Moving checklist
This is the part of the process (now that the hard part is over) where people tend to become forgetful. We understand and offer this list of a few important points you won’t want to forget before moving day.
- Make a checklist: List everything that needs to be done from now until the day you move.
- Prepare for packing: Make sure you have plenty of boxes, and give yourself enough time to pack rooms up in an organized way so your moving into your new home is stress-free. If you need help packing, enlist the help of a moving company.
- Book the movers: If you’re planning to hire professionals, figure out how much work you’ll need them to do. Will they move only the heavy furniture or will they move all boxes too? If you decided you do need help packing, is it just the breakables, or do you want movers to pack everything? We also recommend you get estimates from several different companies, so you know you’re getting the best price.
- Handle utilities: Arrange to have all of your utilities transferred or installed at your new address, and have your current utilities cancelled.
- Book installations: Make appointments with internet, cable, and phone companies to have these services installed in your new home.
- Tie up loose ends in your area: Bring back library books, pick up your dry-cleaning, return and retrieve borrowed items from neighbours, etc. If you’re moving a good distance from your current home, make sure to check this step off your list so you won’t be inconvenienced later.
- Change your address: Inform all concerned parties of your new address (your work, bank, current bill payees, credit cards, your child’s school, ICBC, newspaper or magazine subscriptions, etc.). You can also set up mail forwarding through Canada Post to buy yourself some extra time.
- Set-up security systems: Plan to have any alarm or security systems installed on the day you move in. Also, make prior arrangements to have home insurance transferred or set up at your new address.
- Do a final walk-through: It’s always a good idea to do a final check to make sure you haven’t forgotten any cleaning, or left any of your belongings .behind
For more tips on getting ready to move, check out Canada Post’s Moving Checklist, which includes a detailed timeline from six weeks before your move, to the day you finally settle into your new home.
Moving doesn’t have to be stressful; in fact, it can be enjoyable if you take time to prepare in advance. Once it’s all done, and the last piece of furniture has been put in place, you’ll be able to sit back, relax, and start planning your future in your new home. Congratulations!
Quick tips
