What to Do Before Moving Day: A 2-Week Countdown

The last two weeks before a move are when things get real. Here's a day-by-day breakdown of what to focus on so nothing falls through the cracks.

14 Days Before: The Setup Week

Day 14: Confirm Everything

• Call your moving company to confirm the date, time, crew size, and address details
• Confirm your new home's possession time — make sure you can access it before the truck arrives
• Book elevator access if you're in an apartment or condo

Days 13-10: Pack the Low-Priority Rooms

• Pack guest bedrooms, storage rooms, and seasonal items
• Pack books, decorations, and artwork
• Clean and pack items from the garage, shed, and basement storage
• Continue decluttering — if you haven't used it in a year, consider donating it

Days 9-8: Utilities and Address Changes

• Schedule utility disconnection at your current home (day after moving day)
• Schedule utility activation at your new home (day before moving day)
• Set up Canada Post mail forwarding
• Update your address with your bank, insurance, employer, and subscriptions

7 Days Before: The Final Push

Days 7-5: Pack the Main Rooms

• Pack the living room, dining room, and home office
• Pack the kitchen except for a few essentials (one pot, one pan, plates for the family, utensils)
• Disassemble furniture that you're able to take apart — beds, desks, shelving
• Bag all hardware with labels and tape to the furniture

Days 4-3: Almost There

• Pack remaining kitchen items and bathroom except daily toiletries
• Pack your children's rooms (let them help and keep one toy/book out for moving day)
• Clean your current home as rooms are emptied
• Pack a "first night" box: toiletries, phone chargers, medications, change of clothes, basic tools, snacks, toilet paper, paper towels

Days 2-1: The Final Details

• Defrost the freezer (if your fridge is being moved)
• Drain garden hoses and any water from outdoor equipment
• Charge all devices — you'll need your phone for communication on moving day
• Set out water, coffee, and snacks for the moving crew (not required but appreciated)
• Do a walk-through of your current home — check every closet, drawer, shelf, and the attic
• Verify parking for the moving truck at both locations

Moving Day Morning

• Strip the beds and pack the bedding
• Pack your overnight toiletries
• Walk the crew through your home — point out fragile items, items not being moved, and any tricky spots
• Keep your phone charged and accessible — you'll coordinate between locations
• Keep valuables, medications, and important documents with you in your car