8 Weeks Before the Move
Get organized: Set aside a folder or file where you can put all your move-related paperwork.
Start sorting: Decide what to keep, toss, sell, or donate. If you’re moving to a smaller place, be aggressive in your decision making. Create a room-by-room inventory to help with staying organized later. While you take inventory, identify any items that need specialty packing.
Measure your new home: Take measurements of your new space to determine that items you already own will be able to fit.
Research moving & box rental companies: Go online to check for moving and box rental companies with positive reviews and ask friends and family if they have any references. Take a week or two to research and get rates, you’re not in rush mode quite yet.
Request time off work: Moving over the weekend is ideal but an extra day or two off can help you feel rested and prepared to go back to work.
Notify your landlord: If you’re moving from a rental, let your landlord know.
6 Weeks Before the Move
Get supplies: Buy packing materials like boxes if you’re not renting them, labels, bubble wrap and tape.
Do small repairs: If you need to do small repairs to your home before moving out, get them done now to get them out of the way.
Notify schools: If you have kids and are moving to a new boundary, notify their schools of the impending move. Get copies of their school records and check into the enrollment process at the schools near your new home.
Pick a moving date: Pick a firm date so that you have a date to work with when booking and ordering items to the new house.
Book moving & box rental companies: Pick a company you feel confident with and confirm the date, time, and details of your move.
Make a list of where you will need to update your address: Start making a list now so that it is easier when you start to tackle notifying multiple places. Some places to consider are your employer, financial institution, and car insurance.
4 Weeks Before the Move
Make travel arrangements: If you are moving a long distance and need to stop overnight, book your stay now.
Start packing non-essentials: Room-by-room, begin boxing up the things you don’t often use and make sure you label the boxes.
Notify utilities: Start the process of transferring, cancelling, or setting up your utility accounts and home insurance.
Plan and order decor and furniture for new home: Order new decor and furniture to be delivered to your new home.
3 Weeks Before the Move
Plan meals for move week: Use up food items that you don’t want to move and plan to have nothing left in your freezer by your move date. Plan meals for your move week so you’re not overbuying food.
Kids and pets: Get a babysitter or pet sitter if needed. Plan how and when to transport both kids and pets to the new home.
Change your address: Plan an afternoon to start notifying for your change of address.
Transfer insurance: Transfer or set home homeowners insurance.
Take care of your car: Have your car serviced if you’re driving a long-distance to your new home.
Book cleaners: Make arrangements to have your new place cleaned before moving in.
2 Weeks Before the Move
Begin packing: Now’s the time to start boxing up most of everything left in your home. Make sure to continue to label everything to ensure a smooth transition at your new place.
Coordinate your valuables: If you have jewelry, heirlooms, or other valuable items, sequester them from the main move. You don’t want valuable items mixed up with your other packed items. Keep them in a safe place so you can transport them yourself..
Proper disposal: Properly dispose of any items that can’t be moved such as cleaning materials, propane, or paint.
Notify Ministry of Transportation: Update your address on your driver’s license and registration.
1 Week Before the Move
Confirmations: Check in with your mover to confirm the time and date of the move.
Pack an overnight bag: Prepare a bag with items you will need right away at your new place. Take it with you and don’t load it on the truck.
Disassemble big furniture: Take pictures while you disassemble and keep hardware labelled in a bag.
Pickup new keys: Coordinate picking up your new keys with your new landlord, or if you are buying a new home, you will pick them up on closing day.
Get cash: Take out cash to tip if you are using movers.
1 Day Before the Move
Fridge and pantry: Clean out your fridge, freezer, and pantry.
Moving Day
Work with your movers: Help your movers by identifying fragile or large items right away. Be there when the movers load your items onto the truck and have someone ready at the new location to direct them. You’ll be responsible for verifying that they loaded everything, so it’s vital that you’re there to coordinate and answer questions.
One final sweep: Before the movers pull away, do a final check of your home to make sure nothing was left behind. Sign the inventory list when you’re satisfied that everything is accounted for.
Key exchange: Leave keys and garage door openers in a kitchen drawer for the next residents and pick up new keys if you haven’t already.
Appliances: Check that all your appliances are in working order, run the washer, dryer, and dishwasher through one cycle.
Check utilities: Make sure your utilities are all working and contact the providers immediately if there is an issue.
Tip movers: If you are happy with the job the movers did, make sure to tip them to thank them.
1 Day After You Move
Set up beds and bathroom: Setting up your beds and bathrooms are a good starting point to make the home feel set up.
Set up home security: If you have home security it’s a good idea to get it set up the first day and make sure it’s in working order.
Check utilities: Make sure your utilities are all working and contact the providers immediately if here is an issue.
Start unpacking: Use these first days to get the bulk of your unpacking done. After the beds and bathrooms, the kitchen is a good starting point so that you can start using it and go grocery shopping.
