Moving in Guelph involves a few city-specific steps beyond the usual logistics. Here's a week-by-week checklist that accounts for everything from booking a moving company to updating your address with the City of Guelph and Guelph Hydro.
6–8 Weeks Before Moving Day
- Book a moving company or rent a truck (summer and September are peak — book early)
- Order your rental totes from ToteRental.ca (35–60 depending on home size)
- Notify your landlord in writing if renting — 60 days notice is standard in Ontario
- Start decluttering — donate to Habitat for Humanity ReStore on Woodlawn Rd or to the Guelph Community Fridge
- Research schools if moving with children (Upper Grand DSB for public, Wellington CDSB for Catholic)
4 Weeks Before
- Notify Service Canada to update your address for CRA, CPP, EI, and OAS
- Contact Guelph Hydro to arrange service transfer or new connection
- Contact Enbridge Gas to transfer gas service
- Update your address with your bank, insurance providers, and employer
- Arrange parking permits for moving trucks if needed (City of Guelph Parking Services: 519-837-5619)
2 Weeks Before
- Forward your mail through Canada Post (costs a small fee, available online)
- Update your address on Ontario driver's licence through ServiceOntario
- Notify your doctor, dentist, and any specialists
- Pack non-essential items — start with storage areas and spare rooms
- Confirm tote delivery date with ToteRental.ca
Moving Week
- Pack room by room, labelling each tote with contents and destination room
- Defrost the freezer at least 24 hours before moving day
- Do a final walkthrough of your old home — check closets, attic, and crawl spaces
- Take meter readings at both properties on moving day
- Hand over or collect keys
After Moving In
- Register with a Guelph family doctor if you don't have one (Health Care Connect: 1-800-445-1822)
- Get a Guelph Public Library card (free, requires proof of address)
- Set up garbage and recycling pickup with the City of Guelph
- Schedule tote pickup with ToteRental.ca once you're unpacked
Moving in Guelph? ToteRental.ca delivers totes right to your door and picks them up when you're done — so you can focus on the checklist, not the boxes. Get a free quote →