Moving Timeline: Step‑by‑Step Guide for Buyers & Sellers

Moving homes is a major milestone that requires plenty of patience and packing materials, but with the right plan and a realistic timeline, the process becomes far more manageable—and even exciting. Whether you’re transitioning from renting to owning or you’re relocating to a new city, understanding what to do and when can help reduce stress, streamline your tasks, and ensure nothing slips through the cracks. In this article, we’ll walk you through essential steps to plan your timeline, including when to hire movers, declutter, pack, transfer utilities, update addresses, prepare for closing, complete moving-day tasks, and set up your new home. Here’s a more in-depth overview.

1. Plan Your Moving Timeline (6–8 Weeks Out)

Key tasks:

• Confirm your closing date or possession date.
• Decide whether you’ll hire professional movers or complete a DIY move.
• Create a moving budget including movers, supplies, cleaners, storage, and transport.
• Request time off work for moving day if needed.

 2. Hire Movers or Reserve a Rental Truck (5–6 Weeks Out)

What to do:

• Compare quotes from licensed, insured Canadian moving companies.
• Ask about liability coverage, cancellation policies, and peak‑season pricing.
• If going DIY, reserve a truck early—weekends and month‑ends book quickly.

Tip for sellers: Provide your agent with your planned move‑out date to coordinate with the final buyer’s walk‑through.

Keep in mind that summer is peak moving season, with a 90-day closing following a spring-time sale. At peak times, you may need to plan even further ahead.

3. Declutter Before You Pack (4–6 Weeks Out)

Decluttering reduces moving costs, speeds packing, and helps stage your home if you’re a seller.

Steps:

• Sort belongings into keep / donate / sell / recycle / discard categories.
• Sell items using Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, or local buy‑and‑sell groups.
• Book donation pickup for large items if needed.

4. Start Packing the Non‑Essentials (3–4 Weeks Out)

Pack items you don’t use daily:

• Seasonal clothing
• Decor and artwork
• Books
• Extra linens and kitchenware

Best practices:

• Label each box with the room + contents + fragility.
• Use colour‑coded tape for faster sorting at your new home.
• Photograph electronics before disassembling.

5. Arrange Utilities, Services & Connectivity (2–3 Weeks Out)

For your current home:

• Schedule disconnection or final readings for hydro, gas, internet, and cable.
• Cancel or transfer home security systems.

For your new home:

• Contract your insurance company to update your policies (home, auto).
• Set activation dates for electricity, natural gas, water, waste collection, internet, and home insurance.
• In condos: contact the property manager for elevator bookings and move‑in rules.

6. Change Your Address Across Canada (2 Weeks Out)

Prioritize:

• Canada Post mail forwarding (recommended for three to 12 months)
• Banks and credit unions
• CRA (for tax returns and benefits)
• Workplace, pension plans, benefits providers
• Driver’s licence + vehicle registration (province-specific timelines)
• Subscriptions, loyalty programs, delivery services
• School or daycare records

7. Prepare for Closing Day (1–2 Weeks Out)

For buyers:

• Confirm closing funds with your lawyer (bank drafts, wire transfers, deposit reconciliation).
• Arrange home insurance effective on or before closing day.

For sellers:

• Complete final cleaning and repairs.
• Leave manuals, warranties, spare keys, garage openers, and codes for the buyer.
• Provide your lawyer with forwarding address and utility account numbers.

 8. Pack an Essentials Kit (1 Week Out)

This prevents digging through boxes on your first night. Include the following items:

• Bedding and towels
• Medications and toiletries
• Phone chargers
• Basic tools
• Cleaning supplies
• Important documents
• Snacks and pet essentials

9. Moving Day: Execution Checklist

Before leaving your old home:

• Do a final sweep of all rooms, closets, storage, garage, balcony, and shed.
• Photograph the empty space for your records.
• Turn off lights, lock windows, and secure all doors.

When arriving at your new home:

• Guide movers to the correct rooms.
• Check major appliances, plumbing, and electrical for functionality.
• Document any pre-existing damage (rentals or condos).
• Prioritize setting up beds and essentials

10. After Moving In: First‑Week Tasks

• Test smoke detectors and carbon‑monoxide alarms.
• Locate water shutoff valves, breaker panels, garbage/recycling schedules.
• Register for local schools, physicians, and community programs.
• Introduce yourself to neighbours and the condo board if applicable.

11. For Sellers: Final Steps After Closing

• Cancel property tax payments, utilities, and service subscriptions.
• Keep copies of your Sale Agreement, Closing Statement, and moving expenses (eligible in some situations, such as job relocations—consult CRA).
• Provide your lawyer with any follow-up information needed for disbursements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the first step in planning a move in Canada?

Start by confirming your closing or possession date, creating a moving budget, and deciding whether to hire movers or move yourself.

Q: How early should I book movers in Canada?

Ideally 5–6 weeks before moving day, but you might require even more notice for bookings during peak periods such as summer and month‑end.

Q: What should be on a Canadian address‑change list?

Canada Post, banks, CRA, driver’s licence, vehicle registration, insurance, employer, subscriptions, and schools.

Ready to start the search for your next home? Connect with a REMAX agent and browse listings.