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.