Moving: what you need to know!
We know moving can be exciting and stressful and we want to make sure you don’t forget to do anything in the process. Use this checklist below and stay confident that you’ll cover all you’ll need to do before and during your move:
Who Loves Moving?
Whether your last move was across the country or just across the street, chances are it ended with the same thought:
“I’m never doing that again!”
Unfortunately, life doesn’t always give us that choice. A new job, a growing family, downsizing, retirement, or a loved one needing extra care can all mean it’s time to pack up and start a new chapter.
The good news is that moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little planning, the right resources, and a few helpful tips, you can reduce stress, stay organized, and make the transition much smoother.
To make your moving process as smooth as possible, use this comprehensive moving to-do list. It not only outlines the tasks that need to be completed but also provides a timeline for when to tackle each one, helping you manage the process and reduce stress. Print out the list, check off each item week by week, and you might find that the two words you use to describe your next move are simply “I’m home.”
What we need to think about when moving.
When planning a move, several key factors should be considered to ensure a smooth transition:
Timing and Scheduling: Choose the right time for your move, considering factors like lease end dates, work schedules, and peak moving seasons. Create a timeline to organize tasks leading up to moving day.
Budgeting: Estimate the costs involved in your move, including moving company fees, packing supplies, utility transfers, and any potential new deposits. Plan and budget accordingly to avoid unexpected expenses.
Decluttering: Sort through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. This will reduce the volume of items to be moved and help you start fresh in your new home.
Packing: Gather packing materials such as boxes, bubble wrap, and tape. Pack items systematically, labeling boxes by room and contents to make unpacking easier.
Utilities and Services: Arrange for the disconnection of utilities and services at your current home and set up new services at your new address. This includes electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable.
Change of Address: Update your address with the post office, banks, insurance companies, and other important contacts to ensure that your mail and services are redirected to your new location.
Moving Company or DIY: Decide whether to hire a professional moving company or handle the move yourself. If hiring movers, research and book them in advance to secure availability and competitive rates.
Health and Safety: Keep important documents, medications, and valuable items with you during the move. Ensure that your new home is clean and safe before moving in.
New Home Preparation: Visit your new home beforehand, if possible, to take measurements, plan furniture placement, and address any immediate repairs or cleaning needs.
Communications and Notifications: Inform friends, family, and relevant institutions about your move. Update your contact information to ensure you stay connected.
By considering these factors, you can help ensure that your move is well-organized and less stressful.
What we forget when moving.
When moving, it’s easy to overlook certain details amidst the chaos. Here are some commonly forgotten aspects to keep in mind:
1. Update Your Insurance
Be sure to notify your insurance providers of your new address. This includes your home, tenant, automobile, and any specialty insurance policies that protect valuable belongings.
2. Transfer Medical Records
If you’re moving to a new community or city, contact your doctors, specialists, dentists, and other healthcare providers to arrange for your medical records to be transferred. This helps ensure there are no interruptions in your care.
3. Notify Schools and Childcare Providers
If children are part of your move, let their school or daycare know as early as possible. This allows enough time to transfer records and make the transition easier.
4. Update Subscriptions and Deliveries
Remember to change your address for magazines, newspapers, meal delivery services, prescription deliveries, online shopping accounts, and any recurring subscriptions.
5. Check Every Corner
Before handing over the keys, take one final walk through your home. Look in closets, cupboards, drawers, attic spaces, crawl spaces, the garage, storage sheds, and the backyard to make sure nothing has been left behind.
6. Don’t Forget Your Pets
Moving can be stressful for pets too. Update their microchip and identification information, arrange safe transportation, and prepare a small bag with food, water, medications, toys, and comfort items for moving day.
7. Create a Home Inventory
Take photos or make a list of your valuable belongings before the move. An inventory can be extremely helpful for insurance purposes and ensures everything arrives safely at your new home.
8. Record Utility Meter Readings
On your moving day, record the final readings for your electricity, gas, and water meters. This helps ensure you’re billed only for the services you’ve actually used.
9. Gather All Keys and Access Devices
Collect all house keys, mailbox keys, garage door openers, key fobs, alarm codes, and security system information. Providing these to the new occupants makes the transition easier for everyone.
10. Arrange Utilities at Your New Home
Before moving in, confirm that your electricity, gas, water, internet, television, and phone services are connected and ready to use. Having everything working when you arrive can make your first day much more comfortable.
11. Update Important Government Documents
Remember to change your address on your driver’s licence, vehicle registration, health records, voting registration, and any other government-issued documents.
12. Notify Financial Institutions and Service Providers
Contact your bank, credit card companies, investment firms, pension providers, and other important service providers to update your address and avoid missed statements or interruptions in service.
A Little Planning Goes a Long Way
Moving is more than simply transporting boxes from one place to another—it’s the beginning of a new chapter. Whether you’re moving into your first home, downsizing, or helping a loved one relocate to a retirement residence or assisted living community, taking care of these often-forgotten details can save time, reduce stress, and provide greater peace of mind.
Moving… What a Nightmare… Or Is It?
Moving can be a challenging process, and it’s easy to forget important details amidst the chaos. With our comprehensive information and checklists, we’ll help identify your needs and recommend useful resources. Below, you’ll find links and additional information to assist you with this next step.
Access resources specific to your area, hover over province on the map below and click ‘See Resources’ to be directed to relevant information for your region.
British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
Newfoundland Labrador
Meritimes
Yukon
Nunavut
Northwest Territories
British Columbia
Resources Here >>>
Alberta
Resources Here >>>
Saskatchewan
Resources Here >>>
Manitoba
Resources Here >>>
Ontario
Resources Here >>>
Quebec
Resources Here >>>
Newfoundland and Labrador
Resources Here >>>
Meritimes
Resources Here >>>
Yukon
Resources Here >>>
Northwest Territories
Resources Here >>>