Step 1: Prepare your home

Tip: Start packing non-essential items 3–4 weeks before moving day to reduce stress in the final week.

  • Arrange a professional moving company or book a moving truck early. Get at least three quotes and confirm they are licensed and insured.
  • Collect packing materials:  consider reusable or sustainable boxes.
  • Declutter first: donate, sell, or discard what you won't be bringing.
  • Pack room by room and label every box clearly with contents and destination room.
  • Create an inventory list of household belongings.
  • Photograph valuables for insurance purposes.
  • Arrange moving insurance coverage if needed.
  • Pack important documents and valuables separately and keep them with you.
  • Set aside a moving day essentials bag: ID, medications, phone charger, snacks, a change of clothes, and important documents.
  • Schedule a final clean of your current home.
  • Confirm the home is empty and left in good condition before handing over keys.

Step 2: Update your address

Tip: Set up mail forwarding through Canada Post for at least 6 months after your move to catch anything that slips through.

  • Submit a mail forwarding request with Canada Post.
  • Update your address with banks and credit card providers.
  • Notify insurance providers: Home, auto, and health.
  • Update subscriptions and online services.
  • Update government services: CRA, Service Canada, provincial health card, and driver's licence. In BC, notify ICBC and Health Insurance BC.
  • Notify loan providers and your financial advisor or accountant.
  • Update your employer's HR or payroll department.
  • Notify friends and family of your new address.

Step 3: Transfer or shut off utilities

Tip: Schedule new utilities to start the day before you move in so everything is ready when you arrive.

  • Schedule internet, TV, and phone transfer or setup at your new address.
  • Transfer or disconnect electricity service.
  • Arrange natural gas or oil service transfer.
  • Confirm water service at your new address.
  • Cancel or redirect newspaper and delivery subscriptions.
  • Update or cancel grocery and dairy delivery services.
  • Take meter readings at your current home on moving day and photograph them.

Step 4: Prepare for move in day

Tip: Confirm all logistics with your moving company 48 hours before the move, arrival time, address, parking, and access.

  • Book the building elevator in advance if moving into a condo or apartment.
  • Reserve parking near the entrance for the moving truck.
  • Confirm arrival time and details with your moving company.
  • Arrange care for children and pets on moving day.
  • Pack a first night box and load it last so it comes off the truck first. Include bedding, pillows, toiletries, phone chargers, basic kitchen supplies, cleaning products, and important documents.
  • Charge all electronics the night before.
  • Defrost the fridge and freezer at least 24 hours before moving.

Step 5: Settle into your new home

Tip: Change the locks or rekey your doors early, you don't know how many copies of the old keys exist.

  • Supervise unloading and direct movers to the correct rooms.
  • Assemble beds first so you can rest after the move.
  • Install shelving before unpacking other items.
  • Take meter readings at your new home and photograph them.
  • Confirm all utilities are active and functioning.
  • Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms: replace batteries if needed.
  • Locate the main water shutoff, electrical panel, and furnace.
  • Change all locks or rekey entry doors.
  • Update your driver's licence and vehicle registration with your new address.
  • Schedule any repairs or maintenance identified during the home inspection.
  • Introduce yourself to your neighbours.
  • Explore your new community!

Moving Companies Rhonda Recommends:

Kary Movers

604-687-1746

Kary Movers is a family-owned and operated moving company serving Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, with decades of experience in local, long-distance, commercial, and piano moves. All crew members are direct employees — no temp workers or day laborers  and the company is fully licensed, insured, and holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Whether you're moving across town or across the province, Kary Movers brings the professionalism and accountability that makes a stressful day a whole lot easier.

Fraser Valley Movers

REALTOR®778-549-4521

Fraser Valley Movers was built on a simple belief: treating people well is the cornerstone of good business. Owner Jon Balzer has been in the moving industry for over 11 years, completing more than 2,000 moves and earning 300+ five-star reviews along the way. With branches in Langley and Abbotsford, they offer full-service moving and storage with firm, upfront pricing and a guarantee of on-time arrival  so there are no surprises on moving day.

Purely Canadian Movers

604-522-7222®

Purely Canadian Movers is a family-owned company that has been serving Metro Vancouver since 1991, handling local, long-distance, cross-country, and international moves with no subcontractors. With over 30 years of experience and an A+ BBB rating, they offer full-service packing, storage, disassembly, and debris removal tailoring every move to the client's specific needs. When it matters most, they show up ready.

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