When Do I Need to Move Out on Closing Day?

Stewart Blair

3 years ago

When Do I Need to Move Out on Closing Day?

Your Ultimate Guide to a Smooth Moving Day Process

What happens on closing day? When Do I Need to Move Out on Closing Day?

These are common questions we hear from homeowners preparing to move. Let’s break it down to ensure a smooth moving day process.

Moving day can be stressful, and while some hiccups are unavoidable, others can be prevented with proper planning. One common issue? New homeowners arrive at their new house, only to find the previous owners haven’t moved out yet. Believe it or not, this happens more often than you might think.

Let’s make sure this doesn’t happen to you.

What Is Closing Day?

Closing Day, also known as the “Completion Date” in your sales agreement, is when the ownership of the property legally transfers to you. This is also when:

The purchase of your new home is finalized.
The sale of your old home is completed.
Legal documents and bank transfers are processed.

While deals can technically close at any point during the day, most transactions in Ontario are finalized between noon and 5 PM.

Section 2 of a standard Agreement of Purchase & Sale

Steps to Prepare Before Closing Day

Closing day can feel overwhelming, but proper preparation can make it manageable. Here are the steps to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Organize Your Paperwork

Provide all necessary documents to your mortgage broker, lawyer, and insurance broker.
Track any conditions in your Agreement of Purchase & Sale and ensure they’re met on time.

2. Arrange Movers and Utilities

Book your movers well in advance to secure your preferred date.
Notify utility companies of your move to avoid service interruptions.
Update your address for mail, bills, and subscriptions.

3. Pack and Purge

Use this opportunity to declutter. Donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need.
Label boxes clearly to simplify unpacking in your new home.

4. Schedule Meetings for Signing Documents

Arrange dates with your lawyer and mortgage broker to complete the necessary paperwork before closing day.

When Do I Need to Move Out on Closing Day? Your Ultimate Guide to a Smooth Moving Day Process – Elevate Real Estate Group

What Happens on Closing Day? Smooth Moving Day Process

Closing day can often feel like a mix of rushing and waiting. Here’s what to expect:

Morning:

Pack up your belongings and load them into the moving truck.
Aim to have the house cleared by lunchtime.
Do a final walkthrough of your old home. Make sure it’s clean and free of personal items.

Afternoon:

Wait for your lawyer to confirm the deal has closed. You cannot access your new home until this happens.
Once notified, pick up the keys from your lawyer’s office.

Evening:

Start moving into your new home and get settled!

Key Tip: Avoid Early Move-In Requests

While it might be tempting to start moving into your new home early, most lawyers and insurance providers strongly advise against it. Premature move-ins can create legal and financial complications.

Final Thoughts: Make Closing Day Stress-Free

With the right preparation and a clear plan, your closing day can go smoothly. Remember to:

Stay organized.
Communicate with your lawyer and real estate agent.
Be flexible and patient—sometimes delays are unavoidable.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your new home without unnecessary stress. Happy moving!

The Elevate Real Estate Group ( Brittany, Victoria, Stewart, Jeremy, and Caitlyn)

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