The Ultimate Moving Checklist & Timeline: Your Step-by-Step Guide for a Stress-Free Move

A new home, a fresh start, endless possibilities—moving should be exciting, not chaotic. But between packing, paperwork, and logistics, it’s easy to feel buried in a never-ending to-do list.

Moving is a big deal, but it doesn’t have to be a big headache. With a solid plan, you can stay on top of every detail and feel confident from start to finish. The good news? With the right plan, you can skip the stress and stay in control from day one.

If you’re moving in Ottawa or making a long-distance move across the country, this step-by-step moving checklist can help you stay organized, avoid last-minute chaos, and actually enjoy the excitement of a fresh start.

8+ Weeks Before Moving Day: Planning & Preparation

A successful move starts with a solid plan. Give yourself plenty of time to get organized, research your options, and tackle the first big tasks.

Book your movers early. Reputable moving companies in Ottawa fill up fast, especially during peak moving seasons. Get estimates, compare services, and schedule your move as soon as possible. Beware of moving scams and rogue movers. They are a real risk, and they’re getting better at looking legitimate online. Stay cautious and research any moving company before booking.

Create a moving binder or digital folder. Keep all important documents—moving contracts, estimates, receipts, and inventory lists—organized in one place. If you prefer digital, a cloud folder or note-taking app works great.

Declutter and decide what stays. Moving is the perfect time to lighten your load. Go room by room and sort items into “keep,” “donate,” “sell,” or “discard” piles. You’ll save time packing and reduce moving costs.

Notify your landlord (if renting). Check your lease agreement for notice requirements and send a written notification to your landlord.

Start gathering packing supplies. Stock up on boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers. You can even order packing supplies from Boyd Moving to ensure you have high-quality materials.

6 Weeks Before Moving Day: Organizing & Sorting

Now that the planning stage is underway, it’s time to start packing and handling important details.

Pack up non-essential items. Start packing seasonal décor, extra kitchenware, books, and anything you won’t need before the move, into labeled boxes.

Label boxes clearly. Use a colour-coded system or write the room name on each box. Trust us, this makes unpacking so much easier.

Rent storage space. As you start organizing for your move, take stock of what needs to go with you and what might be better off in storage—sorting it out now will save you time and stress later.

Request time off work. If you’re moving on a weekday, ask for time off in advance so you can focus on the move without distractions.

Look into schools, doctors, and services in your new area. If you’re moving to a different city, or moving from the city to the country, research local schools, find new doctors, and transfer prescriptions.

4 Weeks Before Moving Day: Logistics & Admin

With one month to go, it’s time to lock in the final logistics and make sure all the admin work is handled.

Confirm your moving date with the movers. Reach out to Boyd Moving & Storage to double-check your scheduled move date and any special instructions.

Update your address. Notify your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, and any subscription services about your new address. You can also set up mail forwarding through Canada Post.

Transfer utilities and services. Schedule shut-off dates for electricity, gas, water, internet, and trash services at your current home, and set up services at your new place.

Plan for kids and pets. Moving day can be chaotic, especially when cats, dogs, and kids are involved. Arrange for a babysitter or pet sitter so they stay safe and out of the way.

Schedule a vehicle check-up. If you’re moving long-distance, take your car in for a check-up, oil change, and tire check to avoid any breakdowns along the way.

2 Weeks Before Moving Day: Packing & Final Arrangements

You’re almost there! Time to finalize packing and tie up loose ends.

Pack an essentials box. Set aside toiletries, a few changes of clothes, chargers, snacks, medications, and important documents so they’re easy to grab on moving day.

Disassemble large furniture. Take apart the things you can do without now, such as bookshelves, tables, and any bed frames you’re not using, to make moving easier. Keep screws and hardware in labeled bags.

Schedule a deep clean. If you’re leaving a rental, professional cleaning may help ensure you get your security deposit back.

Confirm details with the movers. Provide directions, discuss parking, and go over any last-minute details with your moving team.

Return borrowed items. Library books, tools from neighbors, or anything you’ve borrowed should be returned before moving day.

Start using up perishables. Make meal plans to use up food in your fridge and freezer so you don’t have to transport perishable items.

1 Week Before Moving Day: Last-Minute Details

Time to wrap up the final details and get ready for the big day.

Double-check all boxes. Make sure everything is packed and labeled properly.

Pack an overnight bag. Include clothes, toiletries, medications, and anything you’ll need your first night in the new home.

Do a walkthrough of your new home. If possible, check your new place to make sure everything is clean and ready for move-in.

Withdraw cash. It’s always a good idea to have cash on hand on moving day for unexpected costs, emergency expenses or just grabbing some refreshments.

Moving Day: Execution & Transition

The day has finally arrived! Stay focused and stick to the plan.

Wake up early. Give yourself extra time to handle last-minute tasks before the movers arrive.

Do a final walkthrough. Check every room, closet, and drawer to make sure nothing is left behind.

Supervise the move. Direct movers and make sure boxes go to the right rooms.

Keep important documents and valuables with you. Don’t pack these in the moving truck—keep them in a personal bag.

Lock up and hand over the keys. If required, give the keys to your landlord or the new owners.

After the Move: Settling In

You did it! Now it’s time to settle into your new space.

Unpack essentials first. Start with the bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom so you can function comfortably.

Check utilities and internet. Make sure everything is up and running smoothly.

Update your address with local authorities. Make sure your driver’s licence is updated with your new address and any other address changes you may have overlooked.

Meet your neighbors. A simple hello can go a long way in making your new place feel like home.

Leave a review for your movers. If you had a great experience with Boyd Moving & Storage, let others know! Leave us a review and help others find reliable movers.

Ready for a Stress-Free Move? Let Us Handle the Heavy Lifting!

Moving doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right plan and the right team, everything will go smoothly.

If you’re making an international move overseas, there are some other processes and paperwork you’ll also need to do in advance, but we can help you with that!

Contact Boyd Moving & Storage today. As a local Ottawa moving company since 1947, let’s get you moved into your new home or office, stress-free.