Your boxes are unpacked, keys in hand—you’ve landed in Ottawa. The first week sets the tone: nail these tasks early, and settling in feels smooth, not chaotic. This guide targets newcomers and local movers (like those using metropolitanottawa.ca), breaking down your 7 days into simple, prioritized steps.
Day 1-2: Utilities and Basics First
Skip the nightmare of a cold, dark first night. Contact Hydro Ottawa for electricity/gas right away—their app lets you start service same-day. Water’s often city-handled via your landlord or condo board, so confirm that too. Pick the internet (Rogers or Bell for most spots) and book a tech visit. Update your mobile plan’s address to dodge billing mix-ups.
Pro tip: Snap meter photos on move-in day (renters, this saves disputes). Jot all logins in your phone notes. Called ahead? Providers align start dates seamlessly.
Day 1-4: Update Your Address Everywhere
Lost mail or bills? Fix it fast. Hit your bank app first, then employer/school HR, insurance providers, and online shops like Amazon. Drivers: Book a ServiceOntario visit for license/registration updates (bring proof of address). Set up Canada Post forwarding online—covers you for 6-12 months.
This one change prevents weeks of headaches.
Day 1-7: Health, School, and Family Setup
Health comes first in Ottawa’s winters. If eligible for OHIP, apply via ServiceOntario (newcomers check IRCC for timelines). Search Health Care Connect for a family doctor, or note walk-ins like Appletree Medical on Bank Street. Kids? Confirm your address’s school zone on the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board site, then enroll with ID, vaccines, and reports. Daycares fill fast—try sites like Ottawa Child Care Registry.
Save these: CHEO for emergencies, your nearest Shoppers Drug Mart.
Day 2-7: Master Transit and Driving
Ditch the stress of getting lost. Download the OC Transpo app for buses/LRT—grab a Presto card at Shoppers or online (reloadable, monthly passes save cash). Map routes: home-to-work, grocery runs (Loblaws or Farm Boy), clinic trips. Drivers learn winter bans (no street parking Dec-Mar in many areas) and salt-rise spots like Esso car washes.
Quick saves: Nearest gas (Shell/Petro-Canada), hospital (Ottawa Hospital General).
Feel Safe and Explore Your Spot
Locate your hospital (e.g., Queensway Carleton), pharmacy, and police non-emergency (613-236-1222). Build a $20 emergency kit: bandages, flashlight, water. Walk your hood—hit the No Frills for cheap bulk, find parks like Andrew Haydon, a Tim Hortons ritual spot.
Connect with Locals
Say hi to neighbors and your super on day 3. Ask about delivery times, quiet hours, garbage pickup. They spill gold like “avoid rush-hour on Transitway.”
First-Week Checklist at a Glance
- Utilities live (Hydro, internet)
- Address updated (bank, ID, mail forward)
- Health/school confirmed
- Transit card/routes mapped
- Emergency spots saved
- Hood explored, neighbors met
Quick Tasks Table
| Task | Why It Matters | Best Day(s) |
| Utilities setup | No cold/dark nights | 1-2 |
| Address updates | Stops lost mail/bills | 1-4 |
| Health/school | Fast care and kid routines | 1-7 |
| Transit/routes | Easy commutes | 2-7 |
| Safety/explore | Builds confidence | 3-7 |
Follow this, and Ottawa feels like home by week 2—no overwhelm.
Ready to move stress-free? Book your Ottawa movers at metropolitanottawa.ca today—mention this guide for a free utilities checklist PDF.
