Tools

Moving Checklist

Here’s a moving checklist to keep you organized and help ensure everything goes smoothly during your move.

6-8 WEEKS BEFORE MOVE

• Get estimates for movers or a rental truck (your realtor can help)
• Schedule movers or a rental truck and helpers
• Clean out all closets, cupboards and drawers
• Sort and purge
• Arrange for school transfer
• Ask for doctor and dental referrals; arrange for the transfer of medical and dental records
• Make an inventory of household items that are of value for insurance purposes
• Start a moving folder
• Fill out a change-of-address card with Canada Post

4-6 WEEKS BEFORE MOVE

• Buy packing supplies: boxes, paper, tape, markers, bubble wrap
• Use up or dispose of food and hazardous materials
• Have a garage sale/donate unwanted items
• Arrange for house cleaning
• Make plans for your pets
• Arrange for utilities (cancel old and start new):
• Electricity
• Gas
• Water/sewer
• Telephone/DSL
• Garbage/recycling
• Cable/satellite
• Consult your insurance agent to find out if changes to your policies are necessary
• Check insurance coverage for the move
• Request relocation package from the local Chamber of Commerce
• Begin packing items you will not need for the next month

2-3 WEEKS BEFORE MOVE

• Set aside critical documents and items you will keep with you
• Change address:
• Employer
• Newspaper/Magazines
• Bank accounts/Credit cards
• Health, life, and auto insurance policies
• Driver’s License
• Auto registration
• Sign your mortgage documents with the lender and lawyer

1-5 DAYS BEFORE MOVE

• Defrost freezer
• Prepare food for moving day
• Clean refrigerator, stove and oven
• Disconnect and drain appliances for moving
• Drain fuel from power equipment
• Confirm arrival time of the movers/pick-up time of the rental truck
• Have payment and snacks ready for movers
• Gather outdoor furniture
• Return cable box, cable modem, DSL modem if necessary
• Organize keys and any manuals that go with the house
• Clean house
• Finish packing
• Pack a suitcase/box full of items you will need on moving day and for the first night

MOVING DAY

• Disassemble beds
• Double check that all cupboards, closets, dishwasher and that other appliances are empty
• Give movers a tour and instructions for what is being moved
• Receive keys to your new home from the real estate agent or builder

We hope this moving checklist helped. Enjoy your new home!