8 Weeks Before Moving Day
- Book your moving company early - Spring is peak season across Ontario; reputable movers like Macho Movers fill up fast, so secure your date as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
- Declutter every room - Go through closets, the basement, and the garage. Donate, sell, or discard anything you haven't used in a year.
- Request quotes - Get at least three written estimates so you can compare services and pricing fairly.
- Notify your landlord or list your home - If you're renting, provide proper written notice per your lease agreement; most Ontario leases require 60 days.
- Begin collecting packing supplies - Stock up on boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and markers well before the rush.
4 Weeks Before Moving Day
- Start packing non-essentials - Books, seasonal décor, spare linens, and off-season clothing can be boxed up a month in advance without disrupting daily life.
- Update your address - Notify Canada Post, your bank, employer, CRA, Service Ontario, and any subscription services of your new address.
- Transfer utilities - Arrange to disconnect electricity, gas, water, and internet at your current home and set up new accounts at your destination.
- Arrange childcare and pet care for moving day - Keeping kids and pets out of the way keeps everyone safer and speeds up the process considerably.
- Confirm your moving company - Touch base with your movers to reconfirm the date, time, and any special requirements such as piano moving or fragile item handling.
1 Week Before Moving Day
- Finish packing all rooms - Only leave out items you'll need for the final few nights: toiletries, a change of clothes, chargers, and important documents.
- Label every box clearly - Write the destination room and a brief contents description on at least two sides of each box.
- Defrost the freezer - Empty and defrost your fridge and freezer at least 24 hours before the move to prevent water damage and mold.
- Prepare an essentials bag - Pack a bag with your ID, moving paperwork, medications, snacks, and a phone charger that stays with you — not on the truck.
Moving Day
- Do a final walkthrough - Check every room, closet, cupboard, and outdoor space before the truck leaves to ensure nothing is left behind.
- Document the condition of both properties - Take timestamped photos of your old home after it's empty and your new home before anything is moved in, protecting your damage deposit.
- Keep important documents and valuables with you - Never load passports, medical records, jewelry, or laptops onto the moving truck.
- Tip your movers if they've done a great job - Industry standard in Ontario is $20–$50 per mover for a full-day move, though it is always at your discretion.
After the Move
Once you're in your new home, resist the urge to unpack everything at once. Start with the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms so the essentials are functional first. Within the first week, register your new address with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation for your driver's licence, and update your health card if you've moved to a new region. Finally, take time to introduce yourself to your neighbours — a friendly start goes a long way in a new community.
