Printable Moving Checklist for Canadians
Download the PDF Moving Checklist for Canadians by entering your email below and have a great move!
Moving to a new home is totally exciting, and can be totally overwhelming too. Whether you’re buying a new home within your city, or selling so you can move to another province, there’s a lot to think about. Luckily, having a moving checklist can help to keep you organised and on track. Plus, having it all laid out can also keep you on top of items that you may not have even thought about.
From packing supplies, to a sample moving timeline, and even a checklist of who to notify of your change of address, I’ve got you covered.
And if you prefer a printable moving checklist, I’ve also laid all of the below out for you into a downloadable pdf as well. The choice is yours.
Moving Supplies Checklist
The moving supplies you need will obviously depend on what you’re moving, but in general, this list should have the average household covered with the right supplies to pack up, store and safely transport your belongings to your next address.
Garbage bags
Boxes (various sizes)
Bankers boxes (for documents)
Speciality boxes (e.g. for moving electronics/televisions)
Labels (blank or pre-labeled)
Moving blankets
Newsprint packing paper
Bubble wrap or honeycomb packing paper (more environmentally-conscious choice)
Permanent Marker
Matress bag(s)
Sofa cover
Vacuum storage bags (for saving space)
Lockbox for valuables
Dolly
Moving truck
Moving notification cards
Snacks/drinks
Moving Timeline Checklist
Moving timelines can vary, but ideally, you’ll have at least 60 to 90 days (two to three months) to prepare. Most provinces have notification periods for renters. For example, in Ontario (currently) you’re required to give at least 60 days notice before moving. So always be sure to check what the regulations are in your province when planning.
Another factor that can impact your timeline is whether you’re selling or buying a home (or both!). When buying and selling, there is a closing period that is set up in your contract, and it dictates when you must vacate your current home, as well as when you can get the keys for your new home.
Note that I have set up special pages for buying a home and selling a home, so that you can get an overview of what’s required (as well as timelines) there as well.
As soon as possible
Notify landlord of intent to move and fill out forms (if needed)
Set a moving date
Decide whether you’ll get movers (get quotes)
Order moving supplies
Book a truck/friends and/or movers
4-6 weeks before the move
make an inventory of what is to be moved, donated, sold, or trashed
Host a garage sale/yard sale and/or post items for sale (e.g. Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, etc.) for the items to be sold.
Begin notifying people of your change of address.
Arrange for storage rental in your new neighbourhood (if required).
Contact utilities to advise of your move and ensure services will be switched.
Clean area rugs, draperies, etc.
Begin to pack up home, room-by-room, starting with items you use less often.
Tip: Be sure to label your boxes clearly. You’re not likely to remember what has gone inside each one a month from now when you’re in your new place!
2-3 weeks before the move
Continue packing up your home, labelling boxes carefully as you go.
Get a written appraisal of your valuables so you can verify their value if they are damaged and/or if you require insurance.
Contact your insurance company to ensure your policies will transfer to the new home on the move-in date.
Arrange to be off work for moving day.
Address any minor home repairs.
Give neighbours a heads up if you foresee your move causing any blockage of roads or driveways.
1 week before the move
Continue packing up your home, room-by-room and labelling boxes carefully.
All boxes taped shut and stacked.
Determine which boxes need to be loaded last.
Deep clean your home and/or arrange for cleaners.
Take photos of electronics before you dismantle them, so you know how to reconnect them later.
Place all appliance manuals and warranties in one place for the new occupants.
Pack a lockbox with your valuables to take in the car with you.
Begin to clean out your fridge and freezer & drain and defrost your appliances as needed.
Remind your neighbours of your upcoming move (if blocking roads/driveways).
Day of the move
All loose items are packed in boxes.
All picture frames and artwork removed from the walls.
All boxes are labeled with their destination room on the top of the box.
Disassemble bedroom sets.
No contents in your appliances.
Conduct a last sweep of your home to make sure you’ve packed and cared for absolutely everything.
Pack an essentials box (if not already packed).
Essentials Box
It’s great to have a few essentials that are readily at hand and can be transported with you in your car. That way, you’ll be sure that you have everything you need for the first day or so at your new home. Some items to consider packing:
Toilet paper
Garbage bags
Dish/hand soap
Towels
Change of clothes
Toiletries
A few cleaning supplies
Phone/lap top chargers
Dishes (plate, bowl, cup) and cutlery
Tool kit
Coffee/tea
Tool kit & scissors
Just before you leave your house
Shut off water
Turn off lights
Windows shut and locked
House keys surrendered (e.g. to lawyer or back to landlord)
Adjust your thermostat
Turn down the water heater
Do one last sweep for any items left behind
Say one last goodbye!
Change of Address Notification Checklist
Sending notifications to everyone who has your address has to be one of the most surprisingly time-consuming aspects of moving. Especially after you’ve lived somewhere for a while, it can be eye-opening to see just how many companies need to have your address listed, even if they don’t send you regular mail. For example, your streaming service providers need to have your billing address. Therefore, I’ve broken this checklist into sub categories, to help you navigate.
Tip: Sign up for Canada Post’s mail forwarding service so that you’re sure that all mail gets routed to your new address. This helps for any providers you’ve missed, as well as ensures that mail that was sent out before the provider updated your address still makes it to your hands.
Services
Cell phone
Internet
Cable
Hydro/electric
Water
Natural gas
Insurance (home, life, auto, etc)
Subscription streaming services (Netflix, Crave, Disney+ etc).
Financial Institutions
Credit card companies
Water heater rental company (Note: Having a rented water heater is a popular option in Ontario, for reasons I’ll never understand…. So make sure that you’re aware of whether your heater is rented or not before you move, to avoid a bill).
Government Services
Driver’s licence
Health card
Vehicle registration
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Old age security
Canada pension plan
Elections Canada & Provincial Elections
GST/HST
Canada firearms permit
Boating permit
Nexus
Other
Daycare and educational institutions/schools
Charities
Household services
Memberships (library, community centre, etc)
Rewards and/or discount programs
Professional associations, unions, organisations, etc.
Vehicle warranty provider/car manufacturer
Applications (App) providers (Uber, InstaCart, Apple Pay, etc)
Online shopping subscriptions and auto-replenish services (e.g. Amazon, Sephora, etc.)
Graduate/alumni associations
Gym/fitness centres
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