A Moving Checklist saves time, brings peace, and gives you control. Moving is an important step in many people’s lives. Indeed, moving can be a source of stress and confusion if you don’t do it correctly. To avoid hassle and worry, it is essential to have a moving checklist.

aide-mémoire pour un déménagement réussi

Successful Move!

Get a Cheat Sheet

We offer you a checklist for a successful move. We’ll review the essential steps to take before, during, and after the move. Whether you are an individual or a business, this article will give you the keys to a hassle-free move.

Checklist for Moving: Step 0 (zero)

Plan your Moving DATE with Precision!

To ensure the success of your move, it is essential to plan your moving date accurately.

This will help you organize your schedule and ensure enough time to prepare everything you need.

Aide-Mémoire pour un Déménagement

Guide to moving: Moving Checklist to PRINT!

This list will allow you to keep track of your tasks and ensure nothing is forgotten.

Why should I use a Checklist?

Planning a move can be a stressful and exhausting task if you’re not well prepared. An effective way to stay organized throughout the process is to use a Weekly Moving Checklist.

WEEK 01

⬜️ Take inventory of your belongings: Go through all your belongings and decide what you want to keep, sell, donate, or throw away.

⬜️ Start packing: Start packing items you don’t use on a daily basis, such as decorative items or out-of-season clothing.

⬜️ Schedule utilities: Contact utility providers to arrange the transfer or termination of your services.

WEEK 02

⬜️ Continue packing: Pack items you use less frequently, like books or extra kitchen appliances.

⬜️ Organize storage: If you need temporary storage space, reserve a storage unit.

⬜️ Change address: Inform government agencies, banks, and other institutions of your change of address.

WEEK 03

⬜️ Pack essential items: Pack items you use regularly, such as clothing, toiletries, and kitchen utensils.

⬜️ Arrange transportation: Book a moving company or friends to help you transport your belongings.

⬜️ Plan a cleaning day: Plan a day to clean your old home before you leave.

WEEK 04

⬜️ Finalize preparations: Finish packing all your belongings and make sure everything is ready for moving day.

⬜️ Confirm moving details: Contact the moving company to confirm the departure time and address.

⬜️ Make arrangements for pets: If you have pets, arrange for their transportation or care during the move.

By using this weekly moving checklist, you can ensure that all the necessary steps are taken care of and that your move goes off without a hitch. Remember to customize this list to your specific needs and situation.

How to Plan your Move in advance? What to do?

1. Make a list of all the tasks to be accomplished

To avoid forgetting important things, it is recommended to make a detailed list of all the tasks to be accomplished before, during, and after the move. This will allow you to organize yourself efficiently and leave nothing to chance.

2. Establish a budget

Moving can represent a certain financial cost. It is therefore essential to establish a precise budget in order to be able to anticipate expenses and avoid surprises. Take into account the costs associated with transport, packaging, moving assistance services, as well as any repairs to be made in the new home.

3. Sort through your belongings

Take advantage of the move to sort through your belongings. Get rid of unnecessary items, donate or sell what can still be used. This will allow you to declutter your current home and facilitate transport and installation in your new one.

4. Organize the TRANSPORT of your Goods

Whether you choose to hire a moving company or decide to do it yourself, it is important to organize the transport of your belongings efficiently. Plan the necessary vehicles, as well as the appropriate packaging material to protect your belongings during the journey.

5. Prevent different organizations

Before leaving your current accommodation, remember to notify the various organizations of your change of address. This includes the post office, energy SUPPLIERS, administrations, insurance companies, educational establishments, etc. This step is crucial to avoid inconvenience and delays in receiving your mail.

6. Call Professionals

If you need help with specific tasks, don’t hesitate to call on professionals. Whether it is for moving heavy furniture, dismantling and reassembling equipment, or cleaning the home before leaving it, these services will make your job easier and allow you to save time and energy.

Inform your SUPPLIERS of your move

Moving can be stressful and requires good organization. One of the most important steps is to notify your service provider of your change of address.

