Moving into your new home is an exciting milestone. But before you unpack your boxes, there are several essential services you'll need to arrange to make your home comfortable, connected and ready for everyday life. Some services are included in your rent, while others must be set up before you move in. Understanding the difference can help you avoid unexpected surprises after you receive your keys.

Those first months in Canada can feel like trying to build a new life while the ground is still moving under your feet. Rent prices change from one listing to the next, deposits and application rules feel different from your home country, and every decision seems to start with the same question: “Where do I even begin?”