Most moves don't go sideways on moving day itself. They go sideways because something was missed in the weeks leading up to it. After helping families and businesses across Burlington, Oakville, and the GTA relocate, we've put together the pre-move checklist we wish every customer had on their fridge.
Work through these ten items in the 4–6 weeks before your move and the day itself becomes almost boring — which is exactly what you want.
1. Book Your Movers Early
Moving season in southern Ontario runs hard from May through September, and the last weekend of every month is booked solid year-round. Reach out to your moving company 4–6 weeks ahead for off-season moves and 6–8 weeks ahead for peak summer dates. Get an in-home (or video) estimate, not just a phone quote.
2. Declutter Ruthlessly
Moving is the best forcing function for decluttering you'll ever have. You're paying to move every box — so why pay to move things you don't want? Sort everything into four piles:
- Keep — comes with you
- Donate — drop off at Diabetes Canada, Goodwill, or local thrift shops
- Sell — Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, or a garage sale
- Trash — book a junk pickup if there's a lot
3. Notify Everyone Who Needs Your New Address
Start a running list. At minimum: Canada Post mail forwarding, Service Ontario (driver's licence and health card), CRA, your bank, your employer, insurance companies, doctors, dentists, schools, and any subscription services. Submit address changes 2–3 weeks before your move.
4. Schedule Utility Transfers
Set up your utilities at the new address to start the day before you move in, and shut off the old address the day after you move out. Don't leave yourself without hot water on day one.
- Hydro (Burlington Hydro, Oakville Hydro, or Alectra)
- Natural gas (Enbridge)
- Internet & cable (Bell, Rogers, or your provider)
- Water (usually transfers automatically with the city)
- Home/tenant insurance updated for the new address
5. Gather and Organize Important Documents
Passports, birth certificates, mortgage paperwork, medical records, tax files, vehicle ownership — these never go in a moving truck. Pack them in a clearly labelled folder or small case and carry them with you personally on moving day.
6. Start Packing Non-Essentials Early
Three weeks out, start with anything you won't need before moving day: out-of-season clothing, books, decor, second-tier kitchenware, the contents of your storage room. Pack one box a day and you'll be amazed how much you knock out without it ever feeling overwhelming.
Label Boxes the Smart Way
Every box should have three things written on it:
- Destination room (Kitchen, Master Bedroom, Office)
- Brief contents (cookbooks, winter sweaters, charger cables)
- FRAGILE / THIS SIDE UP if applicable
7. Take Photos of Electronics Before You Unplug
Before you disconnect your TV, computer, gaming console, or sound system, snap a photo of the back. Future-you will thank you when it's time to plug everything back in at the new place. Bag the cables for each device together and tape them to or near the unit.
8. Plan for Pets and Kids
Moving day is loud, chaotic, and full of open doors — exactly the wrong environment for pets and small children. Arrange for them to spend the day with a friend, family member, or daycare. Your stress level will drop by half.
9. Pack a "First Night" Box
The most useful box you'll pack. Set it aside in your car or label it bright orange so it doesn't get buried. Inside:
- Bedding for one night (sheets, pillows, blankets)
- Toiletries and a towel for everyone in the household
- Phone chargers
- A change of clothes
- Kettle, mugs, coffee/tea, and a few snacks
- Toilet paper, hand soap, garbage bags
- Basic tools: screwdriver, scissors, box cutter
- Medications and pet food
10. Confirm Final Details With Your Movers
Two or three days before your move, call your moving company and confirm:
- Arrival time window
- Your full new address with unit number, gate code, or buzz code
- Any changes to volume since the original estimate
- Parking arrangements at both addresses
- Elevator bookings (if applicable)
- Payment method
If you're moving an apartment or condo, double-check your elevator booking with the property manager. For house moves, walk your driveway and street with a critical eye — anything blocking truck access (low branches, parked cars, construction)?
One Final Tip From the Crew
Sleep. The night before moving day, stop packing by 9 p.m., order pizza, and go to bed early. A rested you on moving morning is worth more than that last half hour of wrapping picture frames.
Ready to book your move in Burlington, Oakville, or the GTA? Our team will walk you through every step, from estimate to last box unpacked. Call (905) 399-4433 or request a free estimate online.