Moving Check List

Moving always brings mixed emotions – it can be both very exciting and stressful at the same time. To help, here are some useful tips that will help make your move efficient and trouble-free.

4 to 6 weeks before moving

2 to 3 weeks before moving

  • Get boxes and moving supplies
  • Arrange phone service at your new home
  • Take unwanted items to charity and/or dump
  • 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:
  • Drivers’ license, Health cards, Insurance
  • Employer, Doctor, Dentist
  • Magazine subscriptions and other mailings
  • Memberships, insurance
  • Bank accounts, credit cards, and tax office (Canada Customs and Revenue Agency)
  • If necessary, do the following:
  • Make travel arrangements and reservations.
  • Arrange transfer of car insurance & license plates.
  • Notify kids’ schools, transfer records.
  • Register at a new school.
  • Get copies of medical and dental records; if you have pets, get copies of veterinary records.

8 to 14 days before moving

  • Return borrowed items.
  • Arrange connection of utilities at a new place.
  • Retrieve loaned items
  • Arrange disconnection of utilities at the old place.
  • Arrange for major appliances to be moved, if necessary
  • Dispose of all flammable materials.

2 to 7 days before moving

  • Determine what you can bring with you if traveling 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

  • Takedown 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, inspect with the landlord.
  • 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, walkabout with the supervisor and sign inventory forms.
  • Know how to reach your new landlord or superintendent.

After moving

  • Contact city/municipal offices to find out about garbage pick up, recycling facilities, and local regulations and information.

*Note: Ensure your lease permits the items that you plan to install in a new place. Some leases may not permit the installation of shelving screwed into walls or TV antennas. Be sure to give proper notice; see the Provincial Fact Sheets on the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s website for information on the notice required.

Adapted from: Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation

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