Moving tips
Moving Checklist: Canada-Wide Moves
By TLC Moving & Storage · Published 11 December 2015
A move across Canada goes smoother when you work to a timeline. Here is what to do two months, six weeks, one month, one week and a few days before you move, and on moving day itself.
Why a moving checklist helps
Nobody likes moving. Packing your entire life into boxes, all the paperwork involved, making sure your mail gets delivered, making arrangements with Ottawa movers—not to mention, it can be emotional leaving the home you know.
What a move across Canada has to cover
A move across Canada covers more than packing: sorting what to keep, store or toss, choosing a moving company, keeping estimates, to-do lists and an inventory in one binder, transferring veterinarian, medical and school records, and making sure your mail follows you to the new address.
Two Months Before
Keep, Store, Toss
Have you ever packed everything only to get to your new abode and toss half of it out? Save yourself some trouble and purge before the move. Look critically at every possession—how does it make you feel? Do you love it, or is it just there for its own sake?
Research
Start doing your homework on moving companies. Many Ottawa movers offer perks; find the ones who best suit your needs.
Put It on Paper
Create a binder to help keep things organized: moving estimates, to-do lists, inventory, anything you need to know about where you’re moving in Canada, and, of course, your moving checklist.
Transfer Records
Veterinarian, medical, or school records—start having these transferred to your new location. And don’t forget your magazine subscriptions!
Six Weeks Before
Packing Supplies
Order boxes, and make sure you have tape, labels, and any other essentials. If you ask your moving company, they may be more than happy to provide boxes and more.
Use It or Lose It
Start taking those long-stored items you’ve been saving for a rainy day out of the freezer. It’s better to eat something now than to throw away later, and perishable foods don’t travel well.
Measure Up
Now’s a good time to make sure your current furniture will fit in your new home. Do you need new furnishings? Will you need to sell your old ones?
One Month Before
Book Your Moving Company
Once you’ve chosen your Ottawa mover, book the date and time. The sooner you do this, the more likely you are to get the date you need.
Start Packing
If it’s something you don’t use often, pack it early. Now’s a great time to start packing and labelling books, decorations, and knick-knacks.
Change of Address
Fill out a change-of-address form at your local post office or online. You can usually choose options for length of time for mail forwarding.
One Week Before
Reconfirm with Your Movers
Touch base with your movers, making sure that they have the same date and time as you.
Finish Packing
Make sure most things are packed and have a plan to pack your last few items. Also pack a suitcase for each person in the family, including clothes for a few days and the essentials.
A Few Days Before
Check the movers’ details one last time. Prepare instructions if necessary. Now’s also a great time to arrange for payment so it doesn’t become a last minute scramble.
Moving Day
Take Inventory
Before the movers leave, sign the bill/inventory list, and keep a copy.
Don’t Forget the Tip
If you’re happy with you Ottawa movers, leaving a tip is appropriate, and if your move was especially difficult, tipping a little more generously would be considerate. And don’t forget that refreshments go a long way!
Questions about moving with TLC
What should I do two months before a Canada-wide move?
Purge before the move, start doing your homework on moving companies, create a binder for moving estimates, to-do lists and your inventory, and start having veterinarian, medical and school records transferred to your new location.
What should I do one week before moving?
Touch base with your movers, making sure that they have the same date and time as you, and make sure most things are packed.
What should I do on moving day?
Before the movers leave, sign the bill and inventory list, and keep a copy. If you’re happy with your Ottawa movers, leaving a tip is appropriate.
Free estimate
Get your free estimate
Tell us about your move and we will come back with a free, obligation-free estimate. You can also call (613) 830-7402.