The Ultimate 8-Week Moving Checklist

8 Weeks Before: Getting Started

• Set your moving budget: Based on the size of your home and move type, establish a realistic budget that includes movers, packing supplies, cleaning, and a contingency buffer of 10-15%.
• Research moving companies: Begin collecting quotes from at least three reputable Ottawa movers. Look for companies with strong Google reviews, proper licensing, and transparent pricing.
• Create a moving binder or digital folder: Organize all moving-related documents — estimates, contracts, inventories, receipts — in one place. This becomes your command centre for the entire process.
• Start a "moving inventory": Walk through your home room by room and catalogue everything. This helps you estimate volume for movers and identify items you no longer need.
• Review your lease or closing documents: Confirm your move-out date, any required inspections, and the cleaning expectations for your current home. For condo owners, check your building's moving rules and book the elevator if required.
• Research your new neighbourhood: If you're moving to a new area of Ottawa, start familiarizing yourself with local services — grocery stores, pharmacies, schools, transit routes, and emergency services.

6 Weeks Before: Declutter and Sort

Decluttering before a move is one of the smartest investments of your time. Every item you eliminate is one less item to pack, carry, load, transport, unload, and unpack.

• Apply the "one year" rule: If you haven't used it in the past year, you probably don't need it. Be honest with yourself — that bread maker collecting dust isn't going to see more action at the new house.
• Sort into four categories: Keep, Donate, Sell, and Dispose. Be decisive — the more you can purge now, the easier everything else becomes.
• Sell valuable items: List furniture, electronics, and household items on Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji Ottawa, or local Buy Nothing groups. Start early to give yourself time for buyers to respond.
• Donate usable items: Ottawa has many donation options including the Salvation Army (free pickup for furniture), Value Village, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and local shelters. Schedule pickup appointments now as they book up quickly.
• Dispose of hazardous materials: Paints, chemicals, propane tanks, and batteries can't go in regular garbage or on the moving truck. The City of Ottawa's Household Hazardous Waste Depot accepts these items for free at the Trail Road Landfill.
• Tackle storage areas first: Basements, attics, garages, and closets are where forgotten clutter accumulates. Start with these spaces to build momentum before moving to living areas.

4 Weeks Before: Booking and Logistics

One month out is the critical logistics window. This is when you lock in the major decisions:

• Book your moving company: If you haven't already, now is the time to commit. Confirm the date, time, crew size, and services in writing. Get a signed contract or confirmation email.
• Arrange parking: If either location lacks a driveway, contact the City of Ottawa's 3-1-1 service to arrange temporary no-parking signs. This requires at least 72 hours' notice and costs approximately $50-75.
• Book the elevator: For condo or apartment moves, reserve the service elevator with your building management. Many Ottawa buildings have strict time windows (e.g., 9 AM to 5 PM weekdays only).
• Start gathering packing supplies: Begin collecting boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers, and specialty boxes (wardrobe, dish packs, mirror/picture boxes). Check LCBO, Costco, and Buy Nothing groups for free boxes.
• Arrange child and pet care for moving day: Moving is chaotic enough without little ones underfoot. Arrange for a family member, friend, or daycare to handle kids and pets on the big day.
• Schedule disconnection/reconnection of services: Contact Hydro Ottawa, Enbridge Gas, internet/cable providers, and any other utilities to schedule disconnection at your current home and connection at your new one.

3 Weeks Before: Start Packing

Three weeks before moving day, it's time to start packing in earnest. The key is to work systematically and pace yourself:

• Start with rarely used rooms and items: Guest rooms, storage closets, seasonal decorations, books, and collectibles can be packed early without disrupting your daily routine.
• One room at a time: Don't hop between rooms. Complete one space before moving to the next. This keeps the process organized and prevents half-packed chaos throughout the house.
• Label everything: Every box should be labelled on at least two sides with the destination room AND a brief contents description. Example: "Kitchen — Baking Supplies & Small Appliances." This saves enormous time when unpacking.
• Pack a "last-in, first-out" box: This is the first box you'll open at the new house. Include toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, a change of sheets, basic cleaning supplies, phone chargers, snacks, and a few essentials for the first night.
• Photograph electronics setups: Before unplugging your TV, stereo, router, or computer, take photos of the cable connections from multiple angles. This makes reassembly at the new house infinitely easier.

