How to Set Up Your Apartment After Moving to Canada

Setting up your apartment after moving to Canada can be an exciting but challenging process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get settled smoothly:

1. Start with the Essentials

When moving into your new apartment, focus on the basic necessities first. Depending on whether your apartment is furnished or unfurnished, you’ll need different items.

Furnished Apartment:

• Even if it's furnished, you may need personal items like: Bedding: Sheets, blankets, pillows. Towels: Bath towels, hand towels. Kitchenware: Basic utensils, pots, pans, and dishes.

Unfurnished Apartment:

For unfurnished apartments, you’ll need to buy or arrange for essential furniture and appliances. Prioritize items that are essential for daily living:

• Bed and Mattress: A comfortable bed is a priority. You can purchase from stores like IKEA, The Brick, or buy second-hand from Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist.
• Dining Table and Chairs: Even a small dining set is important for eating and working.
• Couch/Sofa: A comfortable couch for your living space.
• Kitchen Essentials: Cutlery, pots, pans, dishes, and a microwave.

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2. Set Up Utilities and Services

After moving in, ensure your essential services are activated:

Electricity and Water

• Hydro (electricity) and water may already be included in your rent, but if not, contact your local utility provider (e.g., Toronto Hydro, BC Hydro) to set up an account.
• You can ask your landlord for recommendations on local service providers.

Internet and Cable

• Choose an internet provider based on your area. Popular providers in Canada include:Bell: Bell.ca Rogers: Rogers.com Telus: Telus.com Shaw (popular in Western Canada): Shaw.ca

Compare plans for internet speeds and pricing. Many companies offer bundled packages with cable TV.

Heating and Cooling

• Many apartments in Canada have central heating systems, especially for cold winters. Ensure that heating is working properly. If it’s controlled by the tenant, check whether it’s gas or electric and set up the appropriate accounts if necessary.

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3. Plan for Groceries and Supplies

Once your utilities are set up, stock up on essential groceries and household items. Start with basic supplies:

• Food Staples: Bread, rice, pasta, eggs, milk, fruits, vegetables, and other essentials.
• Cleaning Supplies: Detergent, dish soap, sponges, garbage bags, cleaning spray, and a broom or vacuum.
• Toiletries: Toilet paper, soap, toothpaste, and personal hygiene products.
• Laundry Essentials: Detergent and a laundry basket.

You can shop for groceries at:

• Walmart: Affordable prices for food and household items.
• Costco: Good for buying in bulk.
• Loblaws, Metro, Sobeys, and No Frills: Common grocery chains in Canada.
• Ethnic grocery stores: For specialized international foods, such as T&T for Asian groceries or Superstore for diverse options.

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4. Furnishing Your Apartment

Once you’ve settled in with the essentials, you can begin to furnish and decorate your space. Here are some tips for setting up each room:

Living Room:

• Couch or Sofa: Choose something comfortable and durable.
• Coffee Table: Small and functional for placing items.
• TV/Entertainment: A TV or entertainment center can make your living room feel complete.
• Lamps: Canada can get dark early in the winter, so good lighting is essential.

Bedroom:

• Bed Frame and Mattress: A comfortable bed is key to good rest.
• Wardrobe or Closet Organizers: If your apartment doesn’t have built-in storage, consider adding wardrobes or shelving.
• Nightstand: For easy access to personal items while in bed.

Kitchen:

• Cutlery and Plates: Make sure you have enough for daily use.
• Pots and Pans: Get at least one large pot and one pan for basic cooking.
• Small Appliances: Coffee maker, kettle, toaster, or blender depending on your habits.

Bathroom:

• Shower Curtain: Some rentals may not provide this, so ensure you have one.
• Toiletries Organizer: Helps keep your bathroom tidy.
• Bath Mat: For comfort and safety after showers.

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5. Save Money with Second-Hand and Budget Options

Canada has a strong market for second-hand furniture and household goods, which is a great way to save money:

• Kijiji: Canada’s largest classifieds website for buying used items.
• Facebook Marketplace: Another excellent platform for local second-hand deals.
• Thrift Stores: Stores like Value Village and Goodwill offer second-hand items in good condition.

You can also check for garage sales in your neighborhood, especially in the warmer months.

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6. Consider Storage Solutions

Canadian apartments, especially in major cities, can be small, so maximizing storage is important:

• Under-Bed Storage: Use bins or drawers that fit under your bed.
• Shelving: Add vertical storage with bookshelves or wall-mounted shelves.
• Closet Organizers: These can help keep your clothing and shoes tidy.
• Multi-Functional Furniture: Furniture like ottomans that double as storage can save space.

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7. Budgeting for Setup Costs

Setting up an apartment can get expensive, so it’s important to budget for these costs:

• Furniture: Depending on whether you buy new or used, expect to spend between CAD 500 to CAD 2000 for essential furniture.
• Appliances: If the apartment doesn’t come with small appliances, budget for items like a microwave, kettle, and vacuum cleaner.
• Utilities: Depending on usage and location, you may spend CAD 50 to CAD 200 per month on utilities.
• Internet and Phone: Internet typically costs between CAD 60 to CAD 100 per month.

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8. Personalize and Decorate

Once all essentials are in place, you can focus on making your apartment feel like home by adding decorative touches:

• Wall Art: Canada is known for having long winters, so adding some art, paintings, or posters can brighten up your space.
• Plants: Indoor plants can add life and warmth to your apartment.
• Rugs and Curtains: Cozy rugs and curtains can make the apartment feel more comfortable and provide warmth during winter.

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9. Get to Know Your Neighborhood

Once you’ve settled into your apartment, explore your neighborhood to familiarize yourself with nearby amenities:

• Local grocery stores, pharmacies, and clinics.
• Public transit routes: If you don’t have a car, knowing how to use the local bus, subway, or tram is essential.
• Community centers and libraries: A great way to get involved in local activities and meet people.

10. Safety and Security

• Change Locks: If it’s a private rental, check with your landlord about changing the locks for added security.
• Fire Safety: Ensure that your smoke detectors are working, and familiarize yourself with the fire exits.
• Renters Insurance: Consider getting renters insurance to cover theft, damage, or accidents in your apartment.

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By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to setting up a comfortable and functional apartment in Canada. Would you like specific recommendations on where to buy furniture or need assistance with any part of the process?