Planning Your Move: Timeline & Checklist

A well-planned move is a successful move. Follow this timeline to stay organized and reduce stress. Tick items off as you go: this page remembers them on your device.

8 weeks before moving day

Week 8: initial planning

• Set your moving date
• Research and get quotes from moving companies
• Start decluttering: donate or sell items you don’t need
• Create a moving binder to organize documents and receipts
• Begin researching your new neighbourhood

Week 7: budgeting and booking

• Compare moving quotes and book your movers
• Start tracking moving expenses
• Research storage options if needed
• Begin using up perishable food items

6 weeks before

Week 6: administrative tasks

• Notify your landlord (if renting)
• Research schools in your new area (if applicable)
• Start gathering packing supplies
• Take measurements of your new home
• Plan your new home’s layout

Week 5: more decluttering

• Continue sorting through belongings
• Hold a garage sale or donate items
• Cancel or transfer memberships and subscriptions
• Research utility providers at your new location

4 weeks before

Week 4: address changes

• Set up mail forwarding with Canada Post
• Notify banks, credit card companies, and insurance providers
• Update your voter registration
• Inform your employer
• Notify your children’s schools

Week 3: utilities and services

• Schedule utility disconnection and connection dates
• Arrange for cable and internet installation
• Transfer medical records and prescriptions
• Notify your doctor, dentist, and other healthcare providers

2 weeks before

Week 2: serious packing

• Start packing non-essential items
• Label all boxes with contents and destination room
• Keep an inventory list
• Confirm moving company details
• Arrange for pet care on moving day
• Plan meals using pantry items

1 week before

Week 1: final preparations

• Pack suitcases with essentials for the first week
• Defrost and clean the refrigerator and freezer
• Drain garden hoses and lawn equipment
• Return borrowed items
• Confirm arrangements with movers
• Clean out your safety deposit box
• Pack a “first night” box with essentials

Moving week

3 days before

• Finish packing all non-essential items
• Disassemble furniture
• Drain the washing machine hose
• Disconnect appliances

2 days before

• Pack remaining items except daily essentials
• Reconfirm arrival time with movers
• Clean out the refrigerator
• Get cash for tips

1 day before

• Pack remaining items
• Set aside items to go in your car
• Charge phone and devices
• Get a good night’s sleep

Moving day

Morning

• Do a final walkthrough
• Check all closets, drawers, and cabinets
• Take meter readings
• Meet with movers and review the inventory

During the move

• Keep important documents with you
• Oversee the loading process
• Do a final check of the entire property

After the movers leave

• Check that nothing was left behind
• Take photos of the empty space
• Turn off lights and lock up
• Turn in keys

First week in your new home

Day 1

• Direct movers on furniture placement
• Check for damage during unloading
• Locate shut-off valves and the circuit breaker
• Set up beds
• Unpack essential items

Week 1

• Unpack room by room
• Update your driver’s licence
• Register your vehicle
• Find a new doctor, dentist, and so on
• Locate the nearest grocery store and pharmacy
• Introduce yourself to neighbours
• Test smoke detectors and replace batteries

Final tasks

• Register to vote in your new location
• Find new service providers (hairdresser, mechanic, and so on)
• Explore your new community
• Join local groups or organizations
• Properly dispose of packing materials

Tips for success

1. Stay organized: use your moving binder to keep all documents, receipts, and checklists in one place.
2. Pack smart: label boxes clearly and create a master inventory list.
3. Take photos: document furniture arrangement in your old home and any pre-existing damage in your new home.
4. Keep essentials handy: pack a bag with things you’ll need immediately, like toiletries, medications, phone chargers, and a change of clothes.
5. Communicate: keep in regular contact with your moving company and anyone else involved.
6. Be flexible: despite the best planning, unexpected issues may arise. Stay calm and adapt as needed.

Moving doesn’t have to be stressful. With proper planning and the right moving company, you can enjoy a smooth transition to your new home. Ready to start? Contact Moving United for a free consultation and quote.