turned on when you arrive. They may also provide information on gas meter readings and safety procedures.

Transferring Other Essential Services

Beyond the major utilities, you may need additional services to be transferred or set up in your new home. These services can include home security, heating and cooling systems, and other specialized needs.

• Home Security Services: If you currently have home security services through a company like ADT or Vivint, you’ll need to inform them of your move. Ask about transferring or installing new equipment in your Toronto home. Some companies may require a new installation, while others can simply transfer the service to your new address.
• Heating and Cooling Systems: If your new home in Toronto uses a heating and cooling system, such as a furnace or air conditioning, you might want to schedule a maintenance check or transfer any ongoing service plans to the new address. Contact the service provider to ensure everything is up to date before you move in.
• Phone Service: If you use a landline phone service, make sure to contact your provider to transfer the service. Many people now rely on cell phones, but if you’re still using a landline, ensure that set up ahead of time.

Conclusion

Transferring utilities and services when moving from Montréal to Toronto can initially seem overwhelming, but with proper planning, it becomes a manageable task. By starting early and staying organized, you can ensure that all your utilities and services are transferred smoothly without any interruptions.

From electricity and water to internet and gas, several essential services need to be arranged for your new home. Be proactive and contact your current providers well in advance to close your accounts, and don’t forget to set up new services with the relevant providers in Toronto before you arrive.

By following these steps, your déménagement Montréal-Toronto will be much more seamless, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home and enjoying everything Toronto offers.