Moving home can be exciting, but without a plan it quickly becomes stressful and expensive. This guide brings together practical, experience-based best practices to help you plan a smooth, safe and efficient move — whether you’re relocating across town or to a new city.

Start Early & Make a Timeline

Begin planning at least 6–8 weeks before your moving date. Create a timeline that lists key milestones: sort & declutter, source boxes and packing materials, obtain quotes from moving companies, notify utilities and forward mail, and confirm moving day details. Breaking the project into weekly goals reduces last-minute panic and keeps costs down.

Declutter: Keep What Matters

A move is the perfect opportunity to pare down. Separate items into keep, sell, donate, and recycle piles. Less volume means lower moving costs and less time unpacking. For sentimental or rarely used items, consider long-term storage if you’re unsure.

Packing Best Practices

1. Use sturdy boxes and quality tape — double-box fragile items when in doubt.
2. Label every box on at least two sides with its destination room and a short content description.
3. Pack an essentials box (medicines, chargers, a change of clothes, important documents) and keep it with you during the move.
4. Wrap fragile items individually using bubble wrap, towels or linens; place heavier items on the bottom.
5. Disassemble large furniture where possible and keep bolts and instructions in a labeled bag taped to the item.

Fragile & High-Value Items

For valuables (jewellery, important documents, heirlooms), either transport them personally or insure them separately. Photograph electronics and serial numbers before packing to simplify insurance claims if needed.

Hire the Right Movers

Get at least three written estimates and ask about insurance, timelines, and cancellation policies. Verify the mover’s reputation with references and online reviews and confirm whether they handle fragile items, stairs, or tight access, as these can affect the final price.

Labeling & Inventory

Create an inventory list of boxes and furniture with simple identifiers and keep a copy offsite (email to yourself or store in cloud). Number boxes and map them to rooms — this makes unpacking and any potential claims much easier.

Utilities, Change of Address & Notifications

Schedule utility disconnections and connections at the appropriate times. Update your address with the post office, banks, subscriptions, and any services that rely on accurate contact info (schools, employers, etc.).

Moving Day Tips

Be prepared with water and snacks for helpers and make sure all pathways are clear. Keep phone numbers for your movers handy and do a final walk-through to ensure nothing is left behind. If possible, be present at both the departure and arrival addresses to answer questions and guide placement of furniture.

Unpacking & Settling In

Unpack essentials first (kitchen, bathroom, bedding). Tackle rooms in order of importance to your daily routine, and avoid the temptation to set up everything at once. Recycle or reuse boxes responsibly — flatten them for pickup or donate them to local community centres.

Checklist: 2–8 Weeks Before Moving

• Declutter and sell/donate unwanted items
• Book a trusted moving company
• Gather packing supplies
• Inform utilities and change address
• Pack non-essentials early
• Prepare an essentials box

Final Thoughts

Good planning is the difference between a stressful move and a smooth transition. Follow this checklist, give yourself enough time, and seek professional help when needed — especially for large or complex moves. If you’d like help with quotes or a moving plan tailored to your schedule and inventory, request a quote or contact us — we’ll be happy to assist.