Moving day, you know how it goes. It always has a way of presenting itself as something bigger than the task at hand.
Whether it’s the hired help, the inevitable paper trail or the twenty things you didn’t think twice about until ten minutes after your moving truck rolls in.
- This moving day checklist breaks down the day into four simple segments: before, during, after and contingency planning.
Before the movers arrive
The morning of your move shouldn’t be spent clearing walkways or searching for your essentials box. Do this the night before, so all you have to do the morning of is wait for the movers to arrive.
- Double-check the arrival time with the moving company the day before, and ensure that you have a parking space available for the truck (street permit, driveway space, or loading zone).
- Clear all walkways inside and outside your home that the movers will need access to.
- Disassemble what needs disassembling. Bed frames, large shelving units, and anything with removable legs should already be broken down unless you have asked your movers to do it for you.
- Set aside your essentials box somewhere it won't get loaded by mistake.
- Take photos of your furniture, electronics, or other valuables that are delicate before being wrapped and loaded onto the truck. This is important if you need to file a claim for damages.
- Ensure you have arrangements for children and/or pets while the move is taking place.
- Have payment or tip money ready in the form your movers expect (cash, e-transfer, card).
What to pack in your moving day essential box?
The essential box is the one that saves you from digging through 40 taped-up boxes for a phone charger at 9 p.m. Pack it last and keep it in your car, and label it clearly so it never ends up on the truck by accident.
What to put in it?
- Phone chargers and anything else you use to charge every day
- A change of clothes and some toiletries
- Medications
- Snacks and a couple of water bottles
- Toilet paper and paper towels
- Tools (screwdrivers, scissors, tape)
- Important documents
- A first aid kit
What not to pack with the movers?
When moving, some things are safer in your personal possession than on the back of the truck: fragile items, valuables, important documents, and things that need to be accessed immediately.
| Task | Average deadline |
|---|---|
| Passports, ID, and moving contract | Needed immediately, hard to replace |
| Jewelry and other small valuables | Reduces risk of loss or damage |
| Spare keys | You'll need them before boxes are unpacked |
| Laptops and hard drives | Avoid temperature swings and rough handling |
| Prescription medication | You may need it during the move itself |
Most moving companies will also flag hazardous items they legally can’t transport, such as propane tanks, gasoline, aerosols, and similar products. Check with your mover ahead of time so you’re not scrambling to dispose of them the morning of.
During the move
Once the crew arrives, a quick walkthrough sets the tone for the rest of the day. Show them around, flag anything that needs special care, and then let them work.
- Walk your crew through the house before everything gets loaded up.
- Point out any delicate items or valuables that need to be handled extra carefully.
- Tell the crew which boxes need to come off the truck first at the new place (kitchen basics, kids' items, bathroom essentials).
- Stay reachable, but let the movers do their job without hovering over every box.
- Before the truck pulls away, do a final walkthrough of every room in your old home, closet, and cabinet.
After the truck leaves
The moving process is not over until you are completely settled in your new location. Some tasks that should be performed during your last day at your old home to prevent them from becoming problems after you are gone.
- Do one more sweep of the old home: check that all meters are read, garage doors are down, and windows are locked.
- Drop off keys as agreed with your landlord or the new owners.
- At the new place, unpack your essentials box first, then move on to the room that you prioritize.
- You should also check all furniture and boxes for any damage, if at all possible, while the crew is still there with you to file a claim if necessary.
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FAQ - Moving day
1
What should I do the morning of moving day?
Do a final check of your essentials box, confirm the truck's arrival window, and make sure walkways are clear. If kids or pets are being dropped off elsewhere, handle that before the crew arrives so the home is calm and clear when they start loading.
2
What if my movers are late?
A short delay of 30 to 60 minutes is common, especially if the crew had a job before yours. If they're significantly late, call your moving company directly rather than waiting it out. Most reputable companies will proactively update you if there's a delay.
3
What if something gets damaged?
Take photos immediately and note the damage on the paperwork you sign at delivery, if possible. Most moving companies carry basic liability coverage, and many offer additional valuation coverage you can purchase ahead of time.
4
Do I need to be home the whole time?
Yes, ideally. Someone needs to be there to answer questions, point out fragile items, and do the final walkthrough. If you truly can't be present, some companies allow a trusted representative to stand in for you, but this should be arranged in advance.
5
How do I prepare kids or pets for moving day?
Arrange for them to be somewhere else with a babysitter, family member, or at a pet daycare for most of the day. Moving day is loud, doors are open constantly, and it's easy for a pet to slip out or a child to get underfoot around heavy furniture. If that's not possible, set them up away from the main traffic path.
6
Do I need to tip the movers?
Tipping isn't mandatory, but it's customary in Canada for a job well done. There's no single standard, so most people use one of a few common approaches:
- Per mover, per hour: $5 to $10
- Per mover, flat rate: $20 to $40 for a half-day move, $40 to $60 for a full day
- Percentage of the total bill: 5% to 10%
Adjust up for a tougher job with stairs, heavy furniture, tight hallways, or down for a small, straightforward move. Cash is still the most common way to tip, though some crews accept e-transfer.
Get ready for moving day and request your 5 fee quotes!
A checklist only gets you so far. The biggest factor in how smooth your moving day goes is who’s carrying the boxes. A reliable crew shows up on time, handles your things with care, and sticks to the quote they gave you.
That’s where comparing quotes upfront helps. Instead of picking the first company that shows up in a search, we provide you with 5 quotes from verified and preapproved moving companies in your area.
- Fill out our form and our team will match you with movers ready to quote your job. There is no obligation, just options.
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