The Ultimate Moving Checklist: Everything You Need to Know for Your Big Day
Aug 21, 2024
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Moving is exciting, but it can also be stressful if not planned in advance. That’s why we’ve created this ultimate checklist to moving in Canada, which covers everything you’ll need to know from two months out all the way to your big day!
We’ve also sprinkled in some of our top tips on moving out for the first time and answered some commonly asked questions on moving in Canada.
Not quite yet ready to move but looking to apply for a rental? Check out this step-by-step guide. Discover everything you need to know about renting in Canada in this article.
The Best Moving Checklist for Canada
This moving checklist covers 2 months, 1 month, a few weeks out, on the moving day, and a few tips on what to do after you’re all moved in.
2 Months Before the Move
Discuss the move with your landlord. If your lease agreement is over and you’re renting month to month, give your landlord at least a one-month heads–up—the longer notice, the better—so they can find someone to replace you. Learn more about ending a tenancy in our tenant rights article.
Ask friends and family for help. Telling them about the move far in advance allows them to take time off work (if needed) to help you pack and move. It’s the least they can do, right?
Call moving companies. If you’re hiring a moving company to help transport your stuff, you should start looking and comparing prices at least one or two months before the move. But if your friends and family have a car and can lend a hand, there’s no need for a moving truck. This will save you money, and you’ll spend more time with them!
Choose what to keep and what to throw. What do you plan to bring, and what do you not use and want to donate? Moving is the perfect opportunity to clean up and get rid of things you no longer need. Reducing what you bring can also decrease moving costs and make things much easier. Plus, you’ll get to shop for new things!
Request time off work. If it’s a big move and happening during the week, you should take the day off to move and relax.
Collect free moving boxes. You can find cardboard boxes from grocery stores, Amazon packages, neighbours, recycling rooms–you name it.
1 Month Before the Move
Acquire all the packing supplies you need. Gather various boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers to label boxes.
Begin packing and labelling. Pack a few things every single day, starting with items you don’t use often, like books, off-season clothes, and kitchenware. By breaking down the process and packing little by little, you’re less likely to be overwhelmed, making the process so much easier.
Top tip: keep a few boxes open for those last-minute items you’ll be packing on the last few days before the move.
Separate valuables and breakables from other items. Label those boxes so you and the movers know to handle them with care.
Gather important documents and records in one place. Have documents like the lease agreement, your passport, and your birth certificate in an easy-to-reach area so you can grab them while moving.
Schedule cancellations of utility bills and services. Cancel them at your old place and schedule a change of address or an appointment to set up the new utility (e.g. internet installation).
2-3 Weeks Before the Move
Change your address on important legal documents and accounts. Change your address for things like your bank, credit cards, driver’s license, health card, and subscription services. For example, in Ontario, it’s important to update your address with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Set up mail forwarding. If you have mail coming, haven’t had the chance to update everyone, or if you forget in the chaos of moving, it’s a good idea to set up a mail forwarding service, like one from Canada Post, that will forward all mail to your new address. Keep the service open for a few months or until you’ve had the chance to change your address on everything.
Confirm the move with whoever will be helping you. If movers are helping, call the moving company to confirm the date and time they’ll be coming. If friends and family are helping, confirm with them, too.
Confirm appointments for the new place. If you have someone coming to install the internet or a phone line, confirm the date and time of the appointment.
Tell neighbours about the move. If you’ll be blocking the street, give them a heads-up. This is also your chance to tell them goodbye and have leaving celebrations with them (if you’re on good terms!).
Photo by Michal Balog on Unsplash
The Week of the Move
Clear out the fridge/freezer/pantry. Eat the food you already have so that you’ll be carrying a lighter load. Not only that, but you’ll be saving money by not eating out. We all know that moving can be expensive, so your wallet will appreciate any way to save money.
Disassemble and pack furniture you won’t be needing. If you won’t be using a desk, chair, TV stand, or any other furniture before moving to your new place, disassemble and pack it up.
Pack essentials you’ll need for the first few days of the move. In a suitcase or separate box, pack clothes, toiletries, and anything else you’ll need to access easily so that it doesn’t get lost in the chaos of moving.
Clean the apartment. Start cleaning now to get a head start and make it easier on moving day. The next tenants or buyers will appreciate it! Create a moving out cleaning checklist that includes every room of the apartment and break it down into manageable steps.
On Moving Day
Pack your final things. Put all the last-minute items, such as clothes, bedding, and toiletries, into a box and bring it with you.
Do a final walkthrough and clean. Check every room, nook, and cranny for anything you might have missed when packing.
After you’ve cleared everything out of your old place, here are three things you should do:
Return the keys. Give them to your landlord or the new buyers.
Introduce yourself to the neighbours. This is a great way to make new friends and integrate into the new neighbourhood faster.
Go grocery shopping. Get some food to last you for the first few days. As much as we all like getting takeout, cooking at home is cheaper (and healthier!).
