Moving Tips
Early preparation can make all the difference for a successful move. We know moving feels like a lot of work, but by planning ahead, you’ll have everything under control…and with plenty of time to celebrate! Our 6-week countdown will ease you through the moving process and keep you organized long before the big day.
6 weeks before
- Start meal planning! The goal here is to clear out as much of your pantry and fridge as possible before moving.
- Research moving companies to compare costs and services.
- Gather material for packing like tape, boxes and foam padding. If you don’t want to buy boxes, give yourself some extra time to collect them from friends, family and grocery stores.
- If you’re planning a big move, make travel arrangements.
5 weeks before
- It’s time to declutter! Before you start packing, create a pile of things you no longer need. Once you’ve gone through each room, you can sell or donate what you don’t want.
4 weeks before
- Secure your date by booking your moving company or truck.
- Make a list of all the places you’ll need to change your address.
- Make other necessary bookings, like the moving elevator if you live in a building.
- Come up with a packing and labelling system to help keep you organized.
- Start packing the non-essential items you know you won’t need in the next month. You can save the rest for later.
3 weeks before
- Notify your utility companies of the move so they can update your accounts accordingly.
- If required, arrange for child and pet care for the day of the move. Getting this out of the way now means you won’t be scrambling last minute to make sure your loved ones will be looked after.
- Update your driver’s license and health card.
2 weeks before
- Time to start packing the rest of your stuff! This means everything except for the everyday essentials.
- As you pack, thoroughly clean your belongings to make sure your boxes are free of debris. It also saves you from having to do it in your new home.
- Complete all of your change of address forms.
- Moving far? Don’t forget to empty your gym lockers and cancel any local memberships!
- Change your address for your auto insurance and car registration.
- Set up mail forwarding so you sleep easy knowing you won’t be missing anything important.
Moving week
- If you need to pack lightly, donate any unopened food items to a community organization or neighbour.
- Do a final clean for the next owner/resident.
- Check all shelves and closet corners to make sure nothing is hiding.
- Make sure to cancel or reroute any expected deliveries
- Pack an overnight bag with enough essentials to get you through the first day in your new home.
- Dismantle large furniture pieces and keep all pieces together.
- Empty oil and gas from grills, heaters, lawnmowers, snow blowers. The last thing you want is a spill!
Moving day
- Set your alarm and wake up early!
- And don’t forget to tip your movers—they’ve worked hard today.
- Collect your valuables and the essential items you’ve packed, and keep them in a place you know is secure and easy to access.
- As soon as the movers are done for the day, start on the beds and bathrooms since those are the things you’ll need first. Unpack your shower curtain, toiletries and bedsheets so your first night will be comfortable.
- If you don’t have shades, block the windows with cardboard or bedsheets.
- Go grocery shopping and start restocking the fridge.