Movli guide
The Complete Canadian Moving Checklist
Moving in Canada comes with its own list: provincial health plans, CRA and Service Canada address changes, completion-day insurance rules, winter moves and month-end mover shortages. This checklist covers every step from eight weeks out to your first week in the new place — whether you bought or you're renting.
8 weeks before
- Set your move-in date and, if you're buying, your completion (closing) date — home insurance must be active by 12:01 a.m. on completion day, when legal risk passes to you.
- Build a moving budget: movers or truck rental, packing supplies, cleaning, deposits, utility hook-up fees and overlap rent or mortgage.
- Get at least three written quotes from movers. Confirm they're insured and ask whether the quote is binding.
- Start decluttering — sell, donate or recycle what won't come with you.
- If you're renting, give written notice to your landlord within your province's required notice period.
6 weeks before
- Book your mover or reserve a rental truck — summer month-ends sell out weeks ahead in most Canadian cities.
- Order packing supplies: boxes, tape, mattress bags and markers.
- Arrange time off work for moving day and the day after.
- Book elevator times with your building if you're moving in or out of a condo or apartment.
- Start using up freezer and pantry food.
4 weeks before
- Start packing non-essentials: seasonal items, books, decor and storage areas.
- Set up mail forwarding with Canada Post — it takes a few days to activate.
- Book internet installation at the new address; good time slots go fast.
- Arrange electricity and gas accounts to start on move-in day and end at your old place the day after.
- Get home or tenant insurance quotes. Buyers: coverage must bound before completion. Renters: most leases require tenant insurance before key pickup.
2 weeks before
- Confirm the mover booking, arrival time and payment method in writing.
- Change your address with the CRA, Service Canada, your provincial health plan and your driver's licence and vehicle registration.
- Update banks, credit cards, payroll, subscriptions and loyalty programs.
- Arrange childcare or pet care for moving day.
- Plan a locksmith visit for move-in day or the day after to rekey the locks.
1 week before
- Pack a first-night box: bedding, toiletries, phone chargers, medications, basic tools, toilet paper and a kettle.
- Defrost the freezer and clean the fridge if appliances are moving.
- Confirm utility start dates and internet installation one more time.
- Withdraw cash for mover tips and unexpected day-of costs.
- Photograph your old place's condition if you're renting — it protects your damage deposit.
Moving day
- Do a room-by-room walkthrough of the new place before boxes come in. Photograph every scuff, stain and defect — this is your evidence for deposits and warranty claims.
- Check that heat, hot water, power and water all work.
- Read the hydro, gas and water meters and photograph them.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Get every key, fob, garage remote and mailbox key from the seller or landlord.
- Supervise the unload: boxes to the right rooms, and note any damage on the mover's paperwork before signing.
First week after
- Rekey or replace the locks.
- Locate the electrical panel, water shut-off valve and furnace filter.
- Update your address anywhere remaining: employer, school, doctor, vet, insurance and streaming services.
- Register with local services: family doctor waitlist, library, waste collection schedule.
- Send your condition report to the landlord within your province's deadline if you're renting.
Every Canadian address change
These are the address changes Canadians most often forget. Work top to bottom and you'll miss nothing important.
| Who to notify | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) | Online via My Account — affects tax refunds, GST/HST credit and Canada Child Benefit. |
| Service Canada | For Employment Insurance, CPP and OAS records. |
| Provincial health plan | e.g. MSP in BC, AHCIP in Alberta, OHIP in Ontario, RAMQ in Quebec — coverage rules differ by province. |
| Driver's licence & vehicle registration | Most provinces require an update within days of moving — deadlines range from 6 to 90 days. |
| Canada Post mail forwarding | Catches anything you forget; available for 4 or 12 months. |
| Banks, credit cards and investments | Including payroll at work and any pre-authorized payments. |
| Insurance providers | Home, tenant, auto and life insurance — auto premiums change with your postal code. |
| Subscriptions and deliveries | Streaming, meal kits, pharmacy, gym and online shopping defaults. |
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