After Moving Day
Here are a few tips for settling into your new place:
Clean your new place (if needed and you haven’t done it yet)
Find out about garbage and recycling pickup and any local regulations/info
Unpack everything
Make spare copies of the keys (if allowed)
Explore your neighbourhood and enjoy!
Tips for Moving Out for the First Time
Moving out for the first time as a student or young adult is an exciting time, yet it can be scary. You probably don’t have much money, and you’ve never done this before. But worry not; here are some tips to help ease the transition:
Get your finances in order. Determine your monthly income and expenses, and create a budget surrounding your wants, needs, and putting money towards paying off debt or into a savings account. Plan how much money you’ll need for moving–consider moving costs, first and last month’s rent and security or other deposits.
Find a place to live. Use sites and apps like Zumper, Kijiji, and Rentals.ca to find an apartment. Look at places within your budget and in the neighbourhood you want to live in.
Get a credit card. If you don’t have one already, apply for a credit card to help build your credit score and earn rewards. Pro tip: Use your credit card to pay rent with Chexy to build your credit score and earn rewards even faster, while never missing a rent payment.
Consider renter’s insurance. While not required by all landlords, some may ask you to get tenant insurance. Even if they don’t, it’s worth considering, as tenant insurance is typically a low monthly payment while providing full coverage on your valuables. Pro tip: Bundle tenant insurance with your rent payments with Chexy.
Prepare ahead of time. At least a few weeks to a few months before the move, prepare and buy some basics, like cleaning supplies, bedding, curtains, and kitchen basics. If you’re on a tight budget, take a look at websites like Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji for cheaper second-hand items.
Now that you’re ready for the big move, use Chexy to pay your rent with a credit card. You’ll earn rewards on your biggest monthly expense, build your credit, and even split your rent payments with roommates.
Subscribe to our newsletter below for up-to-date credit card, travel, and rental content.
FAQs
How can I choose the best interprovincial moving company in Canada?
When looking for an interprovincial moving company, ensure they know the area you’re moving to and have years of experience. They should have good reviews on Google and the BBB and provide all the services you’re looking for, like storage and packing materials. Start looking for a moving company at least a few months before the big day.
What are some of the best apps for moving to a new city?
Depending on what you’re looking to do, some top apps for moving to a new city include:
Taskrabbit: Same-day handyman and moving services
Meetup: Great for joining groups and meeting new people
Local ride-hailing and food delivery apps, like Uber and UberEats
Navigation apps like Google Maps and Citymapper
How much does moving across Canada cost?
According to estimates from several Canadian moving companies, the average cost for a long-distance move (more than 100km) across Canada is $2,000 - $6,000.
Moving is exciting, but it can also be stressful if not planned in advance. That’s why we’ve created this ultimate checklist to moving in Canada, which covers everything you’ll need to know from two months out all the way to your big day!
We’ve also sprinkled in some of our top tips on moving out for the first time and answered some commonly asked questions on moving in Canada.
Not quite yet ready to move but looking to apply for a rental? Check out this step-by-step guide. Discover everything you need to know about renting in Canada in this article.
The Best Moving Checklist for Canada
This moving checklist covers 2 months, 1 month, a few weeks out, on the moving day, and a few tips on what to do after you’re all moved in.
2 Months Before the Move
Discuss the move with your landlord. If your lease agreement is over and you’re renting month to month, give your landlord at least a one-month heads–up—the longer notice, the better—so they can find someone to replace you. Learn more about ending a tenancy in our tenant rights article.
Ask friends and family for help. Telling them about the move far in advance allows them to take time off work (if needed) to help you pack and move. It’s the least they can do, right?
Call moving companies. If you’re hiring a moving company to help transport your stuff, you should start looking and comparing prices at least one or two months before the move. But if your friends and family have a car and can lend a hand, there’s no need for a moving truck. This will save you money, and you’ll spend more time with them!
Choose what to keep and what to throw. What do you plan to bring, and what do you not use and want to donate? Moving is the perfect opportunity to clean up and get rid of things you no longer need. Reducing what you bring can also decrease moving costs and make things much easier. Plus, you’ll get to shop for new things!
Request time off work. If it’s a big move and happening during the week, you should take the day off to move and relax.
Collect free moving boxes. You can find cardboard boxes from grocery stores, Amazon packages, neighbours, recycling rooms–you name it.
1 Month Before the Move
Acquire all the packing supplies you need. Gather various boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers to label boxes.
Begin packing and labelling. Pack a few things every single day, starting with items you don’t use often, like books, off-season clothes, and kitchenware. By breaking down the process and packing little by little, you’re less likely to be overwhelmed, making the process so much easier.
Top tip: keep a few boxes open for those last-minute items you’ll be packing on the last few days before the move.
Separate valuables and breakables from other items. Label those boxes so you and the movers know to handle them with care.
Gather important documents and records in one place. Have documents like the lease agreement, your passport, and your birth certificate in an easy-to-reach area so you can grab them while moving.
Schedule cancellations of utility bills and services. Cancel them at your old place and schedule a change of address or an appointment to set up the new utility (e.g. internet installation).
