Your moving checklist
Use this timeline to stay ahead of every task, from booking movers to the first night in your new home.
One month before
- Book your movers, and ask what coverage is included and whether extra coverage is available.
- Ask how the price is calculated and whether there are extra charges for fuel, mileage, stairs or heavy items.
- Book the elevator if you're moving into or out of an apartment or condo. This one matters!
- Register mail forwarding with Canada Post.
- Update your address with your bank, and through ServiceOntario for your driver's licence and health card.
- Gather important documents in one place.
Two weeks before
- Decide what's worth moving. Sell, donate or recycle the rest.
- Arrange utilities, internet and phone at the new address.
- Start packing if you're doing it yourself, and label every box.
One week before
- List the valuables and jewellery you'll carry yourself.
- Take apart anything that needs dismantling (unless we're doing it for you).
- Reconfirm your booking with the moving company.
- Defrost and dry the deep freezer.
Two days before
- Do your last load of laundry, then disconnect and drain the washer.
- Empty, defrost and dry the fridge.
The day before
- Pack everything you're taking yourself and mark it DO NOT LOAD. Better yet, move it out of the house first.
Moving day
- Walk the crew lead through the house and share your instructions.
- Keep snacks, water, coffee and chargers handy. It's a long day.
- At the new home, check that utilities are on and the meters have been read.
- Unpack the essentials first: kids' rooms, basic kitchen items and the bathroom.
For packing advice, see our packing tips and supply kits.