Complete Moving Checklist for Canada Residents

Moving can feel overwhelming, but with proper planning and organization, you can ensure nothing gets forgotten. This comprehensive checklist is designed specifically for Canadian residents and covers everything from initial planning to settling into your new home. Use this timeline to stay organized and reduce stress throughout your moving process.

8 Weeks Before Moving Day

Starting early gives you the best chance of securing your preferred moving date and handling all necessary arrangements without rushing.

Research and Planning

• Create a moving binder or digital folder for all moving-related documents
• Research moving companies and request quotes from at least three providers
• Set your moving budget, including all anticipated costs
• If moving for work, check what relocation benefits your employer offers
• Research your new neighbourhood (schools, healthcare, shopping, transportation)
• Start decluttering - donate, sell, or discard items you don't need

Important Considerations for Canadian Moves

• If moving to a different province, research healthcare registration requirements
• Check if your new province has different tax implications
• Research vehicle registration requirements for interprovincial moves
• Consider climate differences and seasonal moving challenges

6 Weeks Before Moving Day

Booking and Contracts

• Choose your moving company and book your moving date
• Read and sign the moving contract carefully
• Schedule a pre-move survey with your chosen moving company
• Book time off work for moving day and the day after
• Reserve moving supplies if packing yourself

School and Healthcare

• Research and contact schools in your new area
• Request school records and transcripts for your children
• Find new healthcare providers (family doctor, dentist, veterinarian)
• Request medical and dental records from current providers

4 Weeks Before Moving Day

Address Changes and Notifications

• Submit change of address with Canada Post
• Notify Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) of your address change
• Update your address with Service Canada
• Contact your provincial health insurance office
• Notify Elections Canada of your new address
• Update your address with your bank and credit card companies
• Contact your insurance providers (home, auto, life, health)

Subscription and Service Updates

• Update magazine and newspaper subscriptions
• Notify online shopping accounts (Amazon, etc.)
• Contact streaming services and update billing addresses
• Update your address with professional associations and unions

3 Weeks Before Moving Day

Utility Arrangements

• Contact utility companies to schedule disconnection at current home
• Arrange connection of utilities at new home (electricity, gas, water)
• Schedule internet and cable installation at new home
• Arrange for disconnection of current internet and cable services
• Contact your home security company about the move

Vehicle and Legal Matters

• Update your driver's license (within 3 months for most provinces)
• Update vehicle registration and insurance
• Contact your lawyer or notary about the move
• Update emergency contacts at work and children's schools

2 Weeks Before Moving Day

Packing Preparation

• Start packing non-essential items
• Order packing supplies if needed
• Create an inventory list of valuable items
• Take photos of valuable items for insurance purposes
• Use up perishable food items
• Return borrowed items and collect lent items

Important Documents

• Gather important documents: birth certificates, passports, SIN cards
• Make copies of important documents
• Transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy near your new home
• Collect medical records from all healthcare providers

1 Week Before Moving Day

Final Preparations

• Confirm moving day details with your moving company
• Pack a "first day" survival kit
• Separate and pack valuable items to transport yourself
• Clean out safety deposit boxes
• Arrange childcare and pet care for moving day
• Pack a suitcase with essentials for the first few days

Last-Minute Services

• Pick up dry cleaning
• Return library books and rented items
• Cancel or transfer gym memberships
• Confirm utility disconnection and connection dates

Moving Day Tasks

Before the Movers Arrive

• Pack a cooler with snacks and drinks
• Ensure you have cash for tips
• Keep important documents and valuables with you
• Take final meter readings for utilities
• Do a final walkthrough and take photos

When Movers Arrive

• Verify the moving crew's identification
• Review the inventory list carefully before signing
• Note any existing damage to items on the inventory
• Keep the bill of lading and other moving documents safe
• Stay available to answer questions and provide guidance

At Your New Home

• Do a walkthrough before movers arrive
• Check that utilities are working
• Protect floors and walls if necessary
• Direct movers on where items should be placed
• Check inventory as items are unloaded
• Inspect for damage before signing final documents

First Week After Moving

Immediate Priorities

• Unpack essentials first (toiletries, medications, clothing)
• Set up beds and basic kitchen supplies
• Test all appliances and utilities
• Locate circuit breakers, water shut-off, and main utility controls
• Change locks or rekey existing locks
• Install smoke detector batteries and test alarms

Registration and Documentation

• Register children for school if not done earlier
• Register with local healthcare providers
• Update voter registration if moving to a new riding
• Get a new library card
• Register with new provincial health insurance if applicable

First Month After Moving

Community Integration

• Explore your new neighbourhood
• Find local grocery stores, pharmacy, and services
• Join community groups or activities
• Meet your neighbours
• Find recreational facilities and activities

Administrative Tasks

• Update your will and other legal documents with new address
• Review and update insurance policies
• Find new service providers (mechanic, hairdresser, etc.)
• Register with local municipal services
• Update professional licenses and certifications

Special Considerations for Canadian Interprovincial Moves

Healthcare

• Some provinces have waiting periods for healthcare coverage
• Maintain previous provincial coverage until new coverage begins
• Research whether your health card works temporarily in the new province

Vehicle Registration

• Most provinces require registration within 30-90 days
• You may need a vehicle inspection in your new province
• Insurance requirements vary by province

Professional Licensing

• Professional licenses often don't transfer between provinces
• Research licensing requirements well in advance
• Some professions have reciprocal agreements between provinces

Moving Day Emergency Kit

Pack these items in a clearly labeled box or bag that travels with you:

• Important documents (ID, insurance, medical records)
• Medications and first aid supplies
• Phone chargers and basic electronics
• Change of clothes and toiletries for each family member
• Snacks, water, and basic food items
• Basic tools (screwdriver, hammer, box cutter)
• Cleaning supplies
• Toilet paper and paper towels
• Bed linens and pillows
• Pet supplies if applicable
• Cash for tips and unexpected expenses
• Contact information for moving company and new utility providers

Digital Organization Tips

Use technology to stay organized throughout your move:

• Create a digital moving folder with all documents
• Use a moving app to track tasks and timelines
• Take photos of how electronics are connected
• Scan important documents for backup
• Create a digital inventory of valuable items
• Use online change of address services where available

Remember, this checklist is comprehensive, but every move is unique. Adjust the timeline and tasks based on your specific circumstances, and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it.