2-3 Weeks Before the Move
Change your address on important legal documents and accounts. Change your address for things like your bank, credit cards, driver’s license, health card, and subscription services. For example, in Ontario, it’s important to update your address with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
Set up mail forwarding. If you have mail coming, haven’t had the chance to update everyone, or if you forget in the chaos of moving, it’s a good idea to set up a mail forwarding service, like one from Canada Post, that will forward all mail to your new address. Keep the service open for a few months or until you’ve had the chance to change your address on everything.
Confirm the move with whoever will be helping you. If movers are helping, call the moving company to confirm the date and time they’ll be coming. If friends and family are helping, confirm with them, too.
Confirm appointments for the new place. If you have someone coming to install the internet or a phone line, confirm the date and time of the appointment.
Tell neighbours about the move. If you’ll be blocking the street, give them a heads-up. This is also your chance to tell them goodbye and have leaving celebrations with them (if you’re on good terms!).
Photo by Michal Balog on Unsplash
The Week of the Move
Clear out the fridge/freezer/pantry. Eat the food you already have so that you’ll be carrying a lighter load. Not only that, but you’ll be saving money by not eating out. We all know that moving can be expensive, so your wallet will appreciate any way to save money.
Disassemble and pack furniture you won’t be needing. If you won’t be using a desk, chair, TV stand, or any other furniture before moving to your new place, disassemble and pack it up.
Pack essentials you’ll need for the first few days of the move. In a suitcase or separate box, pack clothes, toiletries, and anything else you’ll need to access easily so that it doesn’t get lost in the chaos of moving.
Clean the apartment. Start cleaning now to get a head start and make it easier on moving day. The next tenants or buyers will appreciate it! Create a moving out cleaning checklist that includes every room of the apartment and break it down into manageable steps.
On Moving Day
Pack your final things. Put all the last-minute items, such as clothes, bedding, and toiletries, into a box and bring it with you.
Do a final walkthrough and clean. Check every room, nook, and cranny for anything you might have missed when packing.
After you’ve cleared everything out of your old place, here are three things you should do:
Return the keys. Give them to your landlord or the new buyers.
Introduce yourself to the neighbours. This is a great way to make new friends and integrate into the new neighbourhood faster.
Go grocery shopping. Get some food to last you for the first few days. As much as we all like getting takeout, cooking at home is cheaper (and healthier!).
After Moving Day
Here are a few tips for settling into your new place:
Clean your new place (if needed and you haven’t done it yet)
Find out about garbage and recycling pickup and any local regulations/info
Unpack everything
Make spare copies of the keys (if allowed)
Explore your neighbourhood and enjoy!
Tips for Moving Out for the First Time
Moving out for the first time as a student or young adult is an exciting time, yet it can be scary. You probably don’t have much money, and you’ve never done this before. But worry not; here are some tips to help ease the transition:
Get your finances in order. Determine your monthly income and expenses, and create a budget surrounding your wants, needs, and putting money towards paying off debt or into a savings account. Plan how much money you’ll need for moving–consider moving costs, first and last month’s rent and security or other deposits.
Find a place to live. Use sites and apps like Zumper, Kijiji, and Rentals.ca to find an apartment. Look at places within your budget and in the neighbourhood you want to live in.
Get a credit card. If you don’t have one already, apply for a credit card to help build your credit score and earn rewards. Pro tip: Use your credit card to pay rent with Chexy to build your credit score and earn rewards even faster, while never missing a rent payment.
Consider renter’s insurance. While not required by all landlords, some may ask you to get tenant insurance. Even if they don’t, it’s worth considering, as tenant insurance is typically a low monthly payment while providing full coverage on your valuables. Pro tip: Bundle tenant insurance with your rent payments with Chexy.
Prepare ahead of time. At least a few weeks to a few months before the move, prepare and buy some basics, like cleaning supplies, bedding, curtains, and kitchen basics. If you’re on a tight budget, take a look at websites like Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji for cheaper second-hand items.
Now that you’re ready for the big move, use Chexy to pay your rent with a credit card. You’ll earn rewards on your biggest monthly expense, build your credit, and even split your rent payments with roommates.
Subscribe to our newsletter below for up-to-date credit card, travel, and rental content.
FAQs
How can I choose the best interprovincial moving company in Canada?
When looking for an interprovincial moving company, ensure they know the area you’re moving to and have years of experience. They should have good reviews on Google and the BBB and provide all the services you’re looking for, like storage and packing materials. Start looking for a moving company at least a few months before the big day.
What are some of the best apps for moving to a new city?
Depending on what you’re looking to do, some top apps for moving to a new city include:
Taskrabbit: Same-day handyman and moving services
Meetup: Great for joining groups and meeting new people
Local ride-hailing and food delivery apps, like Uber and UberEats
Navigation apps like Google Maps and Citymapper
How much does moving across Canada cost?
According to estimates from several Canadian moving companies, the average cost for a long-distance move (more than 100km) across Canada is $2,000 - $6,000.