Stay organized with a moving checklist!

The key to a smooth move is to stay organized. While you can
still find a pen and clipboard, get started on a moving checklist
of necessary tasks.

TWO MONTHS BEFORE YOU MOVE
- Book a mover. You’ll need to decide if you want to pack
and/or unpack yourself. If you do choose to do the packing,
ask about insurance on any breakage. In general, the
movers will only insure what they have packed.

ONE MONTH BEFORE YOU MOVE
- Get rid of it. Resolve not to move anything you don’t want
in your new home. To find a good home for old belongings
– quickly and as close as your front step – go to www.freecycle.org.
- Start a file for keeping receipts of any moving expenses. You can deduct these at tax time.
- Visit your local post office and fill out a Canada Post
change of address form.
- Notify Canada Revenue Agency of your address change
via their web site, at www.cra-arc.gc.ca. Also notify your
provincial health plan.
- Think about your medical services. Notify doctor dentist,
and your optometrist of your move. If necessary, get
copies of your records.
- If you are moving out of province, find out about driver’s license,
auto licensing and insurance.
- Contact your children’s schools and have their records
transferred to their new schools.
- Make any special arrangements for moving your pets.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE
- Notify existing gas, electric, phone, internet and other utility
companies to make necessary arrangements. Make
plans to get these services set up at your new location.
- Gather up all your bills; they’ll contain valuable information
like account numbers and customer service phone
numbers. Keep these in a safe and accessible place.

ONE WEEK BEFORE YOU MOVE
- Get rid of flammables; drain fuel from the lawnmower and
other machinery.
- Pack your valuables. This includes valuable papers – like
passports, insurance papers, property deeds, automobile
ownership, etc. as well as cash and jewellery. Plan to keep
these valuables with you.
- What’s not at home? Remember to pick up any loaned
belongings, as well as anything in storage or at the dry
cleaners.
- Clear out the fridge; use up any perishable foods and limit
any repurchases.
- Pack a box of “first day essentials” and mark “DO NOT
MOVE”. Include toilet paper, flashlights, basic cleaning
supplies, pet food, handi-wipes, snackable food, etc. so
you can settle in quickly.
- Arrange for removal of "installed items" you are taking
with you, like a TV antenna or shelves.

ONE DAY BEFORE YOU MOVE
- Take down curtains and rods, as well as any other wall fixtures
that are coming with you.
- Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator. Make sure it
has at least 24 hours to air dry.
- Clean and air your stove.
- Plan a self-contained breakfast “picnic” for moving day to
eat at home or on the road.
- Pack toiletries, medications and other necessities.
- Gather up all house keys for the new owner.

MOVING DAY
- Make yourself available to the moving crew, who may
need to inventory each room. Point out any large, antique
or unusual items.
- Double-check that the moving driver has the correct address
and a working telephone number to reach you.
- Before you leave, do a final walk through of every room.
Check all closets and cabinets. Turn off the lights, and
be sure that windows and doors are locked.

Enjoy your new home!