A Comprehensive Moving Checklist

Have you found your new home in Victoria? Your Condo Experts have comprised this moving checklist as a helpful guideline for your move!

1 month before Moving Day [Date_______________]

___ Clean out your closets, basement, and garage. Donate unused items to your favourite charity or have a garage sale.
___ Get packing supplies; tape, boxes, tissue paper, bubble wrap, markers.
___ If this a big move, start packing items of no use prior to your move. Pack up things like photo albums, books, and seasonal decorations.
___ If you’re packing items that will go in storage, make itemized lists of each box and its contents.
___ Start a log of moving expenses and keep all your move-related receipts. Some items may be tax-deductible.
___ Find a reputable mover. If you are hiring professional movers get written estimates from at least two moving companies; include their written commitment of pickup and delivery dates.  Ask for and check references. Or Uhaul is always a great option! Check the limits of insurance they offer and whether or not it covers replacement costs, and purchase additional insurance if you need it.
___ Arrange to transfer your household insurance to your new home.
___ Advise tradespeople (gardener, housecleaner, alarm company) if you’re moving out of their service area. Look into services for your new home.
___ Contact Pre-Schools, Daycare, or Schools for children.
___ Contact your lawyer and set up an appointment to sign completion documentation
___ Meet with your bank/mortgage broker to finalize mortgage documents

2 weeks before Moving Day [Date_______________]

___ Arrange for disconnection or of utilities (hydro, gas, cable, phone, ISP, security company). Get a new phone number if applicable.
___ Contact the post office to have your mail forwarded.
___ Arrange to change or transfer your bank accounts. Order cheques with your new address and phone number.
___ If you are moving into a condo, contact your new Property Manager to coordinate your move
___ Stop or transfer newspaper and other home deliveries.
___ Change your address with the following institutions: CRA, medical offices, BC Hydro, schools, library, accountant, financial advisor/bank, credit card companies, Car Insurance, Driver’s Licence/Care Card, Cable/phone, medical plan, and Canada Post.
___ Advise friends, family, and professionals of your new address and phone number.

1 week before Moving Day [Date_______________]

___ Clean your home or arrange for a cleaning company. For more information on how clean your house should be before you move, click here.
___ Confirm delivery address, phone number and delivery date with the movers.
___ Clean out and defrost the freezer.
___ Return library books.
___ If you’re moving to another city, pick up dry cleaning, prescriptions, photos, or anything else left outside your home.
___ Clean out your school or gym lockers.

3 days before Moving Day [Date_______________]

___ Complete packing of all household goods for the move. Make sure boxes are clearly marked with the rooms that they will go in, mark fragile if needed.
___ Place important documents in a safe box that you will carry. Include home purchase papers, will, financial records, passports and birth certificates. Mark “DO NOT MOVE” on the box; move this box yourself.
___ Prepare an “Open First” box with towels, bedding, basic kitchen and bathroom supplies, toys or games for your children, tools (hammer, screwdriver) to set up the furniture.
___ Label all keys for new occupants.
___ Place all appliance manuals & warranties, etc in one place for the new occupants.

Moving Day
[Date_______________]

___ Keep phone connected or have a cell phone in case you need to contact your movers etc.
___ Carefully supervise the move. Make sure your instructions are understood, and that boxes are delivered to the right rooms.
___ Check your Moving Checklist, all of the rooms and closets to make sure you haven’t left anything behind.
___ Turn down all thermostats.
___ Arrive at your new home before the movers. Show the movers where to put all the furniture and boxes.
___ Check that you have been given all keys to every lock in your new home.
___ Carefully check the movers’ bill of lading before signing. Check for damaged items.
___ Check to make sure all utilities are working properly.
___ Unpack your ”open first” box. Set up your bed; unpack the kitchen and bathroom to make you feel at home.
___ Relax, order in dinner, and take a long bath.

After Moving Day

___ Unpack, then donate or flatten and recycle boxes.
___ Change the address on your driver’s license and car insurance.
___ Plan your housewarming party!

When you’re ready to buy or sell your home, get in touch with us!