Book Your Move

The Complete Moving Checklist for Homes and Apartments

A moving checklist turns one large project into smaller decisions. The schedule below works for houses, apartments, and condos. Adjust the timing for your lease, possession date, building rules, distance, family needs, and the amount you plan to pack yourself.

Six to eight weeks before the move

  • Choose your preferred move date and one or two alternatives.
  • Create a basic inventory by room, including storage areas and outdoor items.
  • Decide whether you need packing, storage, furniture disassembly, or special-item handling.
  • Request moving estimates using accurate pickup, destination, access, and inventory details.
  • Review condominium or apartment rules for move hours, elevator reservations, deposits, and loading areas.
  • Begin sorting items to keep, donate, sell, recycle, or discard.
  • Create a folder for estimates, confirmations, receipts, measurements, and contact information.

If the move crosses provincial lines or covers a long distance, start early. Confirm the expected pickup and delivery process, how schedule changes are communicated, and what you will need during transit.

Four weeks before the move

  • Confirm your moving arrangements and read the service details.
  • Order boxes, tape, packing paper, labels, and specialty cartons.
  • Start with seasonal items, books, décor, and rooms used less often.
  • Measure large furniture, stairways, elevators, and doorways at both homes.
  • Make a plan for pets, children, plants, and any items the mover cannot transport.
  • Notify schools, health providers, subscriptions, and other important contacts as needed.
  • Arrange utility start and stop dates without cutting off essential service too early.

Two weeks before the move

  • Pack most non-essential items and label every box by destination room.
  • Confirm parking and elevator reservations at both addresses.
  • Use, donate, or properly dispose of food and household products you will not move.
  • Back up computers and photograph cable connections.
  • Prepare appliances according to manufacturer instructions.
  • Confirm who will be present to meet the crew at pickup and delivery.
  • Update your address with organizations that need it, including financial and government services where applicable.

One week before the move

  • Confirm the date, addresses, access notes, and contact numbers with the mover.
  • Finish packing all but daily essentials.
  • Prepare a personal bag for medication, identification, chargers, clothes, toiletries, and important documents.
  • Create an open-first box with bedding, towels, basic kitchen items, cleaning supplies, tools, and toilet paper.
  • Separate valuables and anything that will travel with you.
  • Check the weather and protect floors or entryways if rain or snow is expected.

The day before

  • Charge your phone and keep the mover’s contact information available.
  • Securely close and label remaining boxes.
  • Empty, clean, and dry appliances that are moving.
  • Remove obstacles from halls, stairs, and entrances.
  • Set aside keys, building access cards, parking instructions, and elevator details.
  • Get a good night’s rest and keep the morning schedule realistic.

Moving day at the old home

  • Meet the crew and review the plan, access, and items requiring special attention.
  • Keep pets and children safely away from active work areas.
  • Do not pack documents, medication, keys, or small valuables in the moving vehicle.
  • Check closets, cabinets, drawers, storage lockers, garages, balconies, and outdoor areas.
  • Record meter readings or property condition if required for your situation.
  • Confirm the destination contact and access plan before departure.

Moving day at the new home

  • Make sure the entrance, loading area, and elevator are accessible.
  • Direct boxes and furniture to the correct rooms.
  • Check large items and visible condition as they arrive.
  • Confirm that essential furniture can be used safely before the crew leaves.
  • Keep doorways and walkways clear as boxes accumulate.
  • Complete the mover’s final review and keep your paperwork.

Apartment and condo reminders

Buildings often have rules that do not apply to detached homes. Confirm the service entrance, elevator size, reservation window, protective padding requirements, loading-zone access, and key or fob procedures. Tell the mover about long hallways, stairs, underground clearance, or a loading area far from the unit.

First night and first week

Set up beds, bathroom essentials, medication, food, and device charging first. Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and learn how essential systems work. Unpack one room at a time, break down empty boxes, and keep a list of address updates or maintenance tasks still outstanding.

Make your checklist specific to your move

No two moves have the same inventory, access, or timing. Use this checklist as a base, then add building rules, travel arrangements, work schedules, school needs, and any special items. Explore Movara Moving’s local and long-distance services, or submit a booking request. Your move is confirmed only after availability and price are reviewed.