Finding a place to live is one of the first steps when settling in Canada. Once you have a home, you will also need to arrange essentials such as internet and phone service, understand how mail is delivered, and find affordable ways to furnish your space. This guide provides an overview of these everyday services and resources.
Getting Settled at Home
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Settling into a new home involves more than finding a place to live. You will also need to arrange mail, phone and internet services, and find affordable household items.
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Finding a Place to Live
Rental housing in Canada includes houses, apartments, condos, townhouses, basements, rooms and homestays. You can find rental listings through:
- A realtor
- Facebook marketplace
- Kijiji
- Local community and housing websites
Before renting, ask about the rent, utilities, deposit, lease length, appliances, furnishings and your responsibilities as a tenant. Always read your lease carefully before signing. For resources on what to ask, your rights, leases, and housing options visit our Community Navigator.
Even in an increasingly digital world, important documents, government correspondence, cheques and packages are still delivered by mail.
Depending on where you live, your mail may be delivered:
- To your home
- To a community mailbox
- To a post office box (P.O. Box)
- To a group mailbox
Community mailboxes are often located near your home and require a key. If you did not receive a key when you moved in, ask your landlord or request one from Canada Post.
Some retailers allow you to have packages delivered to a Canada Post location for pickup, which can be useful if you are not home during delivery. Other delivery companies, including UPS, Purolator and FedEx, offer similar pickup services.
You can rent a P.O. Box at a post office. You will need valid government-issued photo identification and payment for the rental and key deposit. Learn more about P.O. Boxes and prices.
Canada Post offers different rates depending on the size, weight and type of item you are sending. Letters generally require stamps, while pre-stamped envelopes and mailing supplies are also available at post offices. Packages can be dropped off at the post office, while letters can be sent from Mail-Drop boxes often found on the street. Other companies, including UPS, Purolator and FedEx, provide domestic and international shipping services.
Mobile Phones
Canada has many mobile phone providers offering plans that typically include calling, text messaging and mobile data. Plans vary mainly in the amount of data included, usually measured in gigabytes (GB).
Many providers allow you to finance a new phone through monthly payments added to your mobile bill. The latest devices may require a down payment, and some plans require you to return the phone at the end of the agreement or pay the remaining balance to keep it.
Providers may also require a credit check when financing a device. If you are new to Canada and do not yet have a Canadian credit history, a prepaid or pay-as-you-go plan may be easier to obtain.
Some Canadian providers include:
If you already have an unlocked phone, you can choose a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) plan. You pay only for the mobile service rather than financing a new phone, giving you more flexibility to change providers or plans.
Prepaid plans allow you to pay for your service in advance rather than receiving a monthly bill. You can purchase a SIM card for an unlocked phone or, less commonly, purchase a prepaid phone.
These plans can be useful when you are new to Canada and do not yet have a Canadian credit history. Many providers also offer international calling or texting options to help you stay connected with family and friends abroad.
Internet Service
Many mobile phone providers also offer home internet, while others specialize in internet services. Availability varies by location, so check with providers to see which services are available at your address.
Internet plans differ in:
- Download and upload speeds
- Data limits
- Monthly cost
- Installation options
Unlimited data is common, but plans with faster speeds or additional features may cost more. Most providers supply a Wi-Fi router, either by mail or through a technician installation.
If you do not have internet access at home, local libraries often provide free computer and internet access, with printing available for a small fee. Some restaurants and cafés also offer free Wi-Fi, usually for customers.
Canada has rules that protect consumers when signing mobile and internet contracts. Before agreeing to a contract, understand the price, contract length, cancellation terms, included services and any additional fees.
For more information:
You may receive unwanted calls or messages from telemarketers or scammers. Never provide your Social Insurance Number (SIN), banking information, credit card number, passwords or other personal information to an unexpected caller.
If you receive a suspicious call, do not feel pressured to provide information or make a payment. You can find information about your rights and telemarketing rules through the CRTC.
Finding Affordable Furniture
Furnishing a new home can be expensive, but many people give away or sell gently used furniture, clothing, appliances and household items at low prices or for free.
Useful places to look include:
- Facebook Marketplace: Search for items listed as free or inexpensive.
- Facebook community and Buy Nothing groups: Local groups often allow residents to give away items they no longer need.
- Kijiji: A popular Canadian marketplace for buying, selling and finding free items.
- Nextdoor: The Free Finds section allows neighbours to give away items and make requests.
- Thrift stores and yard sales.
