Setting up in London: a moving checklist

Last reviewed October 30, 2026

Moving within Ontario means you can skip a lot of paperwork: your health coverage, driver's licence and vehicle registration all carry over. But there's still a list of accounts to open, close and update. Here's what to set up when you move from the GTA to London, roughly in the order you'll need it. Providers and processes change, so confirm details with each one.

Utilities

Electricity, water and wastewater: London Hydro

London Hydro delivers electricity to most of the city and bills water and wastewater services on behalf of the City of London, so one account covers all three. Open your account a couple of weeks before your closing date, and close your GTA electricity and water accounts for the day of your sale. Your lawyer will usually arrange a final meter reading on both ends.

Natural gas: Enbridge Gas

Most London homes heat with natural gas from Enbridge Gas, the same company that serves most of the GTA. You can usually move your account online. If you see offers from gas or electricity retailers at the door, take your time. In Ontario, retail energy contracts are optional, and the Ontario Energy Board publishes guidance on them.

Water heater and furnace rentals

Many Ontario homes have a rented water heater, and sometimes a rented furnace or air conditioner. Your agreement of purchase and sale should list any rental equipment that comes with the home. Get the rental company's details from the seller so you can transfer the contract into your name.

Internet and phone

Most of London has wired internet from several providers. Options include the national carriers, regional players and London-based Start.ca, which resells on the main networks. Availability and speeds vary by street. Check the exact address before you buy if you work from home, especially on the city's rural fringe or in brand-new subdivisions where service is still being built out. Book installation for your move-in week, since installers can be booked up at month-end.

Garbage, recycling and the Green Bin

The City of London collects garbage, Blue Box recycling and Green Bin food waste from curbside homes. Download the City's waste collection app or check its website for your schedule. The City's site also lists what goes in each bin, bulky-item rules and the locations of EnviroDepots for yard waste and larger items. Condo and apartment buildings usually have their own arrangements, so ask your property manager.

Address changes

• Driver's licence and vehicle permit, through ServiceOntario. Ontario requires address changes to be reported within six days.
• Health card, through ServiceOntario. OHIP coverage continues; only the address changes.
• Canada Revenue Agency, through your CRA My Account.
• Mail forwarding, through Canada Post. Set it up at least a week before you move.
• Banks, credit cards, insurers and pension plans.
• Employer and payroll, including your benefits provider.
• Elections Ontario and Elections Canada, so you're registered to vote in your new riding.
• Subscriptions and online shopping accounts. Not glamorous, but it saves a lot of misdirected parcels.

Schools and childcare

• Find your designated schools using the school locator tools on the Thames Valley District School Board (public) and London District Catholic School Board websites. French-language boards also serve London.
• Register once you have a confirmed address. Boards usually ask for proof of address, proof of age and immunization records.
• Ask about specialised programs, such as French Immersion, special education or gifted programs, early. Some have application windows.
• Childcare waitlists: start as early as possible. Ontario's childcare system has waitlists in many communities, and London is no exception.

Home basics in your first month

• Home insurance must be in place before closing. Your lender will require it.
• Change the locks, or at least re-key them, and update garage and alarm codes.
• Find your main water shut-off and electrical panel before you need them.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Ontario requires working smoke alarms on every storey and outside sleeping areas, and CO alarms in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages.
• Register for property tax with the City. Your lawyer will notify the City of the ownership change, but set up pre-authorized payments yourself if you want them, and check whether your mortgage lender pays taxes on your behalf.
• Get to know your neighbourhood association. Many London neighbourhoods have active associations that run events and share local news.