Local Moving Checklist

Local Moving Checklist >

Moving to your new place can be quite stressful. There's a lot to think about when moving and it can often be a lot of hard work. A local moving checklist can keep you from forgetting important things - like turning on the utilities in your new home. You'll likely want to create your own list of to do's that need to be accomplished, but you can start with the suggestions below.

Planning is essential and it is recommended that if possible, you start your preparation eight weeks in advance.

Use the following local moving checklist to help you keep track of your move:

Eight weeks	Give notice to your current landlord (60 days notice).
	Start a file for records or receipts that may be needed later for your taxes.
	Get estimates for moving companies and/or truck rental. Check for availability and ask about insurance. Don't forget your car if it requires shipment.
	Obtain a reference from your current landlord.
	Investigate schools and childcare facilities of your new locality (if required).
Seven weeks	Give your new address to your health professionals. Get relevant referrals.
Seven weeks	Investigate moving needs for any pets and arrange a check-up for them.
Six weeks	Decide what to take, what to store and what to give to charity.
	Cancel, transfer, or sell club memberships.
	Investigate car insurance premiums for your new area.
	Investigate storage options if required, and collect boxes for packing.
Five weeks	Start planning your moving out party.
Five weeks	Organize a garage sale or sell your items on online classifieds (i.e. Craigslist or Kijiji) or eBay. Contact charities for pick-up of donated items or drop them off yourself.
Four weeks	Arrange transfer of school records (if any).
	Decide how pets will be moved.
	Notify businesses, clubs, organizations and friends. Remember e-mail contacts.
	Start packing! Label boxes every box. Plan to carry irreplaceable items.
Three weeks	Pre-book utility connections if required.
	Give a forwarding address to old employer, lawyer, accountant, etc.
	Service your car, especially if you are driving a long distance to your new place.
	Get hotel reservations if traveling a long way.
Two weeks	If you're moving into or out of a high rise, reserve an elevator.
	Get a babysitter for young children on moving day so you can focus on the move.
	Close or transfer bank accounts. Empty any safety deposit boxes. Ensure you have cash for the moving day.
	Arrange to forward your mail to your new address. Go to Canada Post's smartmoves to make all the necessary changes.
	Notify insurance and credit card companies of your move.
One week	Arrange for house cleaning after you move.
	Make charity donations as planned previously. If you don’t have one in mind, try Goodwill.
	Back up computer files before dissembling and packing your system.
	Contact utilities to cancel or transfer accounts after your moving date, and confirm utilities will be on at your new place before you arrive.
	De-frost & clean your refrigerator and freezer; clean your stove.
	Confirm your travel plans (flights, hotels, rental cars, etc). Arrange rental truck if needed.
Moving day	If moving yourself, pick up rental truck. Load heavy items first.
	If employing movers, confirm your new address with the moving company.
	Do a final check of cupboards, drawers, etc.
	Turn off lights, appliances and hot water system. Lock doors and windows. Leave keys with your old landlord if applicable.
ASAP	Update your driver's license.

You will undoubtedly have many more items to add to your personal local moving checklist. Start writing down anything you think of as soon as you know you'll be moving. Will the phone be connected when you arrive at your new home? Will you have to return across the country just because you forgot about a safe-deposit box that has your jewelry? The best way to avoid problems like these is to start early on your local moving checklist.

< back to Renting Tips