Moving Checklist

Preparation

Obtain a Change of Address Notifications Cards from your local Post Office. Send cards to:

• Banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions
• Charge card and credit card companies
• Doctors, dentists, and other service providers
• Federal, Provincial and Municipal authorities and any other government agencies as needed.

• Gather moving supplies, boxes, tape, rope.
• If moving far away, make any necessary travel arrangements
• Call a moving company or make truck rental reservation to move yourself
• Place medical and insurance records in a safe and accessible place

Two Weeks Before Moving

• Inform gas, electric, water, cable, local telephone and trash removal services of your move. Sign up for services at your new address.
• Inform long distance phone company of your move. Sign up for long distance service at your new address
• Recruit moving-day help
• Confirm travel reservation, if moving far
• Arrange to close or transfer your bank account, if appropriate

The Day Before Moving

• Set aside moving materials like a tape measure, pocket knife, packing boxes, tape and markers
• Pick up rental truck, if you have rented or borrowed
• Check oil and gas in the rental truck and your car
• If traveling, make sure you have tickets, charge cards, and other essentials

Packing Tips

Keep the following supplies and accessories on hand:

• Boxes, all sizes
• Bubble wrap or other cushioning material
• Marking pens
• Tape measure
• Furniture pads or old blankets
• Packing tape and scissors
• Money and credit cards

• Label each box with the room in the new home to which it should be delivered.
• Number the boxes and keep a list of what is in each box.
• Clearly mark fragile items.
• Pack a bag of personal items you'll need during the move (change of clothes, toiletries, medicine, maps, food, and drinks). Keep it in an easy-to-find place when you pack.
• Keep a medical kit accessible.
• If you have children, pack a bag of games and activities for the trip

During the First Week After Moving

• Locate police and fire stations as well as hospitals and gas stations near your home.
• Scout your new neighbourhood for shopping areas. You may need furniture, tools, or house wares unexpectedly.
• Call your local Municipal authority to find out which day the trash is collected. Also ask whether your new community has recycling programs.
• Seek out new service providers such as a bank, cleaners, veterinarian.
• If you have moved into a different province, contact the Motor Vehicles Department to get your new driver's license.
• Call your Chamber of Commerce for helpful information on: Schools, Cable service, Cultural events and community activities, Libraries and parks, and Availability of emergency calling services, such as 911
• Provide your new doctor and dentist with your medical history. You may need to request your file from your previous doctor/dentist.
• Transfer insurance policies to an agent in your new community.
• You may also wish to make a detailed list of your belongings, their value, and your coverage.
• Give your new home a good cleaning.