Moving is exciting, isn’t just about boxes and bubble wrap. It is a major life transition, but it can also be overwhelming. Whether you are relocating across town or across the country, there are dozens of things to remember. Between forwarding your mail, changing utilities, and making sure your furniture fits, it’s easy to overlook something important.
That’s why we’ve created this ultimate moving checklist, based on the real-world experience of our experienced Vaughan movers. It breaks down your move into manageable weekly steps, so you can stay organized and focused.
Plan Your Move Better With A Moving Checklist!
# 2–3 Weeks Before Moving – Lay the Groundwor
Even if you are moving from a small apartment, starting early helps you avoid last-minute chaos. Here’s what to focus on first:
✔ Make an Inventory
Go room by room and list all items you plan to take. Separate them into: Keep, Donate, Sell, Toss. This helps you declutter and gives a clear view of how much you’ll be moving.
✔ Declutter and Donate
Reduce what you have to pack and haul. Donate usable items like worn clothes, furniture that won’t fit, old kitchen appliances, and kids’ toys and books.
✔ Sell What You Can
List items you can sell on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Kijiji, or local Facebook community groups. Holding a garage sale? Promote it early with clear signs and local ads.
✔ Gather Packing Supplies
Start shopping for boxes (consider color-coded for each room), packing tape and a dispenser, bubble wrap or newspaper, permanent markers, and labels.
✔ Submit a Change-of-Address Form
Visit your local post office or use Canada Post online to update your address. Also inform your employer (for payroll/tax documents), banks, credit card companies, and government accounts (CRA, Service Canada).
✔ Book Your Moving Company
Get at least three quotes. Don’t choose the cheapest—look for:
- Customer reviews and reputation
- Insurance and damage protection policies
- Availability for your move date
- What’s included (truck, labor, materials)
- Always confirm the booking in writing and keep a digital copy.
✔ Check What Movers Can’t Move
Some items are restricted or need special handling, such as flammable materials (propane, paint thinner), perishables or open food, plants (especially for long-distance moves), and heavy or built-in appliances and safes.
✔ Book Travel for You & Your Family
If moving to another province or city, book travel early. Consider flights for long distances, pet transport or boarding, and hotel stays if there’s a gap between move-out and move-in.
# 1 Week Before Moving – Quick Checklist
This is when everything starts coming together. Stay focused and keep checking off the essentials.
✔ Clean Rugs & Drapes
Send out area rugs and drapes for cleaning or wash them at home, so they’re fresh and ready for your new space.
✔ Appraise Valuables
Get a professional appraisal for high-value items like jewelry, art, or collectibles for insurance purposes.
✔ Book Elevator & Parking
Reserve elevator time and loading zone parking at both your current and new locations to avoid last-minute delays.
✔ Update Insurance
Inform your home, renters, and auto insurance providers about your move and update your policy details as needed.
✔ Request a Day Off
Take the day of your move off work to manage the process and reduce stress.
✔ Do Minor Repairs
Fix nail holes, scuffed paint, or anything you’re responsible for before handing over the keys.
✔ Pack Room by Room
Tackle one room at a time to stay organized and reduce the risk of overlooking anything.
✔ Tape & Label Boxes
Secure each box with packing tape and clearly label the contents and destination room.
✔ Deep Clean
Clean floors, walls, windows, and fixtures to leave the space in good condition for the next occupant.
✔ Check Furniture for Damage
Inspect and photograph large furniture in case you need to file a damage claim after the move.
✔ Label Essentials
Mark boxes that contain daily necessities like toiletries, medications, chargers, and clothes.
✔ Clean Out the Fridge
Throw away perishables, wipe down shelves, and unplug the fridge at least 24 hours before moving.
✔ Drain Fuel from Equipment
Empty fuel from lawn mowers, snow blowers, and other gas-powered tools for safety.
✔ Confirm Pet & Family Travel
Ensure all travel plans, transportation, or boarding arrangements for pets and family members are confirmed.
