Moving Checklist

Planning a relocation? To complete your move successfully, you should be well-prepared. Whether you are relocating for the first time or have some experience, it’s important to strictly follow certain instructions.

If you don’t know where to start, what needs to be done weeks in advance, and what can wait until the last minute, check our free moving checklist. We are CAmovers, a trusted contractor connecting people with experienced cross-Canada movers to help them make their relocations smooth and stress-free.

5-6 Weeks Before Moving Date

The best time to begin relocation preparations is 5-6 weeks before the planned moving date. If you are confused and don’t have any ideas about what to do before you move, go through this checklist. 

Make a Record of Your Belongings

People may collect many things over the years of living in a particular place. These items are not always necessary for a comfortable life, so it’s a good idea to give them as presents to friends or relatives, sell them online, or donate them before you start packing.

Decide which things should be kept and what you can get rid of. Make a list of all your belongings and discuss with your partner and children what can be given away.

Remove the Undesired Stuff 

After you determine which things are not staying with you, consider giving away, selling, or donating them. This will not only make moving easier but also can bring you some money.

Investigate Moving Companies and Book Transportation

Although this step might seem too early, 5-6 weeks before your relocation is the best time to research moving options. When investigating, pay attention to:

  • Previous clients’ reviews
  • Services provided by a moving company
  • Whether car shipping or any other specific services you might need

Choose two or three of the most suitable moving companies and contact them. Ask for an estimate in written format — this will help you avoid additional fees after the transportation is completed. You can also check the weight calculator on the company’s website to get a rough estimate.

When you choose a moving company and are ready to sign a contract, do not forget to examine the documents carefully. If everything is clear and correct, sign the contract and send it back to your moving company.

Plan Your Relocation Expenses

Calculate your moving budget wisely. Consider everything that might go wrong and require additional costs. Once your calculations are done, add an extra 10% to the total moving expenses, just in case. It’s better to be prepared and avoid frustration if something doesn’t go according to your plan.

Inform Your Friends and Family

For some of your friends and relatives, the news of your move might be shocking, especially if you are moving long distances. We recommend letting them know a few weeks before moving. This way, they will have time to get used to the idea of your relocation and say a proper goodbye. They may also offer assistance.

Organize Your Documents

Nowadays, we all keep various paper documents at home. We encourage you to buy a folder and properly group them. This will help prevent losing your documents during the moving period.

Think About Moving Inventory

Once you have created a list of your belongings, take some time to estimate how many boxes and other relocation supplies (like bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, etc) you will need. You can buy these supplies or borrow them from your friends and family. For those who have plenty of things and can’t keep them at home for more than a month, we recommend renting warehouse storage.

Notify Your Property Owner

It is crucial to inform your landlord about your plan to relocate to a new address. Check your rental agreement to understand your obligations. Consider making small repairs to the property to ensure you receive your deposit back from the landlord.

3-4 Weeks Till Move

Begin Boxing Up Your Belongings

The best way to get packing done on time is to start boxing up at least 3 weeks before the move date. Begin with the items that are rarely used, such as books, out-of-season clothes, and decor items. Helpful tip: pack fragile items with bubble wrap to avoid damages.

Find a New Healthcare Provider

Although finding a new doctor or dentist might not seem obvious, you should add this task to your moving plan. Research options and select a provider — this will save you from unexpected problems when you need a doctor in your new place.

Provide Canada Post Your New Address

Visit the nearest postal office and inform the staff about the address change. Usually, they will ask you to fill out a change of address form where you should specify your new address. This way, important letters will be redirected to your new location.

Buy Tickets for Your Family Members

If you are relocating long distance, it’s better to take care of travel arrangements like plane or train tickets for your family in advance. This way, you will save costs and reduce stress.

Select a New Internet Provider

It’s difficult to imagine our everyday life without internet access. One of the most essential things you need to do when you move is to find a new internet provider. After choosing one, contact the company to schedule the installation. 

Moving in Two Weeks

Inform Key Organizations 

One of the most important tasks in your list of things to do during the moving period should be notifying certain institutions. These include your bank, insurance company, public utilities, and more. This step will prevent disruptions or missed correspondence.

Request a Short Leave from Work

In most companies, you should ask for a short leave in advance. Inform your manager and HR department about your intention to take one or a few days off two to three weeks before your planned leave. This way, you will have time to think about a plan B if your request is not approved.

Make Changes to Your Online Store Accounts

If you don’t plan to order anything before the moving day, you can go ahead and update your details on e-commerce platforms.

Consider Car Check-Up

Two to three weeks before moving is the best time to take your vehicle to a mechanic. During the moving process, you will have many tasks to carry out, and a disabled car is not what you want. We strongly recommend taking care of your automobile in advance to save money and time in case something goes wrong.

Ask for Parking Permission 

Since all your goods will be transported by a moving truck, do not forget to contact your current and future property owners. Request permission to park the truck for at least 4-5 hours on the moving day. It’s better to reserve more time than you might need.

