Moving Checklist

The prospect of moving can feel overwhelming because there are so many things to do. A checklist can help you keep track of moving tasks and give you peace of mind. You can download our checklist as a PDF to print out and use during your own move.

1-2 Months Before Move

• Create binder/folder for moving records (estimates, receipts, inventory lists, etc.)
• Plan your moving method (truck rental, hiring movers, etc.) and get cost estimates
• See if your employer will provide moving expense benefits
• Research storage facilities if needed
• Schedule disconnection/connection of utilities at old and new places
  • Phone
  • Internet
  • Cable
  • Water
  • Garbage
  • Gas
  • Electric
• Plan how you will move vehicles, plants, pets and valuables
• Plan how you will arrange furniture in the new place: use a floor plan or sketch
• Hold a garage sale, donate, sell, or trash unnecessary items
• Schedule transfer of records (medical, children in school, etc.)
• Get copies of any records needed (medical, dental, etc.)
• Acquire packing materials (boxes, tape, stuffing/padding, markers, etc.)
• Make any home repairs that you have committed to making
• Return borrowed, checked-out and rented items
• Get things back that you have lent out
• Start using up food you have stored so there is less to move

3-4 Weeks Before Move

• Finalize moving method and make necessary arrangements
• Begin packing non-essential items
• Label boxes by room and contents
• Separate valuable items to transport yourself; label as DO NOT MOVE
• Keep a box out for storing pieces, parts and essential tools that you will want to keep with you on moving day – label as PARTS / DO NOT MOVE
• Create an inventory list of items and box contents, including serial numbers of major items; use this as an opportunity to update your home inventory
• Fill out a Change of Address form at a post office or online
• Provide important contacts with your new address:
  • Employers
  • Family & Friends
  • Attorney
  • Accountant
  • Others
• Notify your insurance and credit card companies about change of address
• Cancel automated payment plans and local accounts/memberships if necessary
• Take your vehicle(s) in for a tune-up, especially if you are traveling very far

1-2 Weeks Before Move

• Continue packing and clean as you go
• Pack items separately that you will need right away at your new place
• Plan to take the day off for moving day
• Find useful things for your children to do; involve them as much as possible
• Find someone to help watch small children on moving day
• Begin to pack your suitcases with clothes and personal items for the trip
• Reconfirm your method of moving with those involved
• Make sure your prescriptions are filled
• Empty out your safe deposit box; secure those items for safe travel
• Schedule cancellation of services for your old place
  • Newspaper
  • House cleaning
  • Lawn
  • Pool
  • Water Delivery
• Check your furniture for damages; note damages on your inventory
• Take furniture apart if necessary (desks, shelves, etc.)
• Make sure all paperwork for the old and new place is complete
• If traveling far, notify credit card company to prevent automated deactivation
• Get rid of flammables such as paint, propane, and gasoline
• Try and use up perishable food

2-4 Days Before Move

• Confirm all moving details and that you have necessary paperwork
• Make a schedule or action plan for the day of the move
• Plan when/how to pick up the truck (if rented)
• Prepare for the moving expenses (moving, food, lodging)
• Continue cleaning the house as you are packing
• Defrost your freezer and clean the fridge
• Make sure essential tools are handy (screwdrivers, wrench, pliers, tape, etc.)
• Pack a bag for water bottles, pen/paper, snacks, documents, and essentials
• Set aside boxes/items that you are moving yourself (make sure you’ll have room)

Moving Day

• Remove bedding and take apart beds
• Go early to pick up the truck if you rented one
• Take movers/helpers through the house and instruct them what to do
• Walk through the empty place to check for things left behind; look behind doors
• Leave your contact info for new residents to forward mail
• Take inventory before movers leave; sign bill of lading. Make sure your movers have the correct new address. Lock the windows and doors, turn off the lights
• Use a padlock to lock up a rented truck

At your new place…

• Verify utilities are working, especially power, water, heating, and cooling
• Perform an initial inspection, note all damages, take photographs if needed
• Clean the kitchen and vacuum as needed (especially where furniture will be going)
• Direct movers/helpers where to put things
• Offer drinks and snacks, especially if the helpers are volunteers
• Assemble beds with bedding
• Begin unpacking, starting with kitchen, bathroom, and other essentials

Moving In – Weeks 1-2

• Check for damages while unpacking; be aware of deadline for insurance claims
• Replace locks if necessary and make at least two copies of your new keys
• Confirm that mail is now arriving at your new address
• Make sure your previous utilities have been paid for and canceled
• Complete your change of address checklist
  • Bank(s)
  • Credit cards
  • Canada Revenue Agency
  • Loans
  • Insurance
  • Pension plans
  • Attorney
  • Accountant
  • Physicians
  • Family support
  • Newspapers
  • Magazines
  • Licenses
  • Memberships
• Schedule a time to get a local driving license and update vehicle registration
• Get local phone books and maps
• Find new doctors, dentists, etc., depending on your needs & insurance
• After you are moved in, update your home inventory, including photos of rooms
• Update your renter’s insurance or homeowner’s insurance if needed

Phone Numbers

UTILITIES/OTHER

Fire, Police, Ambulance	911
Police Non-Emergency	311
Water & Waste Emergency	311
Water Utility	311
Manitoba Hydro	204-480-5900
Transit Information	311
Garbage/Blue Box Recycling	311

AUTOMOBILES

Driver Licensing	204-985-1100
Autopac Information	204-985-7000

CABLE TELEVISION

Shaw Cable	1-888-472-2222
MTS Digital Cable	204-225-5687

NEWSPAPERS

Winnipeg Free Press	204-697-7001
Winnipeg Sun	204-694-2022

HEALTH SERVICES

Manitoba Health Services Commission	204-786-7101
Manitoba Dental Association	204-988-5300
Manitoba Optometric Society	204-943-9811
Public Health Nurses	204-940-2040

PETS

Animal Services Agency – Dog Licensing	204-986-2155
Winnipeg Humane Society	204-982-2021

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteer Manitoba

204-477-5180

EDUCATION

Winnipeg School Division	204-775-0231
Library Information	204-986-6450
Société franco-manitobaine	204-233-4915