• Wrap fragile items individually: Each piece of glassware, china, and ceramic should be wrapped in packing paper or bubble wrap individually. Pack them vertically (like records, not stacked flat) in dish-pack boxes with plenty of cushioning.

2 Weeks Before: Address Changes and Utilities

Two weeks out, it's time to handle the administrative side of your move. This is tedious but essential:

• File a change of address with Canada Post: The mail forwarding service costs approximately $100 for 12 months and ensures you don't miss important mail during the transition. Do this online at canadapost.ca.
• Update your address with:
  • Banks and credit card companies
  • Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
  • Service Ontario — driver's licence and vehicle registration (legally required within 6 days of moving)
  • Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
  • Employer and payroll
  • Insurance providers (home, auto, life)
  • Subscriptions and online shopping accounts
  • Dentist, doctor, and other healthcare providers
  • Schools and daycares
• Confirm utility transfers: Verify that Hydro Ottawa, gas, water, internet, and other services are scheduled for disconnection and reconnection on the correct dates.
• Arrange home cleaning: Book a move-out cleaning service for your current home if required by your lease or if you're selling. Similarly, consider having the new home cleaned before your belongings arrive.
• Continue packing: By now, you should be packing daily. Focus on living areas, kitchen items you rarely use, and bathroom extras.

1 Week Before: Final Preparations

The final week is all about tying up loose ends and making sure everything is set for a smooth moving day:

• Confirm with your moving company: Call to verify the date, arrival time, crew size, and any special instructions. Provide directions and parking information for both locations.
• Finish packing non-essentials: Leave out only the bare minimum — a few days of clothes, toiletries, kitchen basics, and bedding. Everything else should be boxed and ready.
• Disassemble furniture: Take apart bed frames, remove table legs, and disassemble any modular furniture. Bag and label all hardware (screws, bolts, Allen keys) and tape the bag to the corresponding furniture piece.
• Prepare appliances: Defrost the freezer at least 24 hours before the move. Secure washer drums per the manufacturer's instructions. Empty and clean the refrigerator.
• Pack a personal essentials bag: Medications, important documents, laptops, chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, and any valuables you want to transport personally (jewellery, cash, important papers).
• Do a final walkthrough: Check every closet, shelf, drawer, cabinet, and storage space in your current home. Look behind doors, inside appliances, and in the garage. It's easy to forget items in hard-to-see spots.
• Prepare cash for tips: If you plan to tip your movers (customary in Ottawa), have cash ready — $20-50 per mover for a local move is standard.

Moving Day: The Big Day

The day has arrived. If you've followed this checklist, most of the hard work is already done. Here's how to make moving day run like clockwork:

Morning

• Wake up early and do a final check of all rooms
• Strip beds and pack linens in labelled bags or boxes
• Set aside your personal essentials bag — this travels with you, not on the truck
• Ensure there's clear parking and access for the moving truck
• Lay down floor runners or cardboard to protect floors at both locations

When the Crew Arrives

• Walk through the home with the crew leader to review the plan
• Point out fragile items, heavy furniture, and anything requiring special care
• Show them which items are NOT being moved (donations, items staying, etc.)
• Make yourself available to answer questions but stay out of the way
• Offer water and snacks — a well-treated crew works with extra care

At the New Home

• Arrive before the truck if possible to unlock doors and turn on lights
• Direct the crew on where each box and furniture piece goes
• Check off items against your inventory as they're unloaded
• Inspect for any damage before the crew departs
• Sign the final paperwork and settle payment

