Ma'am,
U r not alone, many go thru this situation. Moreover, it is always wise to judicious with our monies... that's how most of us look at our funds disposition, aren't we?
About the various post landing formalities I've already discussed in the original post, however to your specifics plz note the following:
1. PR card: It's part of your 'landing' package & u'll get it 'automatically' in 4-6 weeks by post @ the address u mention at the airport [even the 'short-stay' address would suffice].
2. SIN Card: The very next day that u land, visit the nearest Service Canada office & u'll get the SIN No. 'on-the-spot'. The card would follow in 2-3 weeks time. But, u don't need the card for anything. The No. suffices for all actions.
3. Short-Stay Housing: For immdt accom, upon arrival [prior to actual renting] the following 'guest-house type' dwellings r pretty good & used by many, satisfactorily.
a) http://www.safehomestay.com/ -Cheapest, but good too
b) http://www.staystudio6.com/ -Ok priced, shade better that above
c) http://www.motel6.com/ -little higher priced, but extremely comfortable
Note on Accommodation:
-These range approx $1200/month. Shorter duration is possible.
-I recommend the above only, as I know some of my folks used them earlier.
-Safehomestay will also receive u at the a/port & assist u with SIN & other documentations as well.
-All the above will guide u with job search & home rental search.
-Moreover, their prices r the most competitive -anything else will be costlier.
-I'm talking 'only' about Toronto. Similar cases r available in most other cities too, but I can't be of much help with them.
Hope that helped...
Qorax