Your Moving Check List

Take it from us; we know a thing or two. We have been moving homes and offices in Toronto, Oakville, Mississauga, other Ontario and North American cities for over 47 years. After all, we are your five star Toronto movers.

8 Weeks before the move
Choose mover Research and decide on your mover. Make arrangements for moving day. Get written confirmation of your moving date, costs, and other details.
Ruthlessly sort and purge Go through every room of your house and decide what you’ll keep and what you’ll get rid of. Be ruthless. Be detached. Donate what you won’t keep Think about whether any items will require special packing or extra insurance coverage. Unsure? Planned Directions will be happy to help.
Create a moving folder or binder Use this organizer to keep track of everything—all your estimates, your receipts, and an inventory of all the items you’re moving.
Research your new city If you are moving city or province contact your chamber of commerce or visitor’s bureau to get info on your new city.
Get copies of your personal records Contact your service providers (doctors, dentist, lawyers, accountants, schools etc) and get copies of personal records. Where applicable make transfer. Ask for referrals.

6 Weeks before the move
Order supplies Order (lots) of boxes and other supplies such as tape, packing paper, bubble wrap, markers, labels, bins, wardrobe boxes etc. If you are unsure of quantities ask Planned Directions for guidance.
Verify expenses If you are moving at an employer’s request, verify who pays for what.
Announce your move Make a list of everyone you need to notify about your move – your family, friends, professionals, creditors, government agencies, service providers, utility companies, insurance companies, subscription, etc.
Use it Start using up things you can’t move such as frozen foods or cleaning supplies.
Take measurements If possible check room dimensions at your new place and make sure larger pieces of furniture will fit through the door. Typical problem child – queen size box springs and older pianos.
Storage If you decide to store stuff make arrangements now. Planned Directions offers storage from temporary to long term.
Schedule use of elevator If you’re moving in or out of a building with elevators contact the building manager very early to schedule the use of the elevators. They get booked really quickly. You wouldn’t want to begin your move at 4:00 p.m – would you?

4 Weeks before the move
Start packing Start packing the things that you use most infrequently; consider starting with your off season items. While packing, note items of special value that might require additional insurance from your moving company. If you are unsure where and how to start, talk to Planned Directions about their packing service.
Label Clearly label and number each box with its contents and the room it’s destined for. Update spreadsheet as you label and keep in Moving Folder or Binder. Pack and label “essentials” boxes of items you’ll need right away.
Change of address kit Get a change of address kit from the post office and start filling out the cards.
Contact Insurance Company Arrange for coverage for your new home.
Plan a garage sale Sell all unwanted items that you’ll never wear or use again at a garage sale.
Separate valuables Add items such as jewellery and important files to a safe box that you’ll personally transport to your new home.

2 Weeks before the move
Arrange to be off from work on moving day Notify your office that you plan to supervise the move and therefore need the day off.
Arrange a Drink my Liquor Cabinet Goodbye Party Since you won’t have time for 17 dinner parties and 10 coffee dates; round up your friends and family en masse and have them come over for drinks from your liquor cabinet and for stuff you won’t take. It’s a one ‘shot’ opportunity to say your goodbyes without offending anyone.
Check your vehicle for the trip Take your car to a trusted car care facility and ask the technician to consider what services might be needed if you’re moving to a new climate
Transfer account(s) to local bank Arrange to transfer your account(s) from your local bank and open in new city
Clean out your safe-deposit box If you’ll be changing banks, remove the contents of your safe-deposit box and put them in the safe box that you’ll take with you on moving day
Contact your moving company – Planned Directions Review and reconfirm your moving arrangements

1 Week before the move
Settle your obligations If you have any outstanding debt or obligation, settle with the local merchants or service providers.
Refill prescriptions or arrange for transfer Stock up on prescriptions you’ll need during the next couple of weeks or arrange for a transfer of your prescription.
Remove. Return. Pick-up If you have not yet done so, remove the contents of your safety deposit box. Return any library books and rented videos. Pick-up any dry cleaning.
Pets to the Vet Take your pets to the vet for any outstanding immunization. Ask for copies of records. Ask for referrals.
Arrange safekeeping for pets on moving day Arrange with a family member, neighbour or pet sitter to watch your pet on moving day
Pack your suitcases Aim to finish your general packing a few days before your moving date. Pack suitcases for each family member with enough clothes to wear for a few days
Give away plants not being moved
Drain gas and oil from lawn mowers, snow blowers etc.
Prepare directions and contact number for your moving company

A Few Days Before The Move
Defrost the freezer If your refrigerator is moving with you, empty, clean, and defrost it at least 24 hours before moving day. Block doors open so they won’t accidentally close on children or pets. (Add a handful of fresh coffee or baking soda to keep it smelling fresh).
Double-check the details Reconfirm the moving company’s arrival time and other specifics; including any last minute details. If you have not already done so, pass on directions and contact numbers.
Set aside your stuff Organize and set aside the things you will be taking so that they don’t get loaded into the moving vehicle in error.
Plan for the payment Have funds ready and waiting for moving day. A show of appreciation for a job well done is a nice gesture. Refreshments are always appreciated too. Gratuities are normal in the industry (5-10% of moving cost is a good benchmark).

Finally! Moving Day
A body at home Ensure someone is at home to answer questions and direct the movers. Things happen.
Record all utility meter reading (gas, electric, hydro)
Read your Bill of Lading Before the movers leave, carefully read your Bill of Lading and then sign. Place these and other related papers in your Moving Binder/Folder until all charges have been paid and any other outstanding matters settled.
Last Check Make one last check (in and out) before releasing the moving vehicle. This is your responsibility.

Finally! Moving Day
Some Tidbits It’s a good practice to unpack your kitchen first. Consider recycling your boxes. Call Planned Directions to pick-up. If there is a Welcome Wagon in your area call for a welcome package. Your welcome package will include leads to service providers in the area. If mover have left any equipment call them for pick-up.