PURPOSE: This will allow you to continue receiving your invoices, services, and products without interruption.

Here is a list of suppliers you should contact:

1. Electricity supplier

  • Contact your electricity supplier to tell them your new address. This will allow you to continue receiving your energy without interruption.

2. Water supplier (if applicable)

  • Notify your water supplier of your move to update your billing information.

3. Internet and telephone service provider

  • Contact your Internet service and telephone provider to tell them your new address. This will allow them to update your billing details and ensure that your services continue to work properly.

4. Cable or satellite TV provider

  • Inform your cable or satellite TV provider of your move. This will allow you to continue receiving your favorite channels at your new address.

5. Security Service Provider

  • If you have a home security system, contact your provider to tell them your new address. This will allow them to update their information and continue to provide you with adequate protection.

Also contact other providers such as your insurance company, bank, doctor, and postal service provider to let them know your new location.

Notifying all your suppliers in advance is the key to a successful, hassle-free move.

Schedule these calls in advance and write down the dates you need to make them. This will help ensure that all information is updated and you can continue to enjoy your services without interruption.

Make arrangements for your Children and Pets

Making arrangements to ensure the well-being of your children and pets is essential to a successful move.

Famille heureuse avec animaux

For kids:

  1. Explain the move to them in a clear and reassuring manner. Answer all their questions and listen to their concerns.
  2. Involve them in the process by allowing them to participate in certain tasks, like packing their belongings or decorating their new room.
  3. Arrange a tour of the new house or apartment with them before the move so they become familiar with their new surroundings.
  4. Plan fun activities during the move to keep them busy and distracted, like games or movies.
  5. Make sure you have all the necessary documents for their new school or daycare and make an appointment for registration.

For pets:

  1. Consult your veterinarian to ensure your pets are healthy and up to date on their vaccinations before moving.
  2. Prepare a travel kit for your pets, including food, water, medicine, toys, and blankets.
  3. Create a secure space in your new home for your pets, with their bed, toys, and bowls.
  4. If you’re moving far away, find out the rules and requirements for transporting animals to your new location.
  5. Take the time to reassure your animals and gradually familiarize them with their new environment.

Remember that prevention and planning are the keys to a successful move. By caring for your children and pets, you ensure that they adapt easily to their new home and feel safe and loved.

Notify your insurance companies, banks, and/or financial organizations

It is essential to notify all your insurance companies, bankers, and financial organizations of your change of domicile in order to avoid any inconvenience or delay in your financial transactions.

Insurance Companies:

  • Contact your home insurance company to inform them of your move and request termination of your current policy. Check if your current home insurance can be transferred to your new home. If so, request your address update.
  • Inform your car insurance company of your change of address. Update your information and ask if this will affect your insurance rate.
  • Contact your private health insurer, life insurer, and any other insurance company with which you have a current contract. Inform them of your move and ask what steps need to be taken.

Banks :

  • Contact your primary bank and inform them of your change of address. Request updates to your contact details and bank statements.
  • If you have accounts at other banks, do the same and inform them of your move.

Financial organizations:

  • If you have outstanding mortgages, student loans, or any other type of loan, contact your financial institution and inform them of your change of address. Ask them if this will impact your monthly payments and if any additional steps need to be taken.

Remember to also inform your other service providers such as your electricity, gas, water, telephone and internet provider of your move. Update your billing information and plan to transition your services to your new home.

Change your address for all government authorities

When you move, it is important to register your change of address with all relevant government authorities. This will ensure that you receive all important official documents and remain in good standing with the authorities.

Here is a list of government authorities to contact:

  1. Canada Post.
  2. Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Solidarity.
  3. Rule of Health insurance.
  4. Retirement Quebec.
  5. Came back to Quebec.
  6. Quebec Automobile Insurance Company.
  7. Canada Revenue Agency.
  8. SAAQ

Don’t forget to bring all the necessary documents with you during your administrative procedures, such as your identity document, your proof of address and any other specific document required by each government authority.

By taking the time to complete your change of address for all government authorities, you will avoid future administrative hassles and ensure that your move goes without a hitch.

