Moving Checklist

2 Months before Move

• Research various moving companies and get quotes from some to compare which one is most suitable for your needs. OR research various vehicle rental companies if you prefer to not use a moving company.
• Once decided on moving transportation, reserve for moving date
• If you need to make other reservations such as: hotel, rental car, plane ticket, etc., make them.
• If you have children that will be changing school, arrange for a proper transfer

1 Month before Move

• Start going through belongings and separating what can be thrown out, donated or sold, and brought to new location
• If you would like to sell the belongings hold a yard sale
• Start using up the food in the house especially frozen foods and perishables; only buy groceries as needed
• If you will need extra storage, make arrangements for either short-term or long-term accommodations
• Ensure to do a proper change of address with Canada Post (or visit www.smartmoves.ca) and inform anyone whom it may concern of the new address ex: doctor, friends, family, insurance, subscriptions, etc.

3 Weeks before Move

• Ensure you have adequate packing materials; such as: boxes, tape, markers, bubble wrap, newspapers, etc.
• Contact the Utilities companies for a turn-off/turn-on date
• If you have kids that are changing schools, make sure their schooling arrangements are finalized
• Hire a professional to disconnect your appliances for moving day

2 Weeks before Move

• Start packing belongings that won’t be needed until after the move or that are going into storage (label every box with where it needs to go)
• Confirm new bank accounts
• If you have children, hire a babysitter for the day
• Take vehicles that will be used during the move in for a service and check tires, brakes, etc.
• If you have pets make arrangements for them to be cared for on the day of the move
• Confirm date and time with moving company or rental vehicle
• Cancel or transfer address for newspaper

1 Week before Move

• Finish packing belongings to be moved. Use suitcases for anything that will be needed throughout the week or that you would like to keep with you such as jewelry and important documents
• On each box make sure to label its contents, which room to place it into, if it’s fragile and if it needs to be packed/unpacked first/last
• Compile important documents such as: passports, birth certificates, insurance, moving paperwork, financial documents etc. and keep somewhere that won’t get misplaced – or in a safety deposit box
• Get any prescriptions needed for the next 2 weeks filled
• Take down mirrors, curtains, lighting fixtures, etc., that are moving with you and haven’t been agreed to stay
• Plan out how you would like your furniture situated and belongings placed once you are moved in, to help unpacking be a smoother process

Week of Move

• Ensure machines, such as lawnmowers are emptied
• Defrost and clean freezer along with fridge and store any remaining food in coolers or give to friends, family or neighbours
• Plan meals for day of move that will not require use of appliances
• Start taking apart large furniture

Moving Day

• Provide movers with new address and a phone number where you can reached
• Do a double check of the entire house to make sure nothing is left behind. Lock all windows and doors and turn off all the lights. Leave keys for home where needed for next owners, as agreed upon
• Go over everything being loaded with movers and sign off on what’s there

Moving In

• Try to arrive to the new address before the moving company (if you hired one) so you can open the house
• Once the movers arrive go over everything being unloaded and make sure everything is there and put into the appropriate room
• Make sure appliances are hooked up properly
• Unpack and enjoy your new home!