8 Weeks Before Move
Starting move preparation 8 weeks ahead seems early — but for major moves, this timeline ensures stress-free completion. Tasks at this stage focus on big-picture decisions and early coordination:
- Confirm move date: Set specific target date based on lease/closing requirements, work schedule, family considerations
- Get 3-5 moving company quotes: Request written estimates from licensed Ottawa movers. Compare service inclusions, not just total prices
- Choose moving company and book: Premium dates fill fast. Book 6-8 weeks ahead minimum during summer season
- Begin decluttering: Walk through every room identifying items to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Aim to reduce moving volume 20-30%
- Research new neighborhood: Schools, services, utilities, commute routes — understand your destination thoroughly
- Notify landlord (if renting): Provide proper written notice per lease requirements (typically 60 days for monthly leases in Ontario)
- Book moving insurance: Confirm what your homeowner/renter insurance covers. Add supplemental coverage if needed
- Plan school transitions: Research new schools, gather records, schedule transitions for minimum disruption
- Begin organizing important documents: Health cards, IDs, financial records, tax documents — gather in dedicated folder
6 Weeks Before Move
- Continue decluttering: Schedule donation pickups, list items for sale, dispose of unwanted items. The less you move, the less you pay
- Order packing supplies: Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers. Calculate quantity based on home size (small home: 30-50 boxes, medium: 50-80, large: 80-120+)
- Source free boxes: Liquor stores, grocery stores, Costco, Buy-Nothing groups. Save $100-300 vs purchasing all new
- Begin packing rarely-used items: Off-season clothing, decorations, books, hobby items not needed in next 6 weeks
- Notify employer: If moving for work or relocating significantly, inform HR for address changes affecting payroll, benefits, taxes
- Contact moving insurance providers: Confirm coverage details, supplemental options, claim procedures
- Research utility providers at new home: Hydro Ottawa, Enbridge Gas, internet providers (Bell, Rogers, Telus, etc.), confirm setup procedures and timing
- Start address change list: All accounts, services, subscriptions requiring address updates. Comprehensive list prevents missed changes
- Plan childcare/pet care for moving day: Arrangements for kids and pets reduce stress on actual move day
4 Weeks Before Move
- Continue packing: Aim to pack 25% of home items by this point. Focus on rooms you use less (formal dining, guest rooms, basement)
- Confirm moving day details with moving company: Date, arrival time, crew size, services included, payment method
- Submit COI for condo moves: If moving to/from condo, ensure Certificate of Insurance submitted to building per requirements
- Book elevator times: If condo move requires elevator booking, confirm reservation
- Schedule utility transitions: Hydro, gas, internet, cable — coordinate disconnect at old home and connect at new home
- Update address with key services: Canada Post mail forwarding (set up online for $30-60), driver's license, health card, banks, credit cards
- Cancel local services: Newspaper subscriptions, gym memberships, lawn care, cleaning services that won't transfer
- Set up new local services: Schedule first appointments with new doctors, dentists, hairstylists, mechanics in new neighbourhood
- Begin reducing food inventory: Plan meals around using up frozen and refrigerated items rather than moving them
2 Weeks Before Move
- Complete most packing: Aim to pack 75% of home items by this point. Only daily essentials should remain unpacked
- Confirm address changes processed: Verify mail forwarding active, key services updated, financial accounts changed
- Schedule cleaning service for old home: If required by lease (most common) or for sale preparation. Book for day after move
- Confirm moving day logistics: Reconfirm with moving company - date, time, address, payment method, special requirements
- Empty and clean refrigerator/freezer: Defrost freezer 24+ hours before move. Empty refrigerator. Movers won't transport food items
- Disassemble basic furniture: Beds, simple tables, IKEA-style pieces you can handle yourself save crew time
- Pack moving day essentials box: Toiletries, medications, change of clothes, basic kitchen items, important documents — items needed first day at new home
- Confirm child/pet care arrangements: Final confirmation with caregivers for moving day
- Prepare important documents folder: ID, lease/closing docs, mover contracts, insurance info, financial records — travels with you on move day
1 Week Before Move
- Finish packing everything except daily essentials: 90%+ of home should be packed by this point
- Plan refrigerator and pantry: Eat or give away remaining food. Movers cannot transport perishables, alcohol (in some provinces), or hazardous materials
- Disconnect electronics: Take photos of cable connections before disconnecting. Bag cables with corresponding devices for easy reassembly
- Withdraw cash for tipping: Standard tipping $20-50 per crew member or 5-10% of move cost. Have cash ready in envelopes