✔ Schedule Utilities
Set up disconnection at your old address and activation at the new one for water, electricity, internet, etc.
✔ Leave Appliance Manuals
Collect user manuals and warranties for appliances you’re leaving behind and place them in a visible spot.
✔ Photograph Electronics
Take photos of wiring and setups before unplugging to simplify reassembly in your new home.
✔ Pack a Lockbox
Place passports, IDs, important documents, jewelry, and small valuables in a lockbox to keep with you during the move.
# Moving Day Easy Checklist
Moving day can be hectic, but a little preparation goes a long way. It is time. You’ve done the prep — now stay organized and make the move happen smoothly.
Before the Movers Arrive
✔ Pack Any Loose Items Into Boxes
Make sure all small, loose items are securely packed. This helps movers work efficiently and prevents anything from getting lost or damaged.
✔ Remove All Pictures/Art from Walls
Take down all wall décor in advance and pack it safely. This prevents last-minute scrambling and ensures fragile pieces are protected.
✔ Label Boxes With the Room Name
Clearly label each box by the room it belongs to (e.g., “Kitchen,” “Bedroom 1”). This makes unloading and unpacking faster and easier.
✔ Empty All Appliances (Fridge, Washer, etc.)
Clear out and defrost your fridge, empty your washer and dryer, and disconnect any appliances. This prevents leaks, odors, and damage in transit.
✔ Clear Off Furniture Tops and Cupboards
Remove all items from furniture surfaces, cabinets, and drawers so they can be safely moved and wrapped if needed.
✔ Check All Rooms, Closets, and Drawers One Last Time
Do a final walkthrough to make sure nothing is left behind in closets, drawers, or hidden corners.
✔ Disassemble Beds and Large Furniture
Take apart larger pieces of furniture ahead of time (beds, dining tables, shelving units) to speed up loading and avoid delays.
✔ Load Important Items Last (So They Come Off First)
Items you’ll need right away—like essentials boxes, tool kits, or bedding—should be loaded last so they’re the first to come off at the new place.
By following this checklist, you’ll not only reduce stress but also ensure nothing gets missed. So take a deep breath, stick to the plan, and get ready to settle comfortably into your new home.
# Don’t Forget Your Essentials Box
This should travel with you and include items you’ll need immediately upon arrival. This will save you from digging through boxes on day one.
✔ Toilet Paper, Snacks, Chargers, Coffee
Stay powered and fueled! Keep energy levels up and your phone charged throughout the day.
✔ Scissors, Tape, Garbage Bags, Towels
Useful for quick fixes, unpacking, and general cleanup.
✔ Cleaning Supplies, Dish Soap, Mug/Plate
You may want to wipe down surfaces or wash a dish—these items come in handy right away.
✔ Clothes, Pet Food, Small Tool Kit
Pack a change of clothes, essentials for your pet, and basic tools for assembling furniture or opening boxes.
#After the Move – Welcome Home
✔ Unpack Room by Room
Start with the kitchen and bathroom, then move on to bedrooms and living spaces.
✔ Flatten and Recycle Boxes
Donate boxes or post them online — someone else will appreciate the help.
✔ Update Driver’s License and Insurance
Visit your local ServiceOntario (or provincial equivalent) to update your address on your license, health card, and vehicle registration.
✔ Leave a Review
If your movers did a great job, let others know! Your feedback helps people make informed choices — and rewards companies that go the extra mile.
✔ Celebrate the New Chapter
Host a housewarming party or treat yourself to a cozy evening in. You did it — and you deserve to enjoy your new space.
Stay calm, stick to the plan, and enjoy the journey.
By following this checklist, you’ll reduce stress, stay organized, and make the transition into your new home much smoother. Every step you take now will pay off later — whether that means a quicker unpacking process, fewer headaches, or simply peace of mind.
Happy Moving! 🚚✨