Ultimate Moving Checklist: What to Do Before, During, and After Your Move

Moving is a big step, whether you’re relocating to a new home, condo, or office. A clear, structured checklist helps you avoid common problems, stay on schedule, and make sure nothing gets lost. This guide breaks the entire moving process into simple phases, giving you everything you need to prepare like a pro. With support from A-Z Moving, your move becomes smooth, organized, and stress-free.

Why You Need a Moving Checklist

A moving checklist keeps your tasks in order and helps you stay calm during the process. Many people underestimate how many steps a move includes — packing, preparing documents, arranging utilities, organizing transportation, and more. By planning ahead, you protect your belongings, save time, and reduce moving costs.

Before the Move (3–4 Weeks Ahead)

Create an Inventory of Your Items

Start by listing or photographing everything you intend to move. This makes it easier to decide what stays, what goes, and what needs special protection. It also helps you choose the right moving service and prevents accidental loss.

Gather or Order Packing Supplies

You will need boxes, tape, bubble wrap, labels, and markers. Having materials ready early lets you pack at your own pace. If you want professionals to handle this stage, check our
Packing & Unpacking Services.

Book Your Moving Company

Moving companies get busy quickly, especially near month-end or weekends. Booking early guarantees availability and better prices. A-Z Moving offers a range of services based on your needs, including:

• Residential Moving
  
• Commercial Movers
  
• Last Minute Movers
  

Declutter Your Space

Donate, sell, recycle, or throw out anything you no longer use. Fewer items mean faster packing and lower moving costs. Decluttering also makes unpacking much easier in your new place.

Update Your Address

Share your new address with banks, workplaces, subscriptions, school services, your doctor, and delivery platforms. This prevents disruptions after the move.

1–2 Weeks Before Moving Day

Begin Packing Non-Essential Items

Start with things you don’t need daily: books, seasonal clothing, electronics, décor, tools, and spare linens. Packing in stages helps you avoid last-minute stress.

Organize and Label All Boxes

Write the room and contents on each box. Use “fragile” labels for breakable items. Clear labeling saves time when movers unload and helps you unpack in the right order.

Prepare Special or Heavy Items

Large, delicate, or heavy items require experienced movers. If you have a piano, safe, antique furniture, or gym equipment, explore our dedicated services: Piano Movers in Toronto.

Confirm Building and Elevator Rules

If you live in a condo or apartment, reserve the elevator and inform building management of your moving schedule. For Toronto residents, our Condo Movers handle all building requirements for you.

Moving Day

Pack an Essentials Box

Prepare a box with items you will need immediately:

• Phone chargers
  
• ID and important documents
  
• Medicine
  
• Toiletries
  
• Snacks and water
  
• Basic kitchen tools
  
• A change of clothes
  

This box should travel with you, not in the moving truck.

Ensure Easy Access for the Moving Team

Clear pathways, hold elevator doors if needed, and ensure your driveway or parking spot is available. Smooth access helps movers load everything safely and quickly.

Do a Final Check of Your Old Home

Walk through each room and check closets, cabinets, and shelves. Make sure all lights are off and doors and windows are closed.

Guide the Movers at Your New Place

Show where each item should be placed. This makes unpacking faster and helps protect your furniture from unnecessary moving.

After the Move

Unpack Key Rooms First

Start with the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. Having these areas ready helps you settle in comfortably during the first few days.

Activate or Transfer Utilities

Make sure electricity, heating, water, and internet are working. If something wasn’t transferred before the move, schedule it as soon as possible.

Use Storage If Needed

If you’re downsizing or renovating, consider a temporary storage solution. A-Z Moving offers secure and accessible options: Storage Services.

Recycle or Reuse Packing Materials

Flatten boxes, reuse bubble wrap, or give materials to friends who will move soon. Proper disposal helps keep your new home clean and organized.

Check Your New Neighborhood

Find nearby grocery stores, parks, pharmacies, public transit stops, and other important places. This helps you adjust faster.

Quick Summary Checklist

• Create inventory
  
• Get packing supplies
  
• Book movers early
  
• Declutter your home
  
• Update your address
  
• Pack non-essential items
  
• Label all boxes
  
• Pack an essentials box
  
• Check old home
  
• Unpack key rooms
  
• Set up utilities
  
• Dispose of packing materials
  

Why Choose A-Z Moving

A-Z Moving provides reliable, full-service moving solutions across the GTA. Whether you need help with a full home move, a single heavy item, or only packing and supplies, their team is trained, friendly, and efficient. Explore more useful services:

• Single Item Movers
  
• Boxes & Moving Supplies
  
• Condo Movers
  

Their goal is simple — to give you a safe, smooth, stress-free moving experience from start to finish.

FAQ — Moving Checklist

1. How early should I book a moving company?

It’s recommended to book movers 2–4 weeks in advance, especially if you’re moving at the end of the month or during busy seasons.

2. Can movers help with packing my items?

Yes. If you prefer not to pack yourself, A-Z Moving offers full Packing & Unpacking Services for safe and efficient preparation.

3. What should I include in my essentials box?

Pack must-have items like chargers, documents, medication, toiletries, snacks, and clothes you’ll need during the first 24 hours after the move.

4. Do you move large or difficult items such as pianos?

Absolutely. A-Z Moving provides professional Piano Movers in Toronto for safe transport of heavy and delicate instruments.

5. How can I make moving day easier?

Prepare clear pathways, label all boxes, keep important items with you, and guide movers on where to place furniture in your new home.