The Complete Residential Moving Checklist

8 Weeks Before Your Move

• Confirm your moving date and book your movers as early as possible — weekends and end-of-month dates fill quickly.
• Begin decluttering room by room. Donate, sell, or discard items you won’t take to your new home.
• Start collecting packing supplies: sturdy boxes in multiple sizes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and permanent markers.
• Notify your landlord in writing if you’re renting, or list your current home for sale if you own.
• Research schools, healthcare providers, grocery stores, and services near your new address.
• If you have children or pets, begin planning their care arrangements for moving day.

4 Weeks Before Your Move

• Confirm your moving date and all details with your movers.
• Begin packing non-essential items: books, seasonal clothing, decorative items, and anything you won’t need before the move.
• Submit a change of address with Canada Post (canadapost.ca) — this forwards mail to your new address.
• Update your address with your bank, employer, insurance providers, and government services (CRA, Service Ontario, OHIP).
• Contact your utility providers to arrange transfer or cancellation: hydro, gas, water, internet, and phone.
• Arrange parking permits or elevator bookings if required at either address.
• Photograph valuable furniture and electronics for your records before packing.

1 Week Before Your Move

• Pack all remaining items except daily essentials — toiletries, a few changes of clothing, and kitchen basics.
• Label every box clearly with its contents and the destination room in your new home.
• Prepare an essentials box or bag: phone charger, toiletries, medications, important documents, a change of clothes, and snacks.
• Confirm elevator booking if you’re moving to or from an apartment or condo building.
• Defrost your fridge and freezer at least 24 hours before moving day.
• Disassemble large furniture items if you’re comfortable doing so, or let your movers know they’ll need to handle it.
• Confirm the arrival time and any access details with your movers.

Moving Day

• Be present when the movers arrive and walk them through the home — point out fragile items, heavy pieces, and anything requiring special care.
• Keep important documents, valuables, medications, and irreplaceable items with you rather than on the truck.
• Do a final walkthrough of every room, closet, storage area, and outdoor space before leaving.
• Take photos of your old home once it’s empty, particularly if you’re renting and want a record of its condition.
• Direct the movers on furniture placement at your new home — it’s much easier to position things correctly on arrival than to rearrange later.
• Check that all utilities are active at your new address before the movers leave.

Settling In

• Unpack your essentials box first so you have what you need immediately.
• Prioritize setting up bedrooms and the kitchen before tackling other rooms.
• Locate your electrical panel, water shut-off valve, and thermostat controls.
• Change the locks or update the security codes if you’ve moved into a previously occupied home.
• Register your new address with Service Ontario for your driver’s licence and health card.
• Introduce yourself to your neighbours and explore your new neighbourhood.

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