- Confirm utilities will be active at new home: Verify hydro, gas, internet active for arrival day
- Print directions to new home: Provide to moving company. Include any tricky access notes (specific entrance, parking instructions)
- Confirm payment method ready: Credit card, debit, e-transfer prepared. Avoid moving day payment surprises
- Final walkthrough check: Review entire home identifying any items not yet packed or addressed
- Deep clean items being moved: Especially appliances, furniture surfaces — easier to clean before move than after
Day Before Move
- Pack final essentials: Toiletries, last-minute clothing, food for moving day, water bottles
- Complete refrigerator/freezer emptying: Final defrost, completely empty, doors propped open for transport
- Disconnect washer/dryer: If movers handle disconnection, confirm. If not, hire plumber or handle yourself
- Charge all devices: Phones, tablets, laptops fully charged for moving day
- Confirm arrival time with movers: Final confirmation of arrival window for tomorrow
- Set out moving day supplies: Water, snacks, paper towels, basic cleaning supplies for any spills
- Park vehicles strategically: Clear driveway and street for moving truck access
- Set out tip envelopes: Cash in envelopes ready for crew tips at move completion
- Get good sleep: Moving day is physically demanding. Rest well
- Pack moving day clothing: Comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, layered for temperature changes
Moving Day
Morning Before Crew Arrives
- Final walk-through of entire home
- Final packing of overnight essentials
- Position important documents folder for travel
- Set out final payment method and tip envelopes
- Open all interior doors for crew access
- Salt walkways/clear ice (winter moves)
- Position vehicles for crew truck access
When Crew Arrives
- Greet crew leader and confirm names
- Walk through home identifying items being moved
- Note any pre-existing damage on walls/floors
- Provide destination address and any access notes
- Stay available for questions during loading
- Provide refreshments if you choose (optional)
During Loading
- Stay out of crew's way during loading
- Be available to answer questions about specific items
- Don't try to help carry — trust the professionals
- Check old home one final time before crew leaves
At New Home
- Walk through new home with crew leader
- Direct placement of major furniture pieces
- Confirm box destinations match labels
- Inspect items for any obvious damage during unloading
- Note concerns immediately to crew leader
- Process payment and tips at completion
- Save all paperwork and documentation
First Week at New Home
- Day 1: Set up bedrooms and bathrooms: Make beds, organize bathrooms for immediate use. Sleep matters during exhausting move week
- Day 2: Set up kitchen: Unpack daily-use kitchen items, set up basic cooking and eating area
- Day 3: Living room and main living areas: Functional furniture arrangement, basic decor placement
- Days 4-7: Other rooms: Office, dining, guest rooms — work through remaining rooms systematically
- Confirm utilities working: Test hydro, gas, internet, cable, water. Address any issues immediately
- Update emergency contacts: Inform family/friends of new address and any changed phone numbers
- Locate emergency services: Identify nearest hospital, urgent care, pharmacy, fire/police stations
- Meet immediate neighbours: Brief introductions help build community connections
- Inspect for damage: Detailed inspection of all moved items. File damage claims within mover's stated timeframe (typically 14-30 days)
- Update remaining addresses: Catch any address changes missed earlier. Common misses: subscriptions, professional associations, voting registration
- Schedule any needed repairs: Identify any new home issues (paint touch-ups, minor repairs) and schedule professionals if needed
- Celebrate the move: Take time to enjoy your new home. Order in food, relax, acknowledge the major transition you've completed
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I start preparing for a move?
Start 8 weeks before move date for major moves (3-bedroom homes or larger). Start 6 weeks for smaller moves (1-2 bedroom). Less time creates rushed decisions and increases stress significantly.
What's the most important preparation step?
Decluttering before the move. Every box you don't move saves time, money, and effort. Aim to reduce moving volume 20-30%. Donate, sell, or discard items you haven't used in 12+ months.
When should I notify utilities about my move?
4 weeks before move date. Hydro, gas, internet require advance notice for both disconnect at old home and connect at new home. Coordinate so new home utilities active for arrival day.
Should I pack everything myself?
Depends on time, budget, and complexity. DIY packing saves $300-1,500 vs professional packing. Professional packing saves 4-6 weeks of preparation time and provides expert handling for fragile items.
What can't movers transport?
Most Ottawa movers cannot transport: hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, propane), perishable food, plants (varies by company), pets, jewelry/important documents (recommended you transport personally), firearms/ammunition. Confirm with your specific mover.