Must Have Moving Checklist

By Denise Rochat

Along with being exciting, moving can also be a very stressful time with all the tasks that need to be completed and knowing what to do and when can be overwhelming.

To help ensure you don’t miss something, here is a timeline of what to do and when beginning six to eight before moving day. Let this list assist you, to help you stay focused and organized.

Six to Eight Weeks Before Your Move

• If renting, notify your landlord by registered mail within the prescribed deadline of your intention to move or give notice to CFHA at least 30 days prior to moving
• Contact MFRC in new location to get welcome/information package
• Start using up things that you cannot move like cleaning supplies and frozen food
• Make a list for change of address
• Complete Canada Post change of address form
• Get copies of or arrange to transfer all school, medical, dental, veterinary, legal and accounting records
• Update your resume
• Contact insurance agent to transfer or cancel coverage
• Get rid of anything you don’t use any more

Four Weeks Before Your Move

• Contact all current and new location utility companies to set connect/disconnect dates
• Gas
• Water
• Hydro
• Cable/Satellite
• Phone
• Internet
• Cellular Service
• Make arrangements for relocation of pets
• Transfer or resign club or association memberships
• Send letter of introduction to your new Church, clubs, bank, etc.
• Cancel service of cleaning person, pool maintenance, lawn service and snow removal
• Return anything you have borrowed, collect anything you have loaned
• Transfer bank accounts and safety deposit box
• Arrange for house cleaning and carpet cleaning

Three Weeks Before Your Move

Isolate items travelling with you:

• Clothing
• Jewellery
• Important papers
• Valuables
• Irreplaceable items
• Make travel arrangements for family, allow for unexpected delays
• Arrange moving day childcare and book childcare at new location MFRC for move in day

Two Weeks Before Your Move

• Service car(s) for trip

One Week Before Your Move

• Pack personal luggage, enroute and destination items separately so they don’t get packed on the moving truck
• Fill any necessary prescriptions needed for the next 2 weeks
• Cancel newspapers and any other subscriptions/deliveries
• Farewells (give new address and phone number)
• Remove pictures from walls and fill holes

Day Before Your Move

• Remove batteries from toys and appliances
• Get electrical appliances ready to move
• Defrost and clean fridge and stove
• Dispose of flammable items that can’t be moved
• Give away plants and perishables
• Set aside special toys such as a favorite teddy and activities for trip and hotel stay
• Clean recycling and compost bins if they stay with the house

Packing Day

• Show the movers in, give them instructions and point out any fragile items
• Give movers labeled Ziploc bags to add screws from disassembled furniture, include a photo of what the furniture looks like assembled or assembly manual
• Put together a set up box with tools, paper towels, hand soap, toilet paper, duct tape, phone, TV remote and parts from disassembled furniture
• Keep personal luggage away from movers, perhaps load your vehicle
• Keep a shopping list for the first day in your new home
• Remove trash
• Plan on spending the whole day at the house with the movers
• Turn down heat
• Have necessary tickets, travel documents and money with you

Loading Day

• Inventory all goods being loaded
• Final walk through house, garage, shed and yard to make sure it is empty; check inside cupboards, closets, corners and behind doors
• Read the meters
• Lock the doors and windows and leave key with the real estate agent or landlord

Destination

• Stay with movers and check all inventory being unloaded
• Loss/damage verification
• Read the meters
• Change locks