This article provides a week-by-week timeline and logistical checklist to prepare you for your upcoming move.
Moving from one Canadian province to another can be stressful. Hiring a reputable long distance moving company canada to assist makes the process smoother.
This article provides a week-by-week timeline and logistical checklist to prepare you for your upcoming move.
Moving across provincial borders in Canada requires careful planning and preparation.
From notifying government agencies to arranging logistics, many details must be addressed to ensure a smooth transition.
This straightforward guide breaks down key steps into a manageable week-by-week timeline leading up to your move date.
2 Months Before Moving
The two-month countdown begins! This is when you should start researching, decluttering and notify key contacts about your upcoming move.
Research Moving Companies
- Search “long distance moving company canada” and read reviews.
- Interview 3-4 companies, get in-home estimates. Compare:
- Rates
- Services (packing, storage)
- Insurance/liability
- Choose the best fit for your situation and confirm details in writing.
Pare Down Belongings
- Decide what’s worth moving vs selling/donating.
- Hold a garage sale or use online platforms to sell items.
- Any income from sold pieces can help cover moving costs.
Alert Key Contacts
Inform these entities of your upcoming move and change of address:
- Employers
- Banks
- Credit card companies
- Utilities providers
- Magazine subscriptions
- Friends and family
6 Weeks Before Moving
You’re less than 2 months away now! Focus this month on logistical arrangements and planning to avoid any last-minute surprises.
Book Transportation
- Confirm your moving company’s truck availability for all required dates.
- If flying or driving yourself, book tickets/rentals and accommodations now.
Request Time Off Work
- Submit vacation requests to HR at both your current and new jobs.
- Account for travel, packing, unpacking and resettling time.
Arrange Childcare if Needed
- Ask a family member or friend to help out.
- Consider booking a nearby hotel with childcare services.
- This allows you to focus on logistics.
Transfer Medical Records
- Contact your healthcare providers to transfer records and prescriptions.
- Ask for referrals for new doctors if possible.
1 Month Before Moving
Congratulations – you’ve made it to the 4 week mark! Shift energy towards preparing your home, vehicles and crucial documentation this month.
Prepare Essential Documents
- Request transcripts for school/training credentials.
- Gather tax returns, insurance information, legal documents, etc. You’ll need these for administrative tasks in your new province.
Check Passports & ID
- Ensure passports for all family members moving are valid.
- Update provincial/territorial IDs and driver’s licenses.
Gather Valuables
- Take inventory of jewelry, artwork, cash value items.
- Pack small valuables yourself or discuss special transport arrangements with your long distance moving company.
Clean Out Appliances
- Defrost freezer, clean fridge interior.
- Run dishwasher, washing machine on high heat cycle.
Hold Moving Sale
Sell remaining household items you won’t be taking with you. This last minute sale offersitems your long distance moving company may have advised not to take. Use the income to cover incidental moving expenses.
2 Weeks Before Moving
Crunch time! Confirm all arrangements and fine-tune logistics with your chosen long distance moving company canada.
Reconfirm Moving Company Plans
Verify dates, locations, storage details if needed. Perform final walkthrough with movers to estimate charges.
Pack Your Transition Bag
This carries immediate essentials while you unpack. Include:
- Clothing
- Toiletries
- Medications
- Valuables
- Basic kitchen supplies
- Cleaning products
- Tools
- First aid kit
- Snacks
Back Up Computers & Files
- Transfer data to external storage devices.
- Alternatively, use a secure cloud-based backup service.
Transfer Prescriptions
- Move existing medication refills to a pharmacy at your destination. Consider asking your doctor for an emergency refill to bridge any gaps in care.
Empty Gas & Charge Batteries
- Fill up vehicles and gas cans for the drive.
- Fully charge electronics so they’re powered up after unloading.
1 Week Before Moving
Wow – you’re nearly at your new home! This last week is for confirming every detail, packing and preparing to travel.
Reconfirm Delivery Dates
- Phone your long distance moving company and review all delivery dates/times for departure and arrival.
- Adjust if needed to align with your schedule.
Finish Room-By-Room Packing
- Complete all remaining packing. Label boxes by room for easy unpacking.
- Dismantle furniture destined for moving.
- Photograph electronics connections to easily reconnect.
- Charge devices for the trip.
Arrange Payment
- Confirm final charges from long distance moving company.
- Set up pre-authorized credit card payment so the balance automatically processes following delivery.
Forward Mail
- Begin mail forwarding through Canada Post to start receiving mail in your new province right away.
Pack Your Suitcases
- Pack suitcases with clothing and personal items for family members.
- These stay with you during travel to your new home.
Moving Week!
This is it – moving week has arrived! Follow this schedule for a smooth transition:
Moving Day -48 Hours: Confirm arrival time for loading with long distance moving company team. Get good rest before intensive packing day.
Moving Day -24 Hours: Finalize essentials packing. Perform thorough walkthrough ensuring no items are overlooked. Say goodbye to neighbors. Try getting to bed early for an intense next day!
Moving Day: Supervise movers, sign bill of lading once loading complete. Turn off appliances/AC once home is empty. Say goodbye to your old place and hit the road!
Arrival Day: Meet the truck at your new house. Direct movers on box placement as they unload.
Take inventory as items come off the truck. Sign paperwork, pay balance, tip movers. Then…relax!
You made it! Enjoy settling into your new home.
This comprehensive timeline outlines crucial tasks when organizing an out-of-province move.
Adjust dates as needed to suit your circumstances. Staying on top of each step ensures everything comes together smoothly on moving day!
