Let’s face it, moving is stressful. That’s why we’ve created this moving checklist to help you stay on track.
First things first, get organized.
Create a digital “moving” folder on Google Drive or Dropbox. Take pictures with your phone of quotes, receipts, and records related to your move and store them online. You’re not going to be able to remember all of the details, so throw them in a file for easy reference.
Two Months Before
Sort and purge - Go through every room of your house and decide what you’d like to keep and what you can get rid of. Think about whether any items will require special packing or extra insurance coverage.
Six Weeks Before
Supplies - Collect free boxes from restaurants, liquor, grocery, office supply stores, or local bookstores or order boxes and other supplies such as tape, bubble wrap, and permanent markers. Don’t forget to order specialty containers, such as dish barrels or wardrobe boxes.
One Month Before
Choose your mover and confirm the arrangements. - Select a company and get written confirmation of your moving date, costs and other details.
Begin packing
Start packing the things that you use most infrequently, such as the waffle iron and croquet set. While packing, note items of special vale that might require additional insurance from your moving company. Make sure to declare, in writing, any items valued over $100 per pound such as a computer. Research packing hacks to make moving day easier.
Label
Clearly label and number each box with its content and the room it’s destined for. This will help you to keep an inventory of your belongings. Pack and label “essentials” boxes of items you’ll need right away.
Separate valuables
Add items such as jewelry and important files to a safe box that you’ll personally transport to your new home. Make sure to put the mover’s estimate in this box. You’ll need it for reference on moving day.
Do a change of address - canadapost.ca
Go to your local post office and fill out a change of address form, or do it online at canadapost.ca. In case there are stragglers, it’s always wise to ask a close neighbour to look out for mail after you’ve moved. Check in with them two weeks after the move, and again two weeks after that.
Notify important parties
Alert the following of your move: banks, brokerage firms, doctor’s offices, your employer’s human resources department, magazine and newspapers you subscribe to, credit card, insurance, and utilities companies.
Two weeks before
Contact the moving company- Reconfirm the arrangements.
Set up trash removal and recycling for your new home, and cancel your current service.
Transfer Your Utilities
Contact the customer service departments of the gas, electric, phone and cable companies at least 2 weeks prior to the move. Arrange to have the utility services up and running at your new residence at least a day before you move in. A few more points to keep in mind when vacating the premises:
Moving Utilities Tip: Final Reading
Have your utility companies and/or town do a final reading of the gas, electric and water meters. Make sure to get and keep a copy of your bill or report.
Moving Utilities Tip: Forward Your New Address
Supply companies with a forwarding address where they can send final invoices. If you don't, you could be surprised down the road with unnecessary late fees and unfortunate credit circumstances.
Moving Utilities Tip: Pay the Piper and Get Your Money Back
Pay any overdue bills, but also collect any refunds or utility deposits. Many people forget that they may have served up a substantial chunk of change months and sometimes year’s back - depending on how long they've lived at their most recent address.
Moving Utilities Tip: Bring Important Numbers and Addresses With You
To transfer utility service to a new location is usually a quick and painless procedure. You can transfer utilities or connect new services online. Listed below are frequently used utility services contact information
Phone/Internet/Cable
Bell – bell.ca or call 1-888-394-9953
Rogers – rogers.com or call 1-855-759-5857
Utilities
Hydro One – hydroone.com or call 1-888-664-9376
Enbridge Gas - enbridge.com or call 1-877-362-7434
Reliance Home- https://reliancehomecomfort.com/ or call 1-888-837-1451
Check to ensure there isn’t additional rental equipment such as: hot water tank, alarm systems, air conditioning units, and furnace just to name a few. Contact the company directly to transfer any rental agreements.
One Week Before
Pack your suitcases
Aim to finish your general packing a few days before your moving date. Then pack suitcases for everyone in the family with enough clothes to wear for a few days.
A Few Days Before
Defrost the Freezer
If your refrigerator is moving with you, make sure to empty, clean and defrost it at least 24 hours before moving day.
Recycle or dispose of corrosives, flammables, and poisonous items. Make sure you’re disposing of toxic items properly.
Fill your prescriptions.
Back up your computer. If something goes awry during your move, you’ll be thankful you have everything saved in an alternate place.
Take photos of all electronics before unplugging them.
This will help jog your memory when you’re reconnecting things such as your TV and stereo.
Prepare a list of emergency service technicians and preferred providers.
You don’t want to be googling plumbers while your toilet is overflowing in your new home.
Double-check the details
Reconfirm the moving company’s arrival time and other specifics and make sure you have prepared exact, written directions to your new home for the staff. Include contact information, such as your cell number
Plan for the payment
If you haven’t already arranged to pay your mover with a credit card, get a money order, cashier’s cheque, or cash for payment and tip. If the staff has done a good job, 10 to 15 percent of the total fee is a good tip. If your move was especially difficult, you might tip each mover up to $100. Don’t forget that refreshments are always appreciated.
Pack an essentials box with everything you’ll need for your first 24 hours in your new home.
Moving Day
Verify - Make sure that the moving truck that shows up is from the company you hired.
Take inventory
Before the movers leave, sign the bill of lading/inventory list and keep a copy.
As soon as your movers leave, make your bed and unpack your shower curtain and toiletries.
Be sure to leave any extra house keys, garage door openers, location of the mailbox and number,
manuals for appliances etc. Whatever has been agreed upon in your agreement between you and the buyer.
Week after Your Move
Blue Bins
You will need to pick up new blue boxes & recycling bins after you move in. There are several locations where these bins can be picked up.
Green Bins & Composting
You will need to pick up new green bins & composting after you move in. You will need to obtain a service number before you are able to pick up your green bin.
Changing your ID
You are able to change your address on your driver’s license and health card online through Service Ontario, Ontario.ca You can also update your vehicle permit online but you will need to visit a Service Ontario centre to exchange your old registration for a new one. You can also visit a Service Ontario centre near you to make these changes.
Other places to Change your Address
The list of businesses, friends and families is endless when it comes to changing your address. Here are a few that come to mind:
Family Doctor
Dentist
Schools
Banking Institutions
Insurance Companies
Credit Card companies
Cell Phone Providers
Place of Employment
Fitness Clubs