Moving is stressful! Remembering to pack, unpack and organize everything you have is difficult. We've created a checklist that breaks down what you can do each month before you move to make the whole process easier to manage. If you don't have a large amount of time before you move, you can adjust this checklist according to your needs.

11 or More Weeks Before You Move

• Ask your REALTOR® how you will receive the keys to your new home and the time when it is appropriate for you to enter.
• If you are planning a renovation, getting it done before you move in is ideal. You may need to order renovation materials in advance of your move so the work can begin as soon as you have possession.

 

9 to 10 Weeks Before Moving

• If needed, book time off from work for moving day.
• Make any needed travel arrangements and reservations.
• If you have children, contact the new school for registration and records transfer.
• Make arrangements for child minding and pet sitting if needed.
• Return any items you may have borrowed and retrieve loaned items.
• If the oven needs cleaning, now is a good time to do it.
• If you're packing yourself, start with any off-season items you won't need in the immediate future.

 

6 to 8 Weeks Before Moving

• Identify any large items that will be donated to charity or taken to the landfill.
• Identify any hazardous items that require special disposal or recycling. Your municipality's website should have the full details on how to safely dispose of or recycle certain items.
• If you have kids, make sure they understand what's happening and when. Small children may benefit from stories about moving or activities that include the idea of moving. If possible, take them to visit your new home.
• Contact your doctor, dentist, and veterinarian and get copies of all records, and arrange to transfer files to the new health care providers.

 

4 to 6 Weeks Before Moving

• Contact Canada Post and arrange for mail forwarding to your new address.
• Purchase your moving boxes and other supplies, if needed.
• Update or transfer your homeowner's insurance, vehicle insurance, and any other policies you may have.
• Update your health card address information.
• Arrange to update your driver's license and license plates.
• If your new home involves elevator access, book the freight elevator.

 

2 to 3 Weeks Before Moving

• Arrange for all essential utilities like gas, electricity, water, and internet services at your new home.
• Mention the date that the services at your old home should be disconnected and if possible have your provider transfer the account over.
• Provide your new information to the Canada Revenue Agency.
• Transfer any magazine subscriptions.

 

The Week Before Moving Day

• Provide your employer with any updated contact information.
• Confirm all arrangements with your moving company.
• Set aside everything you'll need for your personal kit on moving day. This includes essential jewelry and paperwork, your toothbrush and toothpaste - and an alarm clock!
• Set aside everything you'll need for moving day night (for showering and sleeping - including your bed and linens) in a special area. These items should go in the van last so that they come out first (or taken with you in your vehicle).
• Set aside everything you'll need for the morning after moving day - coffee maker, and any cooking equipment you'll need.
• Clean out your fridge and give away, re-home, recycle or dispose of anything you can't move.
• Empty and defrost freezer and refrigerator.
• Organize any keys and make sure they're labelled.
• Set out manuals for any appliances you're leaving behind. Place them somewhere the new owner will spot them quickly, like the kitchen counter.
• Disconnect any electronics and keep all cables, adapters and other hardware organized and handy so that you can reconnect everything easily. Labelled freezer bags taped to the units can save a lot of time.

 

The Day Before Your Move

• Take down and pack window treatments.
• Clean the stove top.

 

Moving Day

• Make sure you have a great breakfast - you're going to need it.
• Have any paperwork you need today somewhere easy to access.
• Remove linen from beds and pack, along with any towels.
• Dismantle beds as much as possible.
• Put any keys you're leaving for the new resident in an obvious place.
• Do any final cleaning touch ups. A clean space with all garbage is removed is one of the nicest housewarming gifts you can give to the new resident.
• Do a final check of closets, the basement, and other areas where things may have been forgotten.
• If you've been renting, your former landlord may want to do a walk-through inspection with you.
• Discuss your inventory and do the walk about with the moving supervisor.

 

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