Before moving day

Moving to your next home? Having already been through a move, you know firsthand the significant amount of planning and juggling it takes to have everything in place for moving day. Whether it’s your first move, your second, or your last, the more organized you are overall the better chances you’ll have a smooth, stress-free move.

Our step-by-step moving timeline and checklist is an invaluable resource that can help you get organized and stay on track for your upcoming move.

Eight weeks before move

• Research professional movers and schedule the strongest candidates to meet at your home to survey the belongings you’re moving.
• Get a binding estimate from movers while they’re at your house. If you’re thinking of having movers do your packing as well get a quote for this work, too.
• Book your mover and move date as early as possible (and get a written confirmation).
• If you’re enlisting friends to help you move instead, research truck rental companies and rates.
• Start a folder for all your move related documentation, contact numbers, receipts, etc.
• Begin cleaning out closets, the attic, the basement, etc. and separate items you want to get rid of before the move.
• Compile a list of anyone who will need to be notified of your move (i.e. creditors, professional contacts, subscriptions, etc.).
• Schedule other contractors you may need to do work at your new home prior to move-in (painters, electricians, carpenters, flooring specialists, etc.).

Six weeks before move

• Contact your accountant or the Canada Revenue Agency to determine which moving expenses you may be able to deduct and what documentation you may need.
• Call your insurance company to choose (or transfer) coverage for your new home.
• Arrange to transfer medical records and children’s school records to your new location.

Four weeks before move

• Get boxes and moving supplies.
• Start packing! Label boxes with the destination room in your new house.
• Separate valuable items and legal documents that you want to transport yourself.
• For items you don’t want: have a yard sale, donate to charity or bring to the landfill.
• Dispose of any household chemicals properly.
• Submit a change of address to your post office and arrange to have your mail forwarded.
• Contact utility, phone, cable, gas, water, electric, banks, newspapers, etc. for service disconnect/connect at your existing and new homes.

Two weeks before move

• Call the movers to confirm your reservation details and contact numbers.
• If renting a moving truck, confirm the pickup date and time.
• Arrange for any child and pet care needed on moving day.
• Book other services you may need before moving, such as house cleaning, plumbing, carpentry, yard work, etc.
• Complete any outstanding address changes (banking profile, driver’s license, health card, etc.).

Three days before move

• Clean your stove, defrost your refrigerator and freezer, and do a final house cleaning.
• Make arrangements to pay your mover (it’s always good to have some cash on hand).
• If you do not get the keys to your new home at closing, schedule a time to get them from your real estate agent.
• Finish packing.

One day before move

• Do a final walk around your existing property, inside and out, to make sure everything is packed and ready to go.
• Pack a separate bag for easy access to essentials such as a toothbrush, soap, pajamas, towel, medications, change of clothes, etc.

Moving day

• Take final meter readings for gas, water, electric, etc. at your existing home (take a photo to document readings).
• Confirm that all utilities, including phone, cable, internet, will be disconnected effective today.
• Be at the new house when the movers arrive.
• Make note of any damage that may have been caused by movers and let them know.
• Take meter readings at the new property and document them.

Ask your real estate agent or moving company if you have any questions on preparing for a smooth, stress-free move.