Moving to a new home is exciting — but relocating to a new area adds another layer of planning. Whether you’re moving from another part of Ontario or across the country, our team at The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team Ltd., Brokerage has helped countless families settle into Windsor and Essex County with ease.
Nestled along the shores of Lake Erie and the Detroit River, Windsor-Essex offers one of the most diverse and livable regions in Ontario. From award-winning parks and waterfronts to bustling year-round events and festivals, there’s always something to experience. The region’s extensive trail systems invite active living, while its communities feature a mix of heritage homes, modern subdivisions, luxury waterfront properties, and low-maintenance condos. Whether you’re looking to buy or rent, there are housing options for every stage of life and lifestyle preference.
This comprehensive relocation checklist will guide you through every stage of your move — from researching neighbourhoods, choosing service providers, and finding schools to understanding closing day and settling into your new home.
🔍 1. Research Neighbourhoods
Windsor-Essex offers a wide range of communities, each with its own charm and lifestyle:
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Amherstburg – Historic, walkable, and family-friendly with top-rated schools and waterfront living, award winning festivals, ideal for families, retirees, and anyone who loves nature and community living.
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Kingsville – Known for its boutique restaurants, wineries, and small-town charm.
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LaSalle – Modern homes, excellent parks, and quick access to the 401 and U.S. border.
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Tecumseh & Lakeshore – Perfect for commuters and growing families, offering excellent schools and recreation centres.
- Essex – With its affordable homes, welcoming community, and growing local amenities, it’s an ideal spot for families seeking balance between rural charm and modern convenience.
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Windsor – Diverse, affordable, and vibrant with amenities & culture. Easy access for day trips or a daily commute across the border.
- Leamington –Often called the “Tomato Capital of Canada,” offering warm climate, affordable housing, waterfront living and blend of rural charm and modern conveniences. A thriving greenhouse industry, and close proximity to Point Pelee National Park — one of Canada’s premier bird-watching and outdoor destinations.
💡 Pro Tip: Visit local farmers’ markets, coffee shops, and community events to get a feel for daily life before you move.
💼 2. Explore Job Opportunities
Windsor-Essex’s economy continues to diversify beyond its automotive roots. Major employers include:
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Stellantis Windsor Assembly Plant
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Windsor Regional Hospital & Erie Shores Healthcare
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University of Windsor & St. Clair College
- Caesar’s Windsor
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The Gordie Howe International Bridge Project
- Vista Print
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Local municipalities and public school boards
- Highbury Canco
Check out Workforce WindsorEssex (workforcewindsoressex.com) for current job listings, industry data, and newcomer resources.
🎓 3. Find the Right Schools
School boundaries can greatly impact your home search. Windsor-Essex offers strong public, Catholic, and French-language education options:
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Greater Essex County District School Board – publicboard.ca
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Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board – wecdsb.on.ca
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Conseil scolaire catholique Providence – cscprovidence.ca
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Conseil scolaire Viamonde – csviamonde.ca
💡 Pro Tip: Contact schools directly for boundary confirmation before purchasing your home. Check school bus boundaries here: https://buskids.ca/
🚗 4. Learn About Local Transit & Commuting
Windsor and the surrounding municipalities are well-connected by major highways, and several transit systems:
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Transit Windsor (transitwindsor.ca) operates bus routes throughout the city.
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VIA Rail offers convenient passenger rail service to London and Toronto.
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Windsor International Airport (YQG) connects you to Toronto, Calgary, and beyond.
🏠 5. Choose Your Professional Partners
Buying in a new area means building a reliable support team. We are here to recommend reputable contacts to help you through the entire process from start to finish.
- Home Inspectors
- Lenders
- Appraisers
- Contractors
- Real Estate Lawyers
- Insurance Providers
Utilities:
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Hydro One: hydroone.com
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Enwin Utilities (Windsor): enwin.com
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Union Gas (Enbridge): enbridgegas.com
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Cogeco / Bell / Rogers / MNSI: For internet, cable, and home phone setup.
📅 6. Understand the Closing Process
Closing day is when ownership officially transfers to you — and it’s also when emotions run highest!
Here’s what to expect:
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Final Walkthrough: Usually scheduled the day before or morning of closing. It ensures the home’s condition matches what was agreed upon and that all inclusions remain. This is not a step that we would recommend missing.
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Paperwork & Funds: Your lawyer will handle the exchange of documents, title transfer, and mortgage funds.
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Timing of Keys: Typically between 1:00–5:00 PM, once the title has transferred and funds have cleared. For Sellers: once title has been transferred, you are expected to have vacated the home, regardless of the time of day, so the new owner can move in.
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Condition of Home: Expect it to be in the same state as when you purchased — “broom swept” clean with no new damage.
💡 Pro Tip: Bring essentials with you (toilet paper, cleaning supplies, phone chargers, overnight bag) in case you don’t get keys until later in the day.
🧾 7. Manage Paperwork Efficiently
Keep a digital or physical folder for:
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Agreement of Purchase and Sale
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Inspection Report
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Appraisal
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Mortgage documents
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Lawyer’s contact info and statement of adjustments
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Utility Connections & Insurance Confirmations
Organized documentation makes your move — and tax season — much easier.
🛋️ 8. Furnish, Set Up & Maintain Your Home
Through our Dan Gemus Team VIP Perks Program, our clients enjoy exclusive savings to make setting up your new home more affordable:
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The Brick: VIP pricing and special promotions on furniture, appliances, and mattresses.
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Wayfair: Exclusive discounts on home décor and furnishings.
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Local Service Partners: From movers to cleaners, painters, and landscapers — all vetted by our team, and continually growing!
Ask your agent for access to our VIP Perks Member Portal for full details and offers and as long as you remain a client of our team, you can take advantage of these savings for life!
🧰 9. Essentials to Have on Move-In Day
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Cleaning supplies and garbage bags
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Light bulbs, batteries, and extension cords
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Basic tools and a first-aid kit
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Snacks and bottled water
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Wi-Fi router setup info
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Bedding and towels for the first night
🏁 10. Enjoy Your New Community
You’ve done it! Once you’re settled, explore everything Windsor-Essex has to offer — waterfront trails, farm-to-table dining, wineries, and welcoming communities. Don’t forget to visit dangemus.com for local guides, events, and market updates.
🧡 Moving Made Simple with The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team
Whether you’re relocating within Essex County or moving here from out of town, our team is here every step of the way — from your first showing to move-in day and beyond. Learn more about our team members HERE.
📞 Connect with us today at 519-566-5565 or visit www.dangemus.com to start planning your move to Windsor-Essex with confidence. Tune into The Dan Gemus Real Estate Show, airing live every Saturday and Sunday on AM800 CKLW between noon-1pm, for more information about buying and selling real estate in Windsor and Essex County.
***This is intended for informational purposes only and not intended to replace legal, tax, financial or environmental advice, nor is it intended to solicit those currently under contract with another brokerage.
