Moving can be a stressful task for anyone. Whether it’s big or small, the thought of relocating all of your personal belongings is daunting. With proper research, however, you can find a reputable moving company that will ensure your move is as swift as possible. Read on to learn more about what you can do to prepare for your move.
There are two major steps that will have a huge impact on the success of your move. The first, taking the time to research reputable moving companies and hiring one, in advance, that is right for you. The second, creating a moving list, whether you write your own or download one from online, that includes all the essentials for your move to keep you on track. Below are common key steps to include in your moving journey.
Hiring a Reputable Company
Any time you are looking to hire a company, it’s important to do your research. Start by scouting out multiple moving companies in your area. Then obtain quotes from all of them – note that cheaper isn’t always the best route. Learn about more ways to research a pro on HomeStars. Moving companies, such as Swan Moving & Storage, are there to make the move as easy and stress-free as possible – so if a company isn’t offering that to you, it’s best to move on.
Once you hire, be sure to keep in constant communication with the company leading up to the move. This will help prevent any surprises for either party in case there are any last-minute changes.
Below are the average costs of moving services across different cities in Canada:
| City | Average | Minimum | Maximum |
| Barrie | $1,345 | $109 | $5,000 |
| Calgary | $1,980 | $100 | $50,000 |
| Edmonton | $2,268 | $100 | $19,000 |
| Hamilton | $1,998 | $120 | $10,000 |
| Oshawa | $943 | $200 | $5,000 |
| Ottawa | $1,473 | $100 | $20,000 |
| Toronto | $1,294 | $100 | $40,842 |
| Vancouver | $2,014 | $100 | $25,000 |
*Costs based on 19,078 verified Canadian homeowner reviews as of March 2022
Prepare for Change of Address
If you haven’t done so already, it’s important to prepare for your change of address well in advance. Doing so will prevent any missed bills or invitations. For your home’s mail, you can provide a mail forwarding address to ensure any paper mail isn’t missed. A majority of your other address details can be updated online in your accounts quite simply, but if you are unsure if you have missed any, there are a ton of lists available online to double-check.
Clean your House
When it comes to cleaning your house in preparation for a move, we don’t only mean scrubbing surfaces, but also cleaning out any clutter that you won’t require at your new location. This can include anything from clothing to furniture, to old toys and games. You can have a garage sale or donate it to a good cause. Decluttering will help save you money and stress by decreasing the amount of stuff you have to move and pay for.
Order Moving Supplies
After you’ve decluttered, you should have a better idea of how many moving boxes and supplies you are going to need. Be sure to check with the company you hired, as some moving companies will provide boxes, tape, blankets, packaging, and much more. If not, be sure to purchase or find free moving boxes, and enough, to fit everything into (it’s better to have too many than not enough!).
Pack (almost) Everything
Whether you’re packing yourself or using the company’s packers, be sure to organize everything before you pack. This can include labelling boxes and bags, as well as keeping items together. Taking this step will make the unpacking process a lot easier and prevent you from misplacing any items or having to move items again.
When packing delicate items, small or large, be sure to either use a wrapping blanket or packing cubes to protect stuff from breaking in transition. If you don’t have soft packing cubes, you can use towels or blankets to wrap any delicate items as an alternative. We recommend that you try to have everything organized and packed a week before your scheduled move.
Finally, be sure to pack an essentials bag. This bag should include anything you will need from the time your belongings are packed up and when they arrive at your new location. This can include an extra change of clothes, any medicine or medications, phone chargers, snacks, and work equipment. Surprises can always happen, and if anything were to happen, at least you will have your essentials packed and on you if needed.
Creating a home moving checklist to take care of small steps along the way will make your move a lot less stressful. If you aren’t sure what to include on your own and want a more detailed list, search for a printable moving checklist online. Be sure to take into consideration these moving tips and connect with a moving company if you’re looking to move soon!
