Moving house can be exciting, but it can also be stressful and tiring. There’s packing, paperwork, new addresses, and countless little details to manage. That’s why a solid house moving checklist is a lifesaver. In this guide, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step plan that works whether you’re moving across town or across Canada. It’s perfect for first-time movers, families, students, and long-time homeowners alike. And yes—there’s a printable checklist at the end to make things even easier. In this guide, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step plan that works whether you’re moving across town or across Canada. It’s perfect for first-time movers, families, students, and long-time homeowners alike. And yes—there’s a printable checklist for moving house at the end to make things even easier.
The Best Checklist for Moving Houses in Canada
The easiest way to stay organized is to start early and break your tasks down week by week. That way, you won’t feel overwhelmed.
8 Weeks Before the Move: Planning Ahead
If you’re renting, give your landlord proper notice according to your lease. Begin searching for professional local movers or a rental truck, and compare prices from different providers. Take time to declutter each room, donating, selling, or throwing away items you no longer use. As you go, make an inventory list of your belongings.
Create a moving folder to store bills, contracts, lists, and receipts. Get moving quotes early, especially in Canada where prices can vary significantly by province. People often ask how far in advance they should plan a move—the answer is at least eight weeks, and yes, that’s enough if you stick to the timeline.
6 Weeks Before Moving: Start Preparing
By now, you should have a clearer idea of what’s coming with you. Go room by room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or toss. Gently used items can go to places like Goodwill or the Salvation Army, while anything you want to sell might find buyers on Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, or Craigslist.
It’s also time to update important documents. Notify Canada Post of your new address and inform your bank, insurance provider, school, doctor, and employer. If you’re wondering whether you need to tell the government, the answer is yes—especially for taxes and health care. And if you’re not sure how to declutter, a good rule is that if you haven’t used it in a year, it’s probably safe to let it go.
4 Weeks Before Moving: Time to Pack Strategically
This is when packing begins in earnest. Gather boxes—either by buying them or picking some up for free from local stores—along with packing tape, bubble wrap or newspaper, and markers for labeling. Start packing non-essential items like books, decorations, and off-season clothes. Clearly label every box, and if you like, use color codes for different rooms.
Don’t forget to prepare a moving day survival kit, also called your essentials box. This should include toiletries, basic kitchen tools, a few changes of clothes, chargers, medications, and important documents. If packing feels overwhelming, consider our packing and unpacking services to save time and effort.
2 Weeks Before Moving: Confirm and Finalize
You’re halfway there. Confirm your moving company booking and double-check the date and time. Arrange for a babysitter or pet sitter if needed.
Make sure utilities and services are set up in your new home, including water, gas, electricity, Wi-Fi, and cable. Cancel or transfer gym memberships and delivery subscriptions. It’s best to handle utility transfers at least a week before moving, and the most essential ones to arrange first are water, electricity, and internet.
1 Week Before the Move: Final Details
This week is all about final preparations. Clean each room thoroughly, patch any wall holes, and empty and defrost your fridge. Arrange for trash pickup if you’re moving out permanently.
Pack your first-night essentials in a box labeled “Open First.” This should include soap, toilet paper, towels, pajamas, chargers, snacks or simple meals, and a blanket or bedsheet. Reconfirm your movers, finish packing, back up digital files, withdraw some cash for the move, and take a moment to say goodbye to neighbors and friends.
Moving Day: Stay Calm and Organized
On moving day, take a final walk through the house, checking every drawer and closet. Record utility meter readings, and lock up before handing over the keys. Keep valuables and important items like your wallet, ID, property documents, keys, phone, charger, and medications with you. If you have specialty items like a piano, our piano moving experts can handle them safely.
Moving Into a New House Checklist
Once you arrive, unpack essentials first—bathroom supplies, bedding, and kitchen basics. Secure your home by changing the locks, testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and checking that windows and doors work properly. Make sure utilities are running, especially internet and heating or cooling.
Take a moment to explore your neighborhood, meet your neighbors, and start planning your furniture layout. Your first night should be about settling in—eat, shower, and rest.
Free Printable Checklist for Moving House
If you like having something tangible to follow, download the free printable moving checklist at the end of this guide. It’s a step-by-step tool to keep your move on track from start to finish.
Need Help Moving? Burlington Moving Has You Covered
Whether this is your first move or your tenth, sometimes having professional help makes all the difference. Burlington Moving offers stress-free, reliable house moving services across Burlington, Oakville, Milton, Hamilton, Waterdown, and Mississauga.
We provide local moving services, long-distance moving, packing and unpacking, senior moving assistance, piano moving, storage and moving solutions, and office moving services for businesses.
We proudly serve Mississauga, Waterdown, Burlington, Hamilton, Milton, and Oakville.
Our office is located at 4145 N Service Rd, Burlington, ON L7L 4X6, Canada. You can call us at (289) 816-0319 to book your move or visit our blog for more tips.
Additional House Moving Tips
If you want to save money, consider packing yourself instead of hiring packers, and schedule your move for mid-week or mid-month when rates are often lower. Friends might be willing to help in exchange for pizza.
The best time to move in Canada is spring or fall, as winter weather can slow you down, and summer moves can be more expensive. Avoid common mistakes like leaving packing until the last minute, forgetting to label boxes, or neglecting to update your address with important contacts and services.
FAQs About the House Moving Checklist
Q1: What should be on my house moving checklist?
Everything from planning and packing to cleaning and settling in—follow the steps above for a smooth process.
Q2: How do I make moving house less stressful?
Start early, stay organized, and follow a clear checklist.
Q3: What’s the best checklist for moving houses in Canada?
This one—it’s straightforward, complete, and tailored for Canadian moves.
Q4: Is it better to hire movers or rent a truck?
It depends on your budget and the size of your move. Movers save time, while renting a truck can save money.
Q5: What should I do one day before moving?
Pack your essentials, clean, confirm all bookings, and get a good night’s sleep.
Q6: Can I move in winter in Canada?
Yes, but be prepared for snow, delays, and the need to protect your items from the cold.
Conclusion: Make Your Move Smooth with a House Moving Checklist
Moving doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a detailed house moving checklist, you stay in control and avoid unnecessary stress. Whether you’re moving for the first time or the tenth, print this guide, follow the tips, and take it step by step. Download your printable checklist now and enjoy a stress-free move.