Moving is stressful and expensive, with costs that are easy to underestimate. This checklist breaks the process into manageable phases so nothing falls through the cracks. Whether you are moving across town after buying your first home or relocating to another province, the steps are the same.
Moving Costs Overview
| Cost Category | Local Move | Long-Distance Move |
|---|---|---|
| Professional movers (labour + truck) | $500–$5,000 | $3,000–$10,000+ |
| DIY truck rental | $200–$1,500 | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Packing supplies | $100–$500 | $200–$800 |
| Moving insurance | $50–$300 | $100–$500 |
| Temporary storage (if needed) | $100–$400/month | $100–$400/month |
| Cleaning (old home) | $200–$600 | $200–$600 |
| Utility connection/disconnection | $0–$200 | $0–$200 |
| Canada Post mail forwarding (4 months) | $66.50 (within a province) | $82.75 (across provinces) |
| Tips for movers | $50–$200 | $100–$400 |
| Total, with movers (excluding storage) | About $970–$6,870 | About $3,680–$12,580+ |
8 Weeks Before Moving Day
Administrative and Planning
| Task | Details |
|---|---|
| Set your moving date | Mid-week, mid-month moves are often cheaper than month-end and weekends |
| Get moving quotes | Several in-home or virtual estimates |
| Book movers or reserve truck | Earlier is better; peak season (May–Sept) books fast |
| Create a moving binder or folder | Track quotes, receipts, checklists, and important documents |
| Review your insurance | Confirm moving coverage — your home insurance may cover items in transit |
| Start decluttering | Donate, sell, or discard items you do not want to move |
| Research your new neighbourhood | Nearest grocery, pharmacy, hospital, schools, transit |
If You Are Selling
| Task | Details |
|---|---|
| Confirm closing date with your lawyer | Ensure your move-out aligns with the buyer’s closing |
| Arrange key handover | Confirm time and process through your real estate lawyer |
| Schedule a home cleaning | Professional cleaning after you move out |
6 Weeks Before Moving Day
Sorting and Packing Begins
| Task | Details |
|---|---|
| Start packing non-essentials | Seasonal items, books, decor, guest bedroom, storage areas |
| Order packing supplies | Boxes (multiple sizes), tape, bubble wrap, markers, labels |
| Photograph valuables | For insurance purposes before packing |
| Inventory high-value items | Jewellery, art, electronics — these may need separate insurance |
| Arrange specialty moves | Piano, hot tub, pool table — confirm with movers or book specialists |
Gather Packing Supplies
| Item | Quantity (3-Bedroom Home) | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small boxes (books, heavy items) | 15–20 | $30–$50 |
| Medium boxes (general) | 20–30 | $50–$80 |
| Large boxes (light/bulky items) | 10–15 | $30–$50 |
| Wardrobe boxes | 3–5 | $30–$60 |
| Packing tape (rolls) | 4–6 | $15–$25 |
| Bubble wrap / packing paper | 2–3 rolls | $20–$40 |
| Markers | 3–4 | $5–$10 |
| Total | — | $180–$315 |
Tip: Check local Facebook groups, Buy Nothing, or Freecycle for free boxes. Liquor stores and grocery stores also give away boxes.
