For most, moving can be an extremely stressful time and the best way to help things go smoothly is to plan ahead. Procrastination may work for you at certain times, but moving is certainly not the time to discover how you react to leaving things until last minute! Often you are on a tight-time constricted schedule that requires planning ahead; you have to schedule elevators, moving vehicles, mover’s, and babysitters for the kids and pets.
So if you’re ready to get started then it’s time to find a checklist to ensure that you get all the pre-moving day jobs done. The checklist below is a great starting point, check it out.
14+ days before moving
| Get boxes and moving supplies. | Arrange phone service at your new home. | ||
| Take unwanted items to charity and/or dump. | Set up mail-forward with Canada Post. | ||
| Dispose of household chemicals properly (old paint, caustic cleaners, etc.). Take these to the local Toxic Waste Centre. |
Arrange the return of any cable TV equipment. | ||
| Complete necessary change of address forms: |
If necessary, do the following: |
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| Drivers’ license, Health cards, Insurance | Make travel arrangements and reservations. | ||
| Employer, Doctor, Dentist | Arrange transfer of car insurance & license plates. | ||
| Magazine subscriptions and other mailings | Notify your child’s schools, transfer records. | ||
| Memberships, insurance | Register at new school. | ||
| Bank accounts, credit cards, and tax office (Canada Customs and Revenue Agency) |
Get copies of medical and dental records; if you have pets, get copies of veterinary records. |
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8 to 14 days before moving
| Return borrowed items. | Arrange connection of utilities at new place. | ||
| Retrieve loaned items | Arrange disconnection of utilities at old place. | ||
| arrange for major appliances to be moved. | Dispose of all flammable materials. |
2 to 7 days before moving
| Determine what you can bring with you if travelling by car, plane, train, or bus. | Pack a suitcase with the clothes and toiletries that you’ll need the first day in your new home. | ||
| Prepare “installed items” that you’re bringing (TV antenna or shelves*). |
Pack a special box with other essentials you’ll need for the first few days and marks this box “Do Not Move”. |
The day before moving
| Take down curtains and curtain rods. | Pack your personal belongings, except your alarm clock, necessary clothes, jewelry and bedding | ||
| Empty, defrost and clean refrigerator; clean the stove. |
Moving day
| Keep paperwork accessible. | Collect all keys; keep them in a safe place. | ||
| Strip and dismantle beds. | Clean premises that you are leaving. | ||
| Final walk-through: check all closets and cabinets | If using a moving company, confirm the new address and delivery time with the driver. | ||
| If using a moving company, walk about with supervisor and sign inventory forms. | Know how to reach your new landlord or superintendent (if renting). |