First Week After: Settling In

The move is done, but there's still work to be done. Here's how to settle into your new Ottawa home efficiently:

• Unpack essentials first: Start with the kitchen (you need to eat), bathrooms, and bedrooms. A functional kitchen and a made bed go a long way toward making the new place feel like home.
• Set up safety items: Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms if they aren't already in place. Locate the electrical panel, water shut-off, and gas shut-off valve.
• Change the locks: You don't know how many copies of the previous keys exist. Having a locksmith re-key or replace the locks is a small investment in security.
• Update your address on remaining accounts: There are always a few you forget. Check your email and physical mail for the next few weeks to catch any stragglers.
• Meet your neighbours: A simple introduction goes a long way in Ottawa's friendly neighbourhoods. It also helps to have someone nearby who can accept packages or keep an eye on things.
• Explore your new neighbourhood: Find the nearest grocery store, pharmacy, gas station, library, park, and transit stop. These small discoveries make a new area feel like home faster.
• Break down and recycle boxes: Once unpacked, flatten cardboard boxes and set them out for recycling on your designated collection day (check the City of Ottawa waste calendar for your new address).

Ottawa-Specific Moving Tasks

Moving within Ottawa comes with some city-specific considerations that homeowners in other cities don't face:

• Condo elevator reservations: Most Ottawa condo buildings — especially downtown towers in Centretown, the Byward Market, and Little Italy — require advance elevator booking. Some charge $200-500 refundable deposits. Book 2-4 weeks ahead.
• Street parking permits: City of Ottawa 3-1-1 service can arrange temporary no-parking signs. Essential for dense neighbourhoods like the Glebe, Westboro, and Old Ottawa South where street parking is limited.
• Winter moving precautions: Ottawa winters are no joke. If you're moving between November and March, ensure walkways are salted and shoveled, protect hardwood floors from wet boots with floor runners, and account for 15-20% extra time due to weather conditions.
• OC Transpo Presto cards: If your commute is changing, update or adjust your Presto card transit pass. Check the new routes from your home before your first workday.
• School registration: If you have children, contact the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) or your preferred school board as early as possible to arrange transfers or new enrollment.
• Garbage and recycling schedule: Check ottawa.ca for your new collection day, green bin schedule, and any special waste rules for your area. New homes in suburban developments may have different schedules than established neighbourhoods.
• Hydro Ottawa account: Transfer your account online at hydroottawa.com. Make sure to provide your final meter reading at the old address and set up your new account at least 3 business days before moving in.

Your Complete Moving Checklist Summary

8 Weeks Out

☐ Set budget ☐ Research movers ☐ Create moving binder ☐ Start inventory ☐ Review lease/closing docs ☐ Research new neighbourhood

6 Weeks Out

☐ Declutter and sort ☐ Sell/donate/dispose ☐ Handle hazardous materials ☐ Start with storage areas

4 Weeks Out

☐ Book movers ☐ Arrange parking ☐ Book elevator ☐ Gather packing supplies ☐ Arrange child/pet care ☐ Schedule utility transfers

3 Weeks Out

☐ Begin packing ☐ Start with rarely used items ☐ Label all boxes ☐ Pack essentials box ☐ Photo all electronics

2 Weeks Out

☐ Canada Post forwarding ☐ Update address everywhere ☐ Confirm utilities ☐ Book cleaning ☐ Continue daily packing

1 Week Out

☐ Confirm with movers ☐ Finish packing ☐ Disassemble furniture ☐ Prep appliances ☐ Pack essentials bag ☐ Final walkthrough ☐ Prepare tips

Moving Day

☐ Final room check ☐ Strip beds ☐ Ensure truck access ☐ Walk crew through plan ☐ Direct placement at new home ☐ Inspect for damage ☐ Sign paperwork

First Week

☐ Unpack essentials ☐ Safety setup ☐ Change locks ☐ Final address updates ☐ Meet neighbours ☐ Explore area ☐ Recycle boxes

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