4 Weeks Before Moving Day
Address Changes and Notifications
| Organization | How to Update | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Post: mail forwarding | Online or at a post office (4 months: $66.50 within a province, $82.75 across provinces) | High |
| CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) | My Account online or by phone | High |
| Provincial health card | Provincial health ministry website or office | High |
| Driver’s licence and vehicle registration | Provincial registry (varies by province) | High: provinces set short deadlines for reporting a new address |
| Employer / payroll | HR department | High |
| Banks and credit cards | Online banking or branch visit | High |
| Home and auto insurance | Call broker or update online | High |
| Utilities (old address) | Schedule disconnection for day after closing | High |
| Utilities (new address) | Schedule connection for day before or of moving | High |
| Internet / phone / cable | Book transfer or new installation — 2+ week lead time | Medium |
| Subscriptions (streaming, box services) | Update online | Medium |
| Dentist, doctor, optometrist | Call offices | Medium |
| Children’s schools, daycare | Notify current; register at new if changing | Medium |
| Elections Canada / voter registration | Check or update your registration online | Low |
| Loyalty programs, memberships | Update online | Low |
Practical Tasks
| Task | Details |
|---|---|
| Confirm mover details | Date, arrival time, access instructions, payment method |
| Arrange pet/child care for moving day | Keeps them out of the way |
| Arrange parking for moving truck | Reserve driveway or street permit at both addresses |
| Start using up freezer food | Less to move, less to throw away |
| Return borrowed items and collect lent items | Now or never |
1 Week Before Moving Day
| Task | Details |
|---|---|
| Finish packing all rooms except essentials | Label every box with room and contents |
| Pack an essentials box (goes in your car) | See list below |
| Disassemble furniture if needed | Bag screws and tape to the item |
| Defrost freezer (if moving it) | 24–48 hours before the move |
| Confirm utility shutoff/startup dates | Call to re-confirm |
| Charge all devices | You will need your phone fully charged on moving day |
| Take final meter readings | Gas, electricity, water at old home |
| Clean out old home as you go | Less to do after the move |
The Essentials Box (Goes in Your Car)
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Documents | IDs, mortgage documents, moving contract, new home keys |
| Hygiene | Toiletries, towels, toilet paper |
| Medications | Prescriptions, first aid kit |
| Electronics | Phone chargers, laptop, power bar |
| Clothing | Change of clothes for each family member |
| Food | Snacks, water bottles, coffee/tea supplies |
| Tools | Screwdriver, utility knife, tape, scissors |
| Cleaning | Paper towels, all-purpose cleaner, garbage bags |
| Comfort | Sheets and pillows (bed-ready for the first night) |
| Children/pets | Favourite toy, leash, food, bowl |
Moving Day
| Time | Task |
|---|---|
| Before movers arrive | Do a final walk-through; check all closets, attic, basement, garage |
| When movers arrive | Walk through the home; point out fragile items and priority boxes |
| During the move | Be available for questions; do a room-by-room check as each is emptied |
| At the new home | Direct movers to place boxes and furniture in correct rooms |
| After unloading | Inspect for damage before signing off; note any issues on the paperwork |
| End of day | Set up beds, bathrooms, and kitchen essentials first |
First Week in the New Home
| Task | Details |
|---|---|
| Change locks | Rekey or replace all exterior locks — you do not know who has copies |
| Test smoke and CO detectors | Replace batteries; install new ones if missing |
| Locate water shutoff, gas shutoff, electrical panel | Know where they are before an emergency |
| Unpack kitchen and bathrooms first | These are functional priorities |
| Meet your neighbours | A brief introduction goes a long way |
| Register for garbage/recycling pickup | Check municipal website for schedule and bin requests |
| Schedule any immediate repairs | Issues identified during the home inspection |
Moving Tax Deductions
If you moved for work, you may be able to deduct moving expenses on your Canadian tax return:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible reason | Started a new job, transferred by employer, or started a business at a new location |
| Distance requirement | New home must be at least 40 km closer (by the shortest public route) to your new workplace or school |
| Deductible expenses | Moving company or truck rental, travel costs, temporary lodging and meals (up to 15 days), the cost of selling the old home (commission, legal fees, and a mortgage penalty for paying off the mortgage early), legal fees and land transfer tax on the new home if you sold the old one, lease cancellation fees |
| Not deductible | Work to make the old home more saleable, a loss on the sale, house-hunting and job-hunting trips |
| New home | Must become the place where you normally live |
| Reimbursements | Amounts your employer reimburses reduce the claim |
| How to claim | Line 21900 on your T1 return; subject to income earned at the new location |
| Deduction limit | Can only deduct against income earned at the new work location; unused amounts carry forward to the next year |
Related Resources
Sources
The figures and rules on this page come from these sources, last checked against them between September 26, 2026 and September 29, 2026. How we check facts.
- Canada Post: Forward mail when you move or relocate | Personal | Canada Post
- Canada Revenue Agency: Line 21900 – Moving expenses