Moving Checklist

6 Weeks from move date:

  • Start a file for moving related expenses, and get “Tax Information on Moving Expenses”
  • Separate all items that you won’t be moving and plan a garage sale or phone your favorite charity to make a donation
  • Prepare an inventory list of items you will be moving
  • Determine “replacement value” for insurance purposes
  • Start Packing. Packing always takes longer than expected
  • While you are packing, put all valuables in a safe deposit box or in a place for safe keeping
  • Clarify payment details with your movers and verify which expenses your company will pay

    • 3-4 Weeks from move date:

  • Notify the post office that you are moving
  • Notify subscriptions, memberships and credit card companies of your change in address
  • Contact Utility Companies, phone, heat, water, cable, and make arrangements for for deposit refunds and shutoff dates
  • Make arrangements for any medical, dental and veterinary records to be transferred
  • Notify your children’s school and make arrangement for records
  • Collect any necessary legal records
  • Return things that you borrowed and collect all the items you loaned out
  • Movers typically don’t move plants, therefore, make special arrangements for your plants to be moved or give them away
  • Plan your meals and use up food in the freezer and pantry

    • 2 Weeks from move date:

  • Contact your accountant and regarding transferring your funds and don’t for get RRSP’s and brokerage accounts.
  • Open bank accounts in new town and arrange the transfer of your funds.
  • Verify your moving estimate.
  • Dispose of any combustibles, and drain all power tools of fuel and oil
  • Pack a personal bag of what you’ll need in transit
  • In a special box, pack items you’ll need immediately after you move and mark the box “DO NOT MOVE”
  • Pack a small tool box for last minute tasks
  • If you home has sold, cancel all newspapers and services such as lawn or pool care
  • Clean area rugs and clothing
  • Pack a briefcase with all important documents that you may need

    • 1 Week from move date:

  • Prepare appliances for moving. Defrost freezer and clean refrigerator.
  • Service your automobiles
  • Set aside instructions manuals on the home for new owners
  • Pick up any dry cleaning, or anything that’s out for repair or service

    • 1 day from move date:

  • Remove all valuable from the your safety deposit box
  • Check on utility service at new address and arrange to have them on when you arrive
  • Ship or give away all perishable and frozen foods
  • Ship or give away all perishable and frozen foods Mark the boxes you need as soon as possible with ” Open First”
  • Leave mirrors and pictures on the walls for movers to pack

    • Moving Day:

  • Make sure you have access/keys to your new home
  • Stay at your home until the movers have left
  • Take a final tour of the home and yard to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything
  • Carefully review the inventory sheet and Bill of Landing before you sign it
  • Confirm your drivers delivery address and date
  • Inform your neighbors that the house is empty
  • Lock all doors and windows
  • Leave your keys and garage door openers with the new owners or your realtor


    • Upon Arrival:

  • Examine your furniture and possessions as they are unloaded. Open all boxes and make a note of any damage
  • For gas service, check pilot light on stove, hot water heater and furnace.
  • Have your locks re
  • Locate your local post office and pick up any mail being held for
  • Notify the senders of your mail of your new address
  • Contact your Motor Vehicle Branch for a change of address on your drivers license
  • Register your vehicles
  • Register children into school
  • Collect emergency phone numbers (fire and police) and address of your nearest hospital
  • Transfer your insurance to a local agent