Moving to a new home is exciting but can also be overwhelming. The process requires careful planning and organization to ensure everything goes smoothly. Whether you’re relocating within Canada or moving across provinces, having a detailed checklist is crucial to a stress-free experience.
In this guide, we’ve created a comprehensive moving checklist tailored to help Canadians plan their moves efficiently. From early preparation to moving day, this guide will help you stay on track for a successful move.
1. Two Months Before the Move
Create a Moving Binder or Folder
Keep all important documents in one place, such as moving contracts, estimates, receipts, and checklists. A digital folder on your computer can also work if you prefer paperless tracking.
Declutter Your Home
Go through each room and identify items you no longer need. Donate, sell, or recycle items you don’t want to take with you. The less you have to move, the easier and cheaper it will be.
Research Moving Companies
If you’re hiring professional movers, now is the time to research and get quotes. Make sure to check reviews, verify licenses and insurance, and ask for in-home or virtual estimates. Book early to secure your preferred moving date, especially during peak seasons in Canada (spring and summer).
Start Budgeting
Moving can come with unexpected costs, so create a budget for your move. Factor in expenses like moving company fees, packing materials, travel costs, and potential repairs or renovations for your new home.
2. Six Weeks Before the Move
Notify Important Parties
Start notifying key contacts of your upcoming move. This includes:
- Canada Post: Set up mail forwarding.
- Government agencies: Update your address with the CRA, Service Canada, and provincial health authorities.
- Utility companies: Schedule disconnection or transfer of services (electricity, water, gas, internet, etc.).
- Financial institutions: Update your address with banks, credit cards, and insurance companies.
- Schools and medical offices: Notify schools and doctors, and request the transfer of records if needed.
Order Packing Supplies
Start gathering packing supplies like boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers. Consider eco-friendly moving options such as renting reusable plastic bins.
Create an Inventory List
Make a list of all your belongings, especially valuable or fragile items. This will help you track what needs special care and make it easier to check that everything arrives safely.
3. One Month Before the Move
Begin Packing Non-Essential Items
Start packing things you won’t need until after the move, such as seasonal clothing, decor, and rarely used kitchen items. Label boxes by room and contents for easier unpacking.
Confirm Your Moving Arrangements
If you’ve hired movers, confirm your booking and the details, such as the date, time, and any additional services you might need (packing, storage, etc.). If you’re doing a DIY move, reserve a truck or moving van early.
Plan Your Moving Route
If you’re moving long-distance, plan the route to your new home. Make sure to consider rest stops, overnight accommodations, and the weather, especially if you’re moving during the Canadian winter.
4. Two Weeks Before the Move
Pack Essentials
Prepare a “moving essentials” box that includes things you’ll need for the first few days in your new home, such as toiletries, clothes, medications, important documents, chargers, and basic kitchen supplies.
Disassemble Furniture
Start disassembling larger furniture that you don’t use daily, like bookshelves or dining tables. Keep all screws and parts in labeled bags taped to the furniture.
Dispose of Hazardous Materials
Items such as paint, cleaning supplies, propane, and flammable materials can’t be moved by most moving companies. Safely dispose of or donate these items according to your municipality’s guidelines.
5. One Week Before the Move
Pack Fragile Items
Now is the time to carefully pack up fragile items like glassware, electronics, and artwork. Use bubble wrap, blankets, or towels to protect them during transport.
Defrost the Freezer and Refrigerator
If you’re taking your refrigerator with you, defrost it at least 48 hours before moving day. Clean and dry it to prevent mold and mildew.
Confirm Final Details
Confirm details with your moving company, landlords, or real estate agents. Double-check that utilities will be set up at your new home.
6. The Day Before the Move
Finish Last-Minute Packing
Make sure everything is packed and ready to go. Label any remaining boxes, and check off items from your inventory list to ensure nothing is missed.
Prepare Snacks and Water
Moving day can be exhausting. Prepare snacks and water for yourself, your family, and the movers to stay fueled throughout the day.
7. Moving Day
Do a Final Walkthrough
Before leaving your old home, do a final walkthrough to check that nothing is left behind. Don’t forget storage areas like the attic, basement, or garage.
Meet the Movers
If you’ve hired movers, walk them through your home and provide any special instructions for fragile or heavy items. Make sure they have your new address and contact information.
Stay Organized During Unloading
At your new home, direct the movers on where to place each box. It’s a good idea to have your labeled boxes ready, so everything goes to the correct room.
8. After the Move
Unpack the Essentials
Start with the essentials box you packed earlier, then move on to unpacking room by room. Focus on the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms first to make your new home livable.
Set Up Utilities
Make sure that all utilities like electricity, water, internet, and gas are working in your new home. If not, contact the providers immediately to resolve any issues.
Change Locks
For security purposes, consider changing the locks on your new home. You never know how many copies of the old keys might be floating around.
Conclusion
A well-organized move is the key to reducing stress and ensuring a smooth transition to your new home in Canada. By following this comprehensive moving checklist, you’ll have a clear roadmap to guide you through every stage of your move, from initial planning to settling in. Remember, preparation is everything—so start early, stay organized, and enjoy the excitement of your new beginning!
