Is it time to move to a new house in Canada? Moving is a major transition that can uproot you and your loved ones from a home you hold dear. Though you may see your relocation as the start of a new life chapter or adventure, it can also be a stressful experience.
Hiring the right moving company and following the best checklist for moving houses in Canada will make the transition more manageable. Discount Moving, one of the best movers in Montreal, addresses everything you need to know to prepare for your transition into a new residence in our post below.
Choosing the Right Movers for Your Relocation in Canada
Unfortunately, moving scams are common in Canada. That’s why it’s important to recognize common moving scam red flags and do your due diligence to find and hire trusted movers like Discount Moving.
So what should you look for in professional moving services that will treat your belongings with care? Qualified movers in Canada should have valid licensing and insurance to protect you financially if something goes wrong with the move, such as a worker injury or lost belongings. The ideal company will also have an excellent track record of successful, on-time moves and lots of positive reviews from past customers.
To find the right crew for your home relocation, follow these steps:
- Read reviews and testimonials online from multiple moving companies
- Get quotes from at least three companies to find the best deal within your budget
- Ask friends, colleagues, and neighbors who moved recently about the professionalism and reliability of their movers
The Ultimate Packing Checklist for a Canada Move
Moving involves more than packing random items in boxes and hauling them from Point A to Point B in a single day. In reality, changing houses requires time and plenty of planning and coordination between household members and movers. That’s why the best checklist for moving houses in Canada encompasses multiple weeks of tasks and duties to complete.
Here’s what you should do in the upcoming days before your move.
8 to 6 Weeks Before the Move
The first thing you should do to make the relocation process easier for you and your family is to declutter the property. By donating unwanted or unnecessary items and throwing away things you can’t donate or recycle, you’ll have fewer items to pack. That means you’ll have fewer things to transport, unload, and unpack on moving day.
Some items, like aerosol cans and old electronics, can’t go in a regular trash or recycle bin. You’ll need to know the proper disposal method for these materials, which may take research and time.
Other tasks to complete during this timeframe include:
- Gathering the appropriate packaging and making arrangements for transporting special items like fine art and paints
- Repairing damage around your home to get a fair price for its sale or your security deposit back if you’re renting
- Contacting vets, physicians, and other healthcare professionals about your move so they can transfer your medical files to your new providers
6 to 4 Weeks Before the Move
Now is the time to book your moving date with the movers you select after carefully researching them. This isn’t a step you want to wait until the last minute to do. Sometimes, people need to move on exact dates and times, so you want to lock in your reservation with your preferred movers as quickly as possible.
You should also decide what services you want the movers to provide. Will these professionals only load, transport, and unload your boxes on moving day, or do you need them to pack up your house as well? Asking this question will tell you whether you need to purchase moving supplies like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap or if you expect the movers to provide them.
During this time, you should also do the following according to the best checklist for moving houses in Canada:
- Update your address on your driver’s license
- Collect loaned items from family, neighbors, and friends
- Ensure your renter’s or homeowner’s insurance policy can transfer to your new property
3 to 2 Weeks Before the Move
You don’t necessarily have to wait until your relocation day to redirect your mail and utilities. You can arrange the transfer a couple of weeks before the move, ensuring that there’s no delay in getting your mail or using your gas, electricity, and water in your new home. The extra time also allows you to correct problems that would otherwise cause a delay.
This is also the right time to create an essentials box or bag with everything you and other household members will need once you move into the new house. Items to consider packing in this box include:
- Cleaning supplies
- A change of clothes
- Paper towels and toilet paper
- Light bulbs
- Toiletries
It’s also a good idea to start gathering essential documents and valuables to put in a safe place. That includes everything from birth certificates to jewelry.
1 Week Before the Move
According to the best checklist for moving houses in Canada, you should pack each room in your house starting week three. By week one, you should:
- Complete most of your packing unless you’re leaving the task up to professional movers
- Confirm your details with the moving company, including expected arrival times and storage options
- Remove all expired or unwanted food from your refrigerator, cabinets, and pantry
- Eat up the remaining food and limit the new groceries you bring into the old residence to prevent spoilage and waste
The Day Before the Move
You might feel anxious or overwhelmed right before you move into your new house, and that’s understandable! Here’s what to do to minimize stress before such a big life transition:
- Ensure your overnight bag and essentials box is ready to go
- Disconnect and pack all electronics going to your new home, along with their corresponding cords and other accessories
- Gather everything you want to bring with you in your vehicle, like personal documents, jewelry, and valuables
- Get plenty of rest
The Day of the Move
Moving day is here! The important thing is not to get overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the day. Instead, focus on the exciting new adventure you’re about to embark upon.
Today is the day to do the following:
- Pack all linens on beds
- Empty the kitchen of food
- Pack away all loose items
- Wait for the movers
- Ensure your house is clean once it’s empty
- Conduct a final walkthrough and take pictures to confirm its condition
You’re at Your New Home in Canada. Now What?
According to the best checklist for moving houses in Canada, here’s what to do after moving into your new home:
- Change the door locks for added security
- Take “before” pictures in case you decide to renovate
- Inspect the property for damage
Key Takeaways
- Carefully research moving companies in Canada to avoid scams
- Plan the move at least eight weeks in advance to ensure you have plenty of time to pack
- Make moving arrangements and address changes as soon as possible
Conclusion
Last-minute moving may be necessary in some cases, such as an immediate job transfer. Unfortunately, quick moves can be overwhelming for many, especially when moving to a new city. By following the best checklist for moving houses in Canada, you’re taking the right step toward a hassle-free relocation process.
At Discount Moving, we believe that relocations shouldn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. That’s why our full-service moving company offers affordable relocation services and storage solutions for residential and commercial clients in and around Montreal. Our professional crew will handle everything from packing essentials from your old home to unloading your items at your new residence.
Let us do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to—call (514) 933-3555 today for a free quote from Discount Moving!
Frequently Asked Questions About Stress-Free Relocations in Canada
Need more tips before moving into your new house in Canada? Consult these frequently asked questions on the topic and their answers.
What Should I Avoid When Moving into a New Home?
When moving into a new home, you should make a detailed plan weeks in advance. Many people make the stressful mistake of moving at the last minute without planning.
What Shouldn’t I Forget to Pack for My First Night in My New House?
For your first few nights in your new house, you’ll need toiletries like soap, shampoo, and other grooming products. Your personal bag should also contain pajamas, work clothes, toilet paper, and towels.
How Long Does It Take Professional Movers in Canada to Move a House?
It can take movers up to six hours to empty a three-bedroom house but only two to three hours to move a one-bedroom apartment. Following the best checklist for moving houses in Canada will make the transition smoother and quicker.
Does It Take Long to Pack Up a House?
Depending on its size, packing a house can take several days. If you follow a detailed relocation checklist, it could take two to seven days to pack your old home.
