Moving checklist for a well-prepared Canadian move

Before choosing a mover

Write down the origin and destination, an approximate inventory and the services you want. Include storage rooms, outdoor furniture and difficult items. A list of rooms alone can hide the amount of work.

• Choose the date or date range and check when the new home becomes accessible.
• Compare written estimates based on the same inventory and services.
• Confirm crew and truck details, cancellation terms and what confirms the booking.
• Ask who handles packing, fragile items and any temporary storage.

See how hourly moving rates affect an estimate

Several weeks before the move

Building access can change both the timing and the cost. Contact each building manager about elevators, loading areas and booking rules. Check municipal parking arrangements directly with the relevant authority.

• Arrange elevator or loading access at both addresses.
• Sort belongings into keep, donate, sell and dispose groups.
• Plan address changes and mail forwarding, checking the provider’s current process.
• Arrange utility and internet transfers and check what you must return.
• Measure large furniture and narrow doors before agreeing to move it.

During the final week

Pack by destination room and label boxes on more than one side. Keep a separate essentials bag with medication, chargers, keys and documents. Keep valuables and irreplaceable items under your own control.

• Confirm the mover’s arrival details and how to reach the assigned contact.
• Send updated inventory and access information if anything changed.
• Photograph valuable items and existing damage for your own records.
• Prepare appliances according to their manufacturer’s instructions.
• Keep important documents out of the moving load.

On moving day

Walk through the home with the crew before loading. Identify items that stay behind, fragile pieces and access hazards. At delivery, check items before disposing of packaging and record any concern through the mover’s agreed process.

• Keep the written estimate and booking confirmation available.
• Check cupboards, closets, balconies and storage areas before leaving.
• Confirm the delivery address and unloading arrangements.
• Record delivery condition and any missing item promptly.
• Keep the invoice and agreed changes with your moving records.

Print and adapt the checklist

Use your browser’s Print command for a clean paper version, or check items on this page while it remains open. Add local arrangements that matter to you, such as pets, children, accessibility needs or a delayed key handover. A checked box on this page is not a reservation or a message to a mover.