Moving Checklist

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Please click here for a PDF copy of our moving checklist and information.  It is a fully comprehensive document of what you should do when getting ready to move.

Here is a checklist of items that you will need to consider when preparing to move:

Before You Move  

• Obtain estimates from moving companies.
• Give away, sell, discard any unnecessary belongings.
• Advise post office, and complete change of address cards to inform companies and employers of move.
• Obtain school records for new school transfer. 
• Check and clear any outstanding taxes on your present property. 
• Call your insurance agent and transfer or arrange coverage for your new home.
• Send out all items for cleaning or in need of repair. 
• Return those items that were borrowed and collect any items loaned out. 
• Dispose of flammable items.
• Arrange for the shutting off of all utilities and the connection of utilities for your new house. Have meters read.
• Try to arrange your telephone cancellation or transfer for the last possible moment on moving day. You can secure your next number far in advance of your move, and this can often simplify things later.
• Clean all drapes, rugs & floors.
• Defrost and clean fridge on day before the move; clean stove.
• Organize work that has to be completed at your new home.
• Obtain appraisals for any items of value in case you need to make an insurance claim from the moving company. Pictures are a great benefit here!
• Make arrangements to discontinue cleaning services, pool maintenance, window cleaners, snow removers, landscapers etc.
• Ensure that adequate insurance for all your household goods is still in place while your goods are in transit or storage.
• Notify financial organizations, insurance companies, medical practitioners, credit card companies, etc. of your move.
• Cancel newspaper subscriptions.
• Change voter's records.   

Storing and Packing
Do's

• Use packing paper, markers, heavy twine, masking tape, boxes, and containers for packing.  
• Empty gas tanks from lawn mowers, outboard motors, etc. 
• Remove all batteries from appliances and toys. 
• Mark contents of all boxes very clearly specifying which room they are to be placed in (this will save you moving them again and again...). 
• Set aside things you will carry in the car in a carton marked "Do Not Load". 
• Indicate which cartons you wish to be unloaded first and unloaded last. 
• Keep a telephone book with you. 
• Tie or tape brooms and mops together and bundle your curtain rods. 
• Make sure all fragile and delicate items are indicated. 
• Carry all jewellery, valuable papers and currency with you. 
• Ensure that tops are secured for all liquids in bottles. 
• Crate glass table tops, large mirrors & any valuable pictures. 
• Pack all books on edge in small boxes. 
• Limit carton weight to 60 pounds.  
• Tie or tape all boxes securely.  
• Pack lamp shades in boxes by themselves. 
• Pack and wrap small appliances in the bottom of boxes. 
• Pack table lamps also. 
• Make sure heavy china items are placed at the bottom of the box with extra padding. Flat pieces should be placed on edge.  
• Pack small items in a smaller box inside a larger box. 
• Dismantle large power tools before moving. 
• Remove fixtures that are fastened to the wall. 
• Move clothes and drapes in a wardrobe supplied by the movers. 

  ...And Don'ts  

• Avoid overloading drawers when packing items in dressers.
• Try not to use newspapers as padding because the ink may rub off.
• Do not leave shelves loose in stoves or refrigerators. 
• Do not pack cleaning products in the same boxes as food.
• Try not to roll mattresses or rugs. Leave them for the movers to put into special cartons.
• Do not wrap articles of furniture or tie them with ropes. 

On Moving Day

• If possible, have friends or relatives take care of children and pets elsewhere. 
• Check and number all boxes.
• Check each carton for loss or damage. 
• Prepare a list of damaged or lost articles.
• Make sure movers are paid... they usually want cash or a certified cheque.
• Check supply of heating fuel (if oil).
• Make arrangements to have appliances hooked up.
• Get meters read and utilities turned on.
• Set up bedrooms and kitchens first.
• Have your tool kit handy.  

Local & Long Distance Moving
As a general rule, although each moving company may vary to a certain extent, a local move is considered to be a move within an 80 kilometer (50 mile) radius of the moving company's premises. Therefore long distance would be considered a move outside an 80 kilometer (50 mile) radius of the moving company's premises. The mover must hold appropriate licenses for local and long distance moving. Check with local and provincial authorities if you have any questions.

How The Costs of Your Move Are Typically Calculated
Local Moving
Costs are calculated based on the number of hours the truck is used for your move multiplied by the hourly for-hire rate. Generally, the hours begin from the time the truck leaves the moving company's premises until the time it returns.

Long Distance
Costs are calculated on the weight and distance of your shipment (shipment will be weighed at a government inspection weigh station).

Storage
If your goods are to be placed into storage, make sure the costs of storage are explained to you, including loading and unloading fees plus monthly storage rates.

Now Relax
The company you finally hire is in business to provide you with the best possible service it can. After you have carefully chosen your mover, you can be sure that your belongings will be handled as efficiently and safely as possible. Professional movers pride themselves in the service they provide to thousands of Canadians each year.
    
Arrange For Your Move 

• Obtain two or three estimates for your move and compare the services offered.
• Have the contents of your residence/office viewed by a qualified estimator and a written estimate prepared.
• Book your move as far in advance as possible, even if, in the case of a new home/office, your closing date is not firm. Most movers can be flexible with proper notice.
• Avoid scheduling your move for the end of the month as this is a busy period for movers. Some movers may offer lower rates at other times of the month.
• Try to ensure that at least three staff members are assigned to your move - two to load and unload your goods and one to remain with the truck to avoid possible theft. 
• Prior to entering into a contract with a mover, make sure you determine what liability the mover will assume in the event of loss or damage. You may find it necessary to make special insurance arrangements.
• It is advisable to have your goods packed by movers. They are professionals and know how to properly ship and handle your belongings. Ask the mover for the cost of their packing service. 
• Confirm your arrangements with the mover a day or two prior to the move to avoid any last minute difficulties. Make sure the mover has specific directions to pick your goods up and for locating your new premises, particularly in the case of a newly constructed home/office where the street names and numbers are not easily visible. 

Take Caution

• A mover whose estimated cost for your move is far below that of your other estimates may spell trouble. 
• Damage to goods packed by you is your responsibility and not the mover's unless the mover has been negligent in the care of the boxes packed.