Moving Checklist 2026: Complete Room-by-Room Guide
Every task, every room, every phase — organized so nothing gets missed on your move.
Moving Timeline Checklist
Work through each phase in order. Check off tasks as you complete them.
- Set your moving date
- Create a moving budget
- Research and get 3+ moving quotes
- Start decluttering every room
- Notify landlord / real estate agent
- Research storage options if needed
- Check if new home needs repairs before move-in
- Book moving company or reserve rental truck
- Order packing supplies (boxes, tape, markers, bubble wrap)
- Begin packing non-essential rooms
- Arrange storage unit if needed
- Notify Canada Post of address change
- Start collecting free boxes from stores
- Photograph valuables for insurance records
- Update address: CRA, Service Ontario, bank, employer
- Transfer or cancel utilities at old address
- Set up utilities at new address
- Pack room by room — label all boxes
- Arrange childcare / pet care for moving day
- Confirm moving company booking
- Dispose of hazardous materials (paint, chemicals)
- Pack all but daily essentials
- Book elevator at condo (both buildings)
- Prepare "first night" box
- Defrost and clean fridge/freezer
- Return borrowed items; collect your own
- Confirm parking arrangements at both addresses
- Disassemble large furniture
- Do a final walkthrough of every room
- Check all closets, cabinets, and storage areas
- Confirm all appliances are off
- Lock all windows and doors
- Hand over keys and get receipts
- Inspect new home before unloading
- Set up beds and essentials first
- Unpack essentials first (kitchen, bathroom, bedroom)
- Test all appliances and utilities
- Register with new doctor, dentist, and pharmacy
- Update driver's licence and health card address
- Meet your neighbours
- File change of address with any remaining contacts
- Return rental truck (if DIY move)
Room-by-Room Packing Lists
Pack one room at a time. Label every box with the room name and contents.
- Dishes and glassware (wrapped individually)
- Pots, pans, and baking trays
- Small appliances (toaster, kettle, blender)
- Pantry items (seal open packages)
- Cutlery and utensils
- Cleaning supplies (pack last)
- Books (use small boxes — heavy!)
- Electronics and cables (label cables)
- Artwork and mirrors (wrap in moving blankets)
- Decorative items and plants
- Furniture (disassemble where possible)
- Rugs (roll and wrap in plastic)
- Clothes (use wardrobe boxes or garbage bags)
- Bedding and pillows (use mattress bags)
- Jewellery and valuables (move yourself)
- Books and personal items
- Furniture (disassemble bed frame)
- Nightstand contents
- Toiletries (seal all liquids in bags)
- Towels and bath mats
- Medicine cabinet (check expiry dates)
- Cleaning supplies
- Toilet paper and paper towels
- Hair dryer and styling tools
Packing Supplies Checklist
| Supply | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small boxes (1.5 cu ft) | 5–8 | 10–15 | 15–20 |
| Medium boxes (3 cu ft) | 10–15 | 20–25 | 30–40 |
| Large boxes (4.5 cu ft) | 5–8 | 8–12 | 12–18 |
| Wardrobe boxes | 1–2 | 2–3 | 3–5 |
| Packing tape rolls | 3–4 | 5–7 | 8–12 |
| Bubble wrap (ft) | 25–50 | 50–100 | 100–200 |
| Packing paper (sheets) | 50–100 | 100–200 | 200–400 |
| Permanent markers | 2–3 | 3–4 | 4–6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many boxes do I need for a 2-bedroom move?
Plan for 40–60 boxes for a 2-bedroom home: roughly 10 small boxes, 20 medium boxes, 10 large boxes, and 5–10 specialty boxes (wardrobe, dish pack, mirror). It's always better to have too many than too few.
What should I pack last when moving?
Pack your "first night" box last so it's first off the truck. Also pack last: daily medications, phone chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, bedding, coffee maker, and any items you'll need immediate access to.
How do I label moving boxes properly?
Write the destination room on all 4 sides and the top. Add a brief contents description (e.g., "Kitchen — pots and pans"). Use coloured tape or markers per room. Mark fragile boxes on all sides with "FRAGILE — THIS SIDE UP".
Should I pack room by room or by category?
Room by room is almost always better for moving. It makes unpacking faster and helps movers place boxes in the right rooms immediately. Pack non-essential rooms first (storage, spare bedroom) and leave daily-use rooms for last.
What items should I NOT put on the moving truck?
Keep with you: important documents (passport, birth certificate, lease), medications, jewellery and valuables, electronics you'll need immediately, cash, and irreplaceable items. Also, moving companies won't transport hazardous materials.
How do I move plants safely?
Water plants 2 days before (not the day of — too heavy and messy). Transport in your car, not the truck. Wrap pots in plastic bags to contain soil. For long-distance moves, check if your destination province has plant import restrictions.
Need Packing Supplies?
Order boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and everything you need for your move — delivered to your door.