Moving: What You Need to Know Before You Go

1. Start Planning Early — Much Earlier Than You Think

The biggest mistake people make when moving? Underestimating how much time it takes.
Ideally, you should start planning 8–12 weeks before your moving date. That might sound excessive, but between packing, scheduling movers, and managing utilities, time goes quickly.

Here’s your early planning checklist:

• Book your movers or truck rental at least a month in advance — especially during peak moving months (May through September).
• Request time off work if you’re moving on a weekday.
• Declutter before packing. Donate, sell, or recycle items you don’t want to take with you.
• Create a moving budget that includes movers, packing supplies, truck rentals, storage fees, and unexpected costs.

Pro tip:
If you’re flexible, choose a mid-week, mid-month moving date. Moving companies tend to charge less during off-peak times.

2. Purge Before You Pack

Moving is the ultimate test of what you actually use and love. There’s no point paying to pack, move, and unpack things you never touch.

Decluttering Strategy:

• One Room at a Time: Start with spaces you use less often, like guest rooms or storage areas.
• Four-Box Method: Label boxes Keep, Donate, Sell, Trash to make decisions faster.
• Be Ruthless: If you haven’t worn it, used it, or needed it in over a year, it’s probably time to let it go.

Bonus tip: Sell unwanted furniture, clothes, or electronics through Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, or local consignment shops. The extra cash can go straight toward your moving expenses.

3. Get Your Packing Game Right

Packing is where most moves get chaotic. To stay organized, you need a plan — and the right supplies.

Essential Packing Supplies:

• Sturdy moving boxes (grab free ones from liquor stores or grocery stores if you can)
• Packing tape and a quality tape gun
• Bubble wrap and packing paper
• Permanent markers and color-coded labels
• Stretch wrap for securing furniture
• Mattress bags and furniture covers

Smart Packing Tips:

• Pack by Room: Don’t mix items from different rooms in the same box.
• Label Clearly: Include the room name, box number, and a short list of contents.
• Protect Fragile Items: Use towels, blankets, and clothing as extra padding to save on packing material.
• Keep a “First Night” Box: Include essentials like toiletries, pajamas, a change of clothes, chargers, and snacks. You’ll thank yourself later.

4. Decide Between Professional Movers and DIY

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to hire movers or handle it yourself. Each option has its pros and cons:

Hiring Movers

Pros:

• Less physical stress
• Faster and more efficient
• Professional packing available
• Insured against damages

Cons:

• More expensive
• Need to book well in advance
• Less control over timing

DIY Move

Pros:

• Cheaper, especially for short distances
• Flexible timing
• Total control over your belongings

Cons:

• Labor-intensive
• Risk of injury or damage
• You’ll likely need to rent a truck or trailer

Pro tip:
Get at least three quotes from moving companies, read reviews carefully, and confirm whether their price includes packing materials, fuel, and insurance.

5. Budget Beyond the Boxes

The cost of moving can sneak up on you. Between deposits, movers, and unexpected fees, you’ll want to budget carefully.

Hidden Moving Costs to Watch Out For:

• Elevator reservation fees in condos or apartments
• Cleaning services for your old place
• Utility transfer or connection fees
• Overnight storage if your move-in date changes
• Parking permits for moving trucks in busy areas

Money-saving hack:
If you’re relocating for work, check if your company offers a moving allowance. Many employers will cover or reimburse some expenses.

6. Handle Utilities and Address Changes Early

Nothing’s worse than moving into a new place and realizing you don’t have electricity, Wi-Fi, or water set up yet. Avoid the chaos by handling utilities well in advance.

Checklist:

• Schedule disconnection at your current home for the day after you move out.
• Set up utilities for your new home a few days before you arrive.
• Update your mailing address with Canada Post or USPS at least two weeks in advance.
• Notify banks, insurance providers, streaming services, and subscription boxes.
• Don’t forget to transfer your internet service — providers can take weeks to install during busy seasons.

7. Make a Moving Day Survival Kit

Moving day is chaotic. Between movers, paperwork, and heavy lifting, it’s easy to lose track of essentials. That’s why a moving day survival kit is a game-changer.

Pack a small tote or suitcase with:

• Wallet, keys, and important documents
• Medications and personal hygiene items
• Snacks and water bottles
• Phone chargers and power banks
• Pet essentials if you have animals
• A basic toolkit and scissors

Keep this bag with you — not in the moving truck.

8. Protect Your Valuables

Some items are too precious to risk in a moving truck. Always keep personal documents, jewelry, electronics, and sentimental items with you rather than packing them in boxes.

Important Documents to Keep Handy:

• Passports, IDs, and birth certificates
• Financial documents
• Home or rental agreements
• Medical records
• Moving contracts and insurance paperwork

If you’re hiring movers, ask about their damage and loss policies — and consider getting additional insurance if you’re transporting high-value items.

9. Take Care of Your Pets

Moving can be stressful for pets, too. Dogs, cats, and other animals thrive on routine, and moving disrupts everything they know.

Tips for a Smooth Pet Move:

• Pack their food, toys, and bedding last so they have familiar smells around.
• Keep them in a quiet room on moving day to reduce anxiety.
• Update their tags and microchip info with your new address.
• Research pet-friendly hotels if your move spans multiple days.

10. Settle In Without Burning Out

Unpacking can feel like a never-ending chore, but you don’t have to do it all at once. Give yourself permission to prioritize comfort over perfection.

Unpacking Strategy:

• Start with essentials: kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.
• Unpack one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Take photos of your new home before unpacking for insurance or decorating inspiration.
• Meet your neighbors — a friendly hello goes a long way in building your new community.

11. Manage the Emotional Side of Moving

Even when a move is exciting, it’s still an emotional transition. You’re leaving behind familiar places, routines, and maybe even friends or family. It’s normal to feel stressed, sad, or nostalgic.

Ways to Ease the Emotional Load:

• Focus on what excites you about your new home.
• Schedule time to visit old friends or favorite spots before leaving.
• Keep in touch with loved ones after the move — even a quick video chat can help.
• Create a moving playlist filled with songs that make you feel optimistic and motivated.

12. Give Yourself a Buffer

No matter how much you plan, something will almost always go wrong — a delayed truck, a missing box, a scheduling hiccup. Build flexibility into your timeline and budget so small setbacks don’t spiral into major stress.

Final Thoughts

Moving is more than just transporting your stuff from point A to point B — it’s about creating a smooth transition for your entire life. The more you prepare ahead of time, the less stressful it will be, and the faster you can settle into your new home.

Take it step by step. Declutter first, pack smart, organize your paperwork, and keep essentials close. Whether you’re downsizing, upgrading, or relocating for work or love, being intentional about your move can turn what feels like chaos into a fresh start filled with possibility.