Your moving checklist: from eight weeks out to your first night

A calm move starts with a realistic plan. Use this checklist as a guide, then adjust it to your contract dates, family, building rules and the time you actually have. If your closing is soon, start with the most urgent items.

Six to eight weeks before your move

Confirm completion and possession dates before booking a truck. In a strata building, ask about elevator reservations, move-in fees, loading access and insurance requirements. Compare mover estimates, cancellation terms and coverage for loss or damage.

Sort what to keep, donate, recycle or sell.
Gather boxes and labels; pack things you rarely use.
Plan school, childcare, medical, veterinary and accessibility needs.
Keep mortgage, banking and identity documents out of packed boxes.

About a month before

Arrange mail forwarding and notify important contacts directly; forwarding does not update their records. Review insurance for the new property and the transition period. Do not cancel coverage on the old property too early.

Update banks, insurers, employers and professional contacts.
Check the address-change requirements for CRA, health coverage and your driver’s licence.
Book utilities and internet; align service dates with possession and your responsibilities.
Update delivery addresses and recurring subscriptions.

Two weeks before

Confirm movers, elevator access and your closing appointment. Ask your lawyer or notary when cleared closing funds are needed and how they should be delivered. Independently verify any changed payment instructions using a trusted phone number.

Label boxes by room and keep an inventory of valuable items.
Arrange pets and children’s care for moving day.
Plan parking, keys, fobs and access codes.
Confirm what appliances and fixtures remain under the purchase contract.

The final week

Prepare a first-night bag and a documents folder that travel with you. Follow appliance manufacturers’ instructions for cleaning, defrosting and transport rather than using one rule for every fridge.

Pack medication, chargers, toiletries, clothing, snacks and essential bedding.
Keep identification, closing papers and important contacts accessible.
Photograph utility readings and property condition where appropriate.
Reconfirm the exact possession time—completion does not always mean immediate key access.

Moving day and afterward

Check delivered items for damage and document concerns promptly. Walk through the property, test essential systems safely and contact the appropriate professional if something is wrong. Keep your mortgage payment confirmation, lender contact details and insurance documents together.

Follow your movers’ safety advice; get help with heavy items.
Locate water shutoffs, electrical panels and emergency exits.
Confirm the first mortgage payment date and account funding.
Leave room to settle in. A few unfinished boxes are not a failed move.

Let’s make this personal

Tell Matt what matters most to you, and what feels unclear. We can help you work through the mortgage side of the decision and coordinate the next steps with your other professionals. Email matt.parker@indimortgage.ca or call 778.897.2554.

General Canadian mortgage guidance with British Columbia context; reviewed October 16, 2026. Your lender’s written requirements, mortgage contract and professional legal or tax advice take priority.