MOVING CHECKLIST

To help make things go as smooth as possible, look no further than my moving to-do list that details not only what needs to get done, but the right time to do different tasks to minimize stress.

 

TWO MONTHS BEFORE THE BIG MOVE

  • Sort & Purge: Go through every room of your house and decide what you want to keep and what you can get rid of or donate.

  • Start investigating possible moving companies. PRO TIP: Make sure to ask if they lay protective covers for your floors and stairs to minimize damage.

  • Organize school records: go to your child’s school and arrange for their records to be transferred to their new school.

  • Contact your vet and have them transfer your pets records to their new vet.

  • Contact your insurance provider to update your home insurance with your new address and details. PRO TIP: Haven’t updated your insurance in a while? Now’s the perfect time to do an inventory of your home’s contents and possibly increase / decrease your insurance amount.

  • Start using old cleaning supplies and perishable foods in your freezer and cupboards. If it can’t go with you and it’s not expired, consider donating to your local food bank.

  • Get enough packing supplies: tape, boxes, markers, etc. Banana boxes are great and can be acquired usually for free at your local supermarket. Downside, they’re bulky and you’ll have to make multiple trips. If time is not on your side, U-haul sells boxes in various sizes that are not yet assembled. Plus side, you can return any boxes you haven’t used! Frogbox is a great option as well! They drop off and pickup reusable, stackable, plastic moving boxes and moving supplies.

ONE MONTH BEFORE THE BIG MOVE

  • Book your moving company or arrange for a truck rental.

  • Book cleaners to clean your home after you’ve packed up the truck. This will save you SO much time and hassle!

  • Schedule disconnection / connection of utilities at your old and new address: phone, internet, cable, water, gas/electricity (don’t forget to get that last meter reading!)

  • Begin packing items you don’t use regularly. PRO TIP: Mark each box with the room and contents so movers can place boxes in each room and you can see what you need to get to easily.

  • Fill out a “Forwarding Address” form on the Canada Post website so any mail is automatically sent to you new home. I usually suggest signing up for 3 months.

  • Alert important parties of your move: banks, insurance, employer, magazine subscriptions, credit cards, cell phone providers, gym memberships, driver’s licence, health card, CRA, etc. Most places allow for this to be done online through your profile settings.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE BIG MOVE

  • Make sure to book the day(s) off work you need. PRO TIP: Hire a baby sitter to watch the kids. If you have pets, consider putting them in daycare for the day.

  • Call to confirm your movers.

  • Plan your meals to ensure as little leftovers as possible.

  • Set aside fresh towels and linens to be used on moving day so you’re not searching for them when all you’ll want to do is sleep!

  • Take furniture apart if necessary.

  • Compile a package of appliance warranties, instructions, etc. that would be useful for the new owners.

A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE BIG MOVE

  • Defrost the freezer, clean your fridge and oven.

  • Get payment ready for your moving company.

  • Make an action plan for moving day.

  • Set aside boxes and items you’ll be moving yourself.

NOW THAT YOU’RE MOVED IN…

  • Ensure all appliances and fixtures are in working condition on move-in day. Make a list of things that need attention if not.

  • Change the batteries in all the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

  • Swap out all your lightbulbs for LED. This will significantly reduce your energy bills.

  • Look up your garbage and recycling collection days.

  • Introduce yourself to your neighbours!