Prepare the Essentials in Advance for Moving Day

Moving day can be both exciting and demanding. To ensure everything goes smoothly, it is essential to prepare well. One of the keys to success is having the essential items on hand that will make the process easier.

From first aid kits to assembly tools and cleaning supplies, we’ll help you anticipate all your needs so your move goes off without a hitch.

Box of Essential Items

  • Mini First Aid Kit: To treat small accidents quickly.
  • Paper Towel: To clean surfaces when needed.
  • Scissors and Exacto: Useful for various tasks.
  • Pens and Notebook: To write down important information.
  • Bags: Practical for sorting and organizing.
  • Cleaning Products: To maintain cleanliness.
  • Disposable Tableware: Glasses, cutlery, and plates for the first day.

Personal Necessities Suitcase

  • Spare Clothes: A few outfits in case of the unexpected.
  • Sheets and Blanket: For a comfortable sleep from the first night.
  • Hygiene Items: Toothbrush, soap, etc.
  • Essential Medicines: To continue your treatments.
  • Food for Children and Pets: Make sure they have what they need.
  • Charging Cables: For your electronic devices.

Make sure these essential items are easy to access for a smooth transition to your new home.

Are you a Tenant? Make an inventory with the owner of your old home

When you are planning a move, it is essential to make an exit inventory with the lessor or owner of your old home. This step is crucial to avoid any subsequent disputes regarding the condition of the accommodation.

To carry out an exit inventory, you must take the time to review each room of the home and note any existing damage. Use a checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything:

  • Check the walls: Look for any cracks, stains, or holes. Write them down precisely.
  • Inspect the floors: Look closely at carpets, hardwood, or tile floors for scratches, stains, or other damage.
  • Examine windows and doors: Check the condition of glass, frames, handles, and locks.
  • Check equipment: Make sure all appliances (washing machine, refrigerator, oven, etc.) are working properly.
  • Check the electrical and sanitary installations: Check that all sockets, switches, taps, and showers are in good working order.

Once you have completed the exit inventory, ask the lessor or owner to sign and date it. This will serve as evidence in the event of a dispute regarding existing damages.

By taking the time to make a detailed exit inventory, you protect yourself against possible unjustified claims from the lessor or owner. This also helps ensure that you will get your security deposit back in full.

Do not underestimate the importance of carrying out an exit inventory when moving. This is an essential step to prevent conflicts and preserve your rights as a tenant.

CONCLUSION

Moving is an important step in everyone’s life. Whether changing cities, countries, or simply housing, it is essential to meticulously plan this transition to ensure its success.

By following these tips and meticulously planning your move, you will increase your chances of a successful move. Prevention is the key to avoiding unforeseen events and inconveniences. So, take the time to organize yourself and enjoy this new stage of your life peacefully.

Throughout this turbulent period, it is important not to forget the essential: taking care of yourself and your family. Make sure you give yourself moments of rest and relaxation, maintain a balanced diet, and stay hydrated. Moving can be stressful, but you shouldn’t neglect your health.

FAQ

How to announce your move?

Here is a very clear example of how to announce it. “We are pleased to inform you that our family, practice, office, etc. will soon be moving.”

How not to forget anything when moving?

Moving checklist: Download our weekly moving checklist

How can I notify all organizations of a change of address?

If you stay in Quebec, thanks to the Quebec Change of Address Service, you can give your new address to seven ministries and organizations at the same time, this process is much easier.
If you stay outside Quebec, you can change your address: online using My Account for individuals; by mail by completing form RC325, Request for Change of Address, or by sending a letter by mail or fax to your tax center.

Summary
Moving checklist for a Successful Move [Download CHECKLIST]
Article Name
Moving checklist for a Successful Move [Download CHECKLIST]
Description
A Moving Checklist saves time, brings peace, and gives you control. Moving is an important step in many people’s lives. Indeed, moving can be a source of stress and confusion if you don’t do it correctly. We offer you a printable checklist for a successful move. Download it!
Author