Get in Touch with the Moving Company

Contact the moving company which handles your relocation and confirm all details, such as time, date, costs, etc. It’s better to ensure that you both are aligned and there are no mistakes.

1 Week Till Move

Pack All Your Belongings

Start packing all your items about a week before your move. Take your time to browse packing tips to learn how to make this process easier and more efficient.

Place your clothes, dishes, cosmetics, and other stuff into boxes, securing them with tape. A quick tip: pack seasonal items first. Also, take enough clothes to keep with you for the move itself, so that you won’t have to dig into moving boxes when you need something. 

Take Care of Your Documents

Remember we recommended organizing your documents into folders 5-6 weeks before the moving date? So now, find a separate box for them, label it properly, and keep a close eye on it before, during, and after relocation. Highlight this task in your moving checklist in Canada, as losing important documents, such as car insurance or property deeds, can have adverse consequences. 

Label Your Boxes

Although many people skip this step, we encourage you to take the time to put stickers on the boxes, especially the ones with fragile items. It will make unpacking much easier and more pleasant.

Take Photos of Your Equipment

Your furniture, large electronic devices, and other belongings (like TVs, PCs, fridges, microwaves, etc.) might get scratched during packing or transportation. It’s always a good idea to have proof of how your stuff looked before moving.

Prepare Your Fridge

Your refrigerator should be empty, clean, and dry on the moving day. Avoid buying a lot of food during the last week before relocating. In case there’s still much spare food left a few days before you move out, get rid of it (you can donate it, for example).

Organize a Meeting with the Property Owner

Usually, real estate owners are eager to check if their property is intact before returning the deposit. Contact your current landlord and arrange a meeting so they can inspect the house.

You should also discuss returning the keys. In addition, inform your landlord about your new address in case new residents receive letters or parcels addressed to you.

Arrange Deep Cleaning

Before you leave your house or apartment, deep clean it. Throw away rubbish, empty cupboards, wipe the dust, wash the floors, clean the bathroom, and so on.

A Few Days Till Move

Defrost Your Fridge

Disconnect your fridge from the power source, defrost it, and clean it. Leave it open so that it can dry quickly. 

Prepare Some Cash

It’s better to be prepared for additional expenses. Withdraw money in case you need to make a payment in cash. Add this task to your checklist for moving, and you will be ready for unpredictable situations.

Pack a Bag with Essentials 

If you are moving to another city, province, or country, it’s better to have some useful items like snacks, napkins, water, and painkillers close at hand.

Moving Day

Make a Final Check

Before you go, ensure that you leave the house or apartment in good order. During your final walkthrough of the facility, double check if all your stuff is packed up, appliances unplugged, and windows closed.

Leave the Keys

Don’t forget to leave the keys in a prominent place for the next residents.

Collaborate with Relocators

When hiring movers, some people think they can skip all tasks related to the relocation process. In fact, the more you support the movers, the faster you will empty the old home and start transporting your belongings to the new one.

You can also tip movers to make their day a bit better.

After You Move In

Photograph Your New House

We suggest taking pictures of the new place before you arrange the furniture and appliances. Capture all scratches and damages — you might need it when moving out. 

Revise Your Records

According to the law, individuals should update their personal information on important documents, such as driver’s licenses, insurance, medical cards, etc. Try to do this as soon as possible, as it is really important.

Hang Curtains

To make your new place cozy and secure, arrange the space. Curtains will provide privacy for you and your family.

Unpack Your Belongings

Start with the most essential items for everyday life, such as bedding, towels, clothes, appliances, and dishes. After you unpack the essentials, move on to books, decor items, etc.

Replace the Locks

Ensure that you and your family members are the only ones who can freely access the house by replacing the locks.

Clean Your New Home

Deep cleaning of your new home will make this place not only look but also feel better. 

Get To Know the People Next Door

Take time to say hi to your new community. If you are planning a housewarming celebration, ask your neighbors when they are available. 

Order Food or Go Shopping

A few days after moving in might be very intense, and you probably won’t have time to buy food. Arrange your meals for 4-5 days — it will save you lots of time and stress.

Download Our Moving Checklist 

Indeed, relocating to a new place can be extremely stressful. There are countless things to remember and rules to follow. To make your move smooth and trouble-free, you should begin preparations weeks before moving.

If you don’t know where to start, download our ultimate moving checklist in PDF format to make the process easier. Simply print the template and start checking off completed tasks. Also, check our moving tips to improve your moving experience.


Download PDF Here


Still Have Questions?

We hope our moving checklist will help you make your relocation as easy as 1-2-3. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll gladly answer them and help with any concerns.

A quick reminder: CAmovers can help you find a moving company that provides all the services you need. We partner with the top-rated Canadian movers to make sure our customers receive premium-quality service.