Moving Checklist – One to Three Months Before the Move

• Start preparing your moving plan: task list, inventory, resource plan, budget.
• Begin selection process of a moving company.
• Will your new home be move-in ready? If not, arrange for storage for your belongings.
• Make an inventory of belongings you’re planning to take to your new home.
• Clothes – do you really need them all? If not, someone else can use them. Donate to charity.
• Separate books and reading materials – magazines, novels, cookbooks, textbooks, family reading, antique or rare books.
• Clear out unwanted goods – organize a garage or yard sale.
• If you are taking electronic items, see if you kept the original boxes.
• Locate a depot to safely dispose of household chemicals such as old paint.
• Clean rugs.
• Start using up freezer foods.
• Notify your child’s school and have records transferred to the new school.
• Make a list of everyone who needs to be notified of the move — relatives, friends, business associates, colleagues, creditors, schools, doctors, dentists, veterinarians, newspapers.
• Arrange termination date for electricity, gas, telephone, internet / Cancel newspaper and magazine subscriptions.
• Arrange for major appliances to be serviced before you move them.

Additional items to check for long distance or international moves

• Organize personal documentation – marriage/birth certificates, driving licenses, etc.
• Check and clear tax assessments.
• Request copies of your medical and dental records.
• Acquire veterinary records if necessary.  Make sure vaccinations and documentation of your family pet are up to date.
• Check all electrical goods – will they work in your new home?
• Find out the replacement value of all belongings for insurance purposes.
• Apply for any necessary visas.
• Arrange your finances – close or transfer bank accounts, saving accounts, etc.
• Want to take the car? Research import regulations and duty fees.
• If you’re moving out of province or the country, research procedures for vehicle licensing and insurance.
• Confirm hotel and airline reservations if you need them.
• Shops, schools, teachers, life styles – it’s never too early to learn more about your new neighbourhood and residence.