The Most Epic Moving Checklist! #moving #checklist

This past summer I moved from Toronto to Barrie, Ontario... and it was the biggest move of my life. Two households moved under one roof... four generations. Let’s face it, moving is stressful. That’s why I’ve created an epic moving checklist to help you stay on track. With some direction and this 8-week printable moving checklist for your upcoming move, you’ll be sure to have everything done between now and the big day, leaving you plenty of time to celebrate.

8 weeks before the move:

  Schedule in-home estimates with a moving company (get at least 3 estimates) 

  Read over documents from your movers before signing anything. 

  Request time off work for moving day. 

  Choose a school for your kids. 

  Plan a garage sale or donate items. 

  Plan how to move fragile or unusual items, such as fine art, safes, etc. 

  Collect boxes and research packing hacks to make moving day easier 

  Label moving boxes and mark boxes that are fragile. 

  Create an inventory sheet of all your valuables and which box they are in before they go on the moving truck. 

6 weeks before the move:

  Take photos of all electronics before unplugging them and packing them. 

  Place all hardware in labelled baggies to help for easy furniture reassembly. 

  If you're moving in/out of an apartment, find out if there's any moving day requirements. 

  Address minor home repairs before moving out. 

  Measure doorways, stairways, and elevators to make sure all furniture will fit. 

  Pack a little daily. 

4 weeks before the move:

  Purchase moving insurance to cover all your belongings during the move. 

  Use or donate items that you can't pack or sell, such as frozen foods, bleach and aerosol cans. 

  Gather all financial, legal and medical records in one place. 

  Gather birth certificates and passports for everyone in your home. 

  Notify your homeowners or renters insurance company of your upcoming move to your new home. 

  Find/move internet and cable service to your new address, and schedule your installation appointment. 

2 weeks before the move:

  If you're moving out of town, find a new doctor, dentist, and vet in your new neighborhood. 

  Update your voter registration. 

  Make sure your pets have ID tags for their collars and are microchipped. 

  Request copies of vet records and get any necessary pet medication, 

  Create a moving file to organize your move-related receipts and bills. 

  Recycle or dispose of corrosives, flammables and poisonous items. 

  Prep two-weeks worth of meals and use everything in the freezer. 

  Return borrowed items from neighbors, family and friends. 

  Back up your computer. 

  Set up trash removal and recycling for your new home, and cancel your current service. 

  Remove light bulbs from all lamps you plan to move. 

  Clean out your safety deposit box and all lockers that you might have. 

  Cancel or transfer your membership at the gym, etc. 

  Fill your prescriptions and transfer to a new pharmacy near the new home. 

  To keep littles ones safe during a move, line up a babysitter or make arrangements for a playdate. 

  Find somewhere safe for your pets to go during your move. 

  Send a moving announcement. 

  Change your address with loan providers, credit cards, banks, anything government related and payroll department at work 

The week of the move:

  Forward your mail. 

  Transfer your utilities including water, electric and natural gas. 

  Update your driver's license and health card. 

  Update your address with Amazon, newspapers, and magazine subscriptions. 

  Change your address for your auto insurance and car registration. 

  Clean outdoor furniture before it's moved. 

  Donate unopened food or pack. 

  Clean current home for the next resident. 

  Make sure nothing is hiding on shelves or in closet corners. 

  Prepare for your final walthrough with your landlord. 

  Watch the weather channel and prepare for rain or snow. 

  Pack and essentials box with everything you'll need for your first 24 hours in your new home. 

  Take photos of your empty place to prove it's in move-out condition. 

  Withdraw cash to tip your movers. 

  Clean your new place. 

Moving day:

  Set and alarm and get up early on moving day. 

  Protect your floors and carpets during the move. 

  They've worked hard all day, so tip your movers. 

  As soon as your movers leave, make your bed and unpack your shower curtain and toiletries. 

  Get to know your neighbors! 

  Go grocery shopping. 

Post move:

  Thank your real estate agent or broker. 

  Leave a detailed review of your experience with your moving company. 

  Post leftover moving boxes or unwanted furniture on Kijiji/Craigslist. 

  Clean the carpets in your new home. 

  Install a new home security system. 

  Explore your new neighborhood. 

  Aim to unpack all your stuff within 2 weeks of moving in. 

  Last, but not least, make copies of your new keys for the babysitter, nanny, etc.