A moving checklist should connect preparation with the actual pickup and delivery arrangements. Work through these ten tasks in the order that suits your dates, and keep the inventory, building bookings and written estimate together.
01Decide what is moving
Separate the belongings you will take from items you will sell, donate or dispose of. Include storage lockers and outdoor furniture. Arrange unwanted-item collection separately rather than assuming it is part of the moving service.
02Build an inventory
List furniture and approximate box quantities room by room. Add dimensions and photographs for oversized or specialist items. Use the moving volume calculator to help organise the list, then update it when the contents change.
03Match the booking to building access
Confirm keys, loading permissions, service elevators and any time restrictions at both addresses. Share these details before accepting the schedule. A booked truck does not reserve your building's elevator.
04Confirm the service in writing
Agree who packs, loads, unloads and handles the furniture work. Check the crew, charges, minimum booking where applicable and taxes in the estimate. For local moves, start with our GTA moving services; for intercity transport, use long-distance moving.
05Gather suitable packing materials
Choose sound boxes of manageable sizes, appropriate cushioning and packing tape. Do not use damaged boxes or assume household bags can protect fragile items. Our packing guide covers the preparation of ordinary household belongings.
06Label as you pack
Mark the destination room and a short description of the contents. Keep a separate inventory if the shipment will travel in stages. Close each box securely and tell the crew which items need particular care.
07Agree furniture preparation
Ask which pieces should be emptied or dismantled and who will do that work. Keep labelled fittings with the relevant furniture. Do not disassemble a heavy or complex item simply to save time without checking the handling plan.
08Keep essentials with you
Set aside keys, documents, chargers, medications and the items you need before the shipment arrives. Keep valuables and anything requiring personal custody out of the general load. For a longer delivery window, plan essentials around that window.
09Reconfirm changes before moving day
Tell the mover about added furniture, new addresses or access restrictions. Check the weather and agree who to call if the plan changes. Allow time for the actual route and loading arrangements rather than assuming an early start avoids traffic.
10Check delivery and complete the handover
Have someone available to direct items to the right rooms. Check the inventory, record concerns and keep the paperwork. Before leaving the old property, do a final walkthrough for cupboards, storage spaces and keys.
For help turning the plan into a booking, read how to book a moving truck with a driver.