Welcome back to Moving Right! Episode 8 solves Ontario's utility transfer nightmare. After 15 years, we've seen it all: arriving at 8:30 PM to no power, no heat, no Wi-Fi. Here's your golden timeline to avoid the chaos.
Disasters We Prevent:๐ก Double billing for 3 months๐ก Activating wrong address๐ก $500 equipment penalties๐ก 2-week gas inspection delays
Complete Utility Inventory:Electricity, gas, water/sewer, trash, internet, cable, home security, pool maintenance, storage lockersGather all account numbers first - turns 20-min calls into 5-min transactions
The Golden Timeline (2-4 Weeks Notice):๐ OLD HOME: Shutoff day AFTER move (need power for cleaning/meter reading)๐ NEW HOME: Activate day BEFORE move (walk into lit, warm space)
Avoid $500 Equipment Penalties:๐ฆ Return modems, routers, cable boxes to provider๐ฆ Get receipt + photograph equipment with serial numbers๐ฆ Keep documentation 6 months
Ontario Provider Guide:
Time-of-Use Savings:โก Off-peak (cheapest): 7 PM-7 AM + weekendsโก On-peak (expensive): 11 AM-5 PM weekdays๐ก Run appliances after 7 PM
Budget These Costs:๐ฐ Connection/disconnection: $200-300๐ฐ Security deposits: Up to $500 (waived with good payment history)๐ฐ Final old home bills: $300-500๐ฐ Setup fees: $30-60 per utility
GAS WARNING: Disconnected 6+ months = ESA inspection required = 10-14 day delay!
Your Utility Shutdown File (Keep 6 Months):All confirmation numbers, shutoff/start emails, timestamped meter photos, equipment receipts
Troubleshooting:No power? Check breaker, call emergency lineWrong bill? Use confirmation numbers + photosLong wait? Ask for cancellation/priority list
Bonus: Ask about green energy programs and Save on Energy rebates while setting up!
Expert moving coordination: Professional moving teams in Hamilton, reliable moving services in Mississauga, trusted movers in Richmond Hill
Complete guide: How to Arrange Utility Shutoff and Start Dates
Secret: Start early, document everything, keep proof.
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Moving Right: Administrative friction breaks people, not heavy lifting.