Moving Checklist

Living room with moving supplies and boxes

When you’re planning for a move to a new house or a new partment, keep in mind that almost everything will take longer to do than you expect. The best way to keep on track is to plan ahead and stay organized with your to do list. This guide is filled with helpful resources so you can do more – and save more.

Shop All Moving Boxes & Supplies

Eight weeks before

Line up movers.
Look into truck rental prices if you’re doing the move yourself.
Decide what goes in the truck, car or trash.
Consider where you want to place furniture in your new home.
Research for storage rental locations and prices
Have a yard sale.

What You Need:

moving boxes and supplies on hardwood floor

Six weeks before

Clear out your closets. Be ruthless!
Transfer your children’s academic records to their new school.
Transfer medical records to your new doctor.
Make an inventory, with photographs, of everything you own.
Label moving boxes using different markers and coloured tapes
Pack a little everyday

What You Need:

Home Depot associate and customer looking at laundry sets in store

Four weeks before

Confirm booking with your moving company.
Reserve a truck or trailer for a DIY move.
Arrange to have the movers come over two days before moving day if they’re packing for you.
Get boxes and packing tape if you’re doing it yourself.
Start packing out-of-season clothing and other items you won’t need right away.
Pre-order appliances, furniture, dishes and cutlery.

What You Need:

Three weeks before

Arrange to have the utilities disconnected a few days after the move.
Get the utilities set up at your new residence.
Start packing room by room.
Arrange for a babysitter on moving day if you need one.
Reserve the freight elevator in your building for moving day if required.
Send a change-of-address email to any magazines you subscribe to.

What You Need:

Woman adjusting nest thermostat in a room with moving boxes

Two weeks before

Arrange to move plants and pets.
Get rid of items you’re not allowed to move, such as gasoline and propane.
Keep packing.
Line up helpers to assist with loading your rental truck.
Consider hiring a plumber or electrician to disconnect appliances you plan to move.
Back up computer to an external drive to cover potential moving mistakes
Update addresses for drivers license, health card (OHIP), CRA and employment

What You Need:

One weeks before

Open your new bank accounts if you’re making a long-distance move.
Make sure you have enough medication to last through the move.
Have your doctor write a new prescription you can fill after you move.
Defrost the refrigerator two days before you move.
Disconnect any appliances you’ll be taking with you.
Make arrangements to pay the mover by certified cheque or cash.
Drain gas and oil from any power equipment you’ll be moving.
Finish packing and keep the vacuum handy!

What You Need:

Moving day

Supervise the move.
Strip beds.
Ensure everything gets on the truck.
Have the moving company disassemble furniture.
Fill out the bill of lading.
Pack a bag of first-night essentials, including a broom, dustpan, garbage bags and light bulbs.
Clean carpets of new home, replace older bathroom necessities and window coverings
Install new home security system

What You Need:

Products You Will Need for Your Move

Aside from a checklist for moving into a new home, pick up everything you need for an easy move – from boxes and bubble wrap to cleaning supplies and paint.