Moving Checklist: Handy Guide for Moving House

Moving house is not something most people look forward to. It’s a huge disruption of your life and it requires endless coordination and organization. We put this guide together to help you remember everything you have to take care of so that you can take care of yourself a little better while the whole ordeal is going on.

Old Location

Before you start anything, arrange for a professional mover. You can get mover recommendations from friends or review sites. Then think about arranging your packing materials (go sustainable if you can) and getting a dumpster prepared for both ends of the move. Take photos of valuable items and hold onto them yourself instead of packing them away, and take a complete inventory of all household goods and print out a list you can reference. Once you start packing, pack household goods into boxes labeled by room-it’ll make things easier. Take supplies you’ll need on the day of the move, like a few rolls of tape and markers for labelling.

Send Change-Of-Address Notifications

You’ll need to alert your hydro company, cable/internet company, hydro gas, phone and grocery delivery companies of your move and new address. Don’t forget to notify your local post office, provincial and federal government, credit card companies, subscriptions and of course, friends and relatives.

Before Arriving At New Location

Before you get to your new home, arrange for utility services in the new spot. This includes contacting a water company, electric company, gas company and cable/internet company. If you’re moving into a condo, contact a property management company and book a parking space and elevator for your moving day.

You’ll also want to get recommendations for repair services from a real estate agent, new landlord, the previous owner/tenant or an online review site. These services include a plumber, electrician and handyman.   

New Location

Once you’ve arrived at your new location, make sure to supervise unloading and unpacking. The first thing you’ll want to do is set up and make beds first so that you can collapse into them when you need to. Then, put up any shelving units before unpacking other items.Take the time to meet your neighbours and write down their names too.

Last but not least, enjoy your new space!