Closing Day: When You Get the Keys and When to Book Movers

On closing day, you usually get the keys only after the sale has been completed and the money has moved, which often happens in the afternoon or later. Your purchase agreement sets the exact date and time, and in some provinces possession comes on a different day from completion. Book your movers with a flexible start time, and plan for the possibility that you will not be in the home until the evening.

What is closing day?

Closing day, also called the completion date, is the date in your purchase agreement when the sale is supposed to be completed. On that day, the buyer’s funds are sent to the seller’s side, the transfer of ownership is registered, and the buyer gets possession and the keys.

Who handles it depends on the province. In most provinces, each side has a real estate lawyer (in British Columbia, a lawyer or a notary). In Quebec, a notary prepares and signs the deed of sale with you. Either way, the timing depends on them, the banks and the land registry, not just on you.

When do you actually get the keys?

Your agreement controls it, so read the sections on completion, possession and time, or ask your lawyer or notary. A few things vary across the country:

• Ontario: many agreements use a standard form that sets a completion time on the closing date. Keys usually change hands once your lawyer confirms the transfer has registered and the funds are released, often late in the day.
• British Columbia: the contract usually lists a completion date and a separate possession date, which is often a day or more later. You move on the possession date, not the completion date.
• Alberta and the Prairies: agreements set a possession date and time. Check what time is written in yours.
• Quebec: you sign the deed at the notary’s office, and the date you take occupancy is set in the promise to purchase. It may be the day of signing or later.

Until the keys are released, you do not have the right to move in, and the sellers have until then to be out.

When should the sellers be out of the home?

Sellers should plan to be completely moved out by the possession time in the agreement, which usually means empty and clean by the time the buyer receives the keys. If you are selling, book movers for the morning of closing day or the day before, so you are not rushing at the last minute.

Selling and buying on the same day creates a squeeze: you need to be out of one home by one time and into another after another time. Your lawyer or notary can tell you how the two closings line up, and a flexible mover can plan around it.

When should buyers book movers?

Book as soon as you have a firm date, and tell the mover it is a closing-day move. A few options work well:

1. Move on closing or possession day with a late start. Plan the crew’s arrival for the afternoon, after you have confirmation that the keys are available.
2. Move the day after. This takes the pressure off, but means you may need somewhere to keep your belongings for a night.
3. Negotiate an earlier possession date. If the sellers agree, it can be written into the agreement. Your lawyer or notary can advise.

Whichever you choose, ask your mover about their policy for waiting if the keys are delayed. At Forge Movers, the first 30 minutes of waiting is free; after that, waiting is billed at your hourly rate, and if keys are not released by 5:00 p.m. we can hold your belongings overnight for a $150 fee. The full policy is on our policies page.

What if closing is delayed?

Delays happen. A bank is late, a document is missing or the registry has a backlog. Have a backup plan before the day:

• Keep your moving date flexible by a day or two if you can.
• Ask your mover about rescheduling. At Forge Movers, rescheduling is free with 48 hours’ notice, and the terms are in your written quote.
• Know where your belongings can go. Short-term storage or a friend’s garage can bridge a day or two.
• Arrange somewhere to sleep if you are between homes.
• Stay in touch with your lawyer or notary and your agent. They can tell you the earliest time the keys will be released.

What should I do before closing day?

• Do the pre-closing walkthrough. Many agreements allow a visit shortly before closing. Check the condition of the home and that included fixtures are still there, and measure doorways for large furniture.
• Confirm utilities. Arrange electricity, gas, water and internet for the possession date a couple of weeks ahead. Your moving checklist has the full timeline.
• Book elevators and parking. For condos, reserve the elevator and loading dock; see moving into a condo. For houses, think about where the truck will sit.
• Change your address. Start mail forwarding and update your provincial and federal records; see how to change your address.
• Pack your essentials. Keep documents, medications, chargers and a change of clothes with you.

How much notice should I give movers?

As much as you can. Closings cluster at the end of the month, and good dates fill up. We recommend booking four to six weeks ahead for end-of-month dates, and as soon as you have a firm date for any other time. In Quebec, avoid the days around July 1 if you can, or book very early. Tell your mover immediately if the date changes.

What should I tell my mover?

When you request a quote, give us:

• Your closing or possession date and the earliest time you expect the keys
• Both addresses and the access at each: stairs, elevators, parking
• Whether you are both selling and buying, and the timing of each
• Whether your date is flexible
• What you are moving and whether you want packing help

Request a free quote with those details, or call (226) 706-4130 and we will talk it through. Our residential moving page explains how a move works from quote to unpacking.

Quick closing-day checklist

• Book movers as soon as you have a firm date
• Allow for keys arriving late in the afternoon or evening, or on a later possession date
• Pack an essentials bag and keep valuables with you
• Confirm utilities, parking and elevator bookings
• Keep your lawyer’s or notary’s number handy and check in during the day
• Have a backup plan for storage and a place to sleep

Closing day does not need to be stressful. A flexible schedule and a mover who understands the timing make it much easier.