Moving always brings mixed emotions - it can be both very exciting and stressful at the same time. To help, here are some useful tips that will help make your move efficient and trouble-free:

**8 Weeks Before Moving**

- Research and book a moving company or reserve a moving truck.

- Make a moving budget (include boxes, supplies, truck, cleaners, etc.).

- Create a moving binder or digital folder to keep track of quotes, receipts, and inventory.

- Declutter & sort — create areas for items to donate, sell, or discard.

- Research your new neighborhood: schools, utilities, local services.

- Collect important documents (birth certificates, medical records, etc.).

**6 Weeks Before Moving**

- Schedule your mail to be forwarded to your new address with Canada Post

- Gather packing supplies: boxes, tape, markers, bubble wrap.

- Start using up pantry items, frozen food, and cleaning supplies.

- Notify landlord (if renting) of your intended move-out date.

- Schedule time off work for moving day.

**4 Weeks Before Moving**

- Begin packing non-essential items (seasonal decor, books, rarely used kitchenware).

- Label boxes by room and contents.

- Arrange for utilities (gas, electricity, water, internet) to be transferred or set up.

- Change your address with:  bank accounts, credit cards, driver's license, health cards, insurance, employer, doctor, dentist, subscriptions, memberships, CRA, etc.

- Plan a garage sale or donation pickup if needed.

- Schedule cleaners or prepare cleaning supplies for final cleanup.

**3 Weeks Before Moving**

- Take unwanted items to charity and/or dump

- Dispose of household chemicals properly (old paint, cleaners, etc.) Take these to the local Toxic Waste Centre

If necessary:

- Make travel arrangements & reservations

- Arrange transfer of car insurance & license plates

- Notify kids' schools, transfer records

- Register at new school

- Get copies of medical and dental records; if you have pets, get copies of veterinary records

**2 Weeks Before Moving**

- Confirm moving details with movers/truck rental.

- Notify friends, family, and important contacts of your new address.

- Pack most of your belongings, leaving only daily essentials.

- Service your car if you’re moving long-distance.

- Back up your computer and important digital files.

- Arrange pet care or babysitting for moving day.

- Return any rental equipment (ie. cable tv)

- Return any borrowed items to friends/family/neighbors

**1 Week Before Moving**

- Pack a suitcase with first day essentials: clothes, toiletries, chargers, important documents.

- Defrost and clean your refrigerator/freezer (at least 24–48 hours before).

- Prepare a box with essentials not for moving truck (toilet paper, cleaning supplies, snacks, tools, sheets).

- Take photos of furniture and electronics for insurance purposes.

- Double-check utility setup at new home.

- Confirm key pickup or lease closing details.

**Day Before Moving**

- Take down curtains and curtain rods

- Dismantle beds/headboards

- Finish packing everything except what’s needed for the last night.

- Do a final walk-through to ensure nothing is left behind.

- Clean the home or coordinate cleaners.

- Prepare payment/tips for movers.

- Charge phones and pack all chargers and devices.

**Moving Day**

- Wake up early and do a last-minute check of all rooms, closets, and cabinets.

- Ensure movers have correct address, contact info, time, etc.

- Strip sheets from beds & bag up with dirty laundry

- Collect all keys and keep in a safe place

- Walk around with moving supervisor and sign inventory forms (if applicable)

- Do a final walk-through, check all closets & cabinets

- Clean premises that you are leaving (inspect with the landlord & return keys, if applicable)

- Double-check all doors/windows are locked.

- Do a walk-through at the new home before unloading begins.

- Guide movers to where boxes/furniture should go.

- Check inventory list and note any damaged/missing items.

- Enjoy your new home!