How To Prepare Your Home for Moving

The time has come! You’re getting ready for your move, feeling both excited and overwhelmed. While the actual moving day is far, the best way to set yourself up for moving success is to break the process into smaller, manageable steps, so you never feel burdened by big tasks. We’ll walk you through exactly how to prepare your home for moving, stage by stage, with additional tips that keep things organized, stress low, and your sanity fully intact.

8+ Weeks Before: The Declutter Stage

Eight weeks might sound like you have all the time in the world, but trust us – these days go quickly. This is your chance to get a head start before everything gets too busy. Think of this step as a pre-move spring cleaning where you decide what’s worth bringing and what can find a new home.

• Walk through each room and make “keep,” “donate/sell,” and “discard” piles.
• Measure large furniture to make sure it fits in your new space.
• Get basic supplies: boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap (or towels), and markers.
• Start a simple inventory list to track what’s going in each box.
• Contact professional movers in your area to give them time to prepare for your move as well!

If you need more details on the decluttering process, check out our blog on how you can properly declutter your home!

6 Weeks Before: Figuring Out the Logistics

Six weeks out, you might still feel relaxed, but this is the best time to prepare your home for moving by taking care of things that don’t require boxes and tape. Line up the details that can cause last-minute headaches so you don’t have to deal with the headache later on.

• Confirm your moving date and details with your relocation team
• Check for special requirements (elevator booking, parking permits, narrow driveways).
• Create a master calendar for all moving-related tasks.
• Take photos of valuable or fragile items for insurance purposes.

4 Weeks Before: The Packing Warm-Up

A month away, things start to feel real. This is when you dip your toes into packing without turning your home upside down. Focus on items you won’t need in the next few weeks, some might call it the “I forgot I even owned this” stuff. Every box you pack now is one less thing to deal with during the final rush.

• Pack seasonal clothes, extra kitchen gadgets, books, and décor.
• Label each box with the room, what it is, and a number (that you can track on your inventory list)
• Use smaller boxes for heavy items and protect fragile ones with towels or linens.
• Keep a master inventory that matches each box number to its contents.

2 Weeks Before: The Countdown Begins

Two weeks to prepare your home for moving and the clock starts ticking a little louder. This is the point where you shift into tying up loose ends and making sure your ducks are in a row. The aim here is to have all the practical, behind-the-scenes stuff done so you can focus on packing and loading during the finale.

• Schedule utility shutoff/turn-on dates for both addresses.
• Submit a change of address form to the post office and update accounts.
• Gather important documents in one folder that you’ll keep with you.
• Book a professional disconnection service for appliances if needed.

1 Week Before: The Final Push

With one week to go, you’re almost at the finish line. This is when you pack up the last of your non-daily items, get your “first night” supplies ready, and take apart anything that won’t fit through the door as-is. You’re setting yourself up so that when the big day arrives, there’s nothing left to scramble over.

• Pack an “essentials kit” with toiletries, meds, chargers, snacks, and clothes.
• Take apart your furniture, label and bag all screws and bolts.
• Confirm arrival time and parking arrangements with the transport team.
• Finish packing all non-essential items.

3 Days Before: Protect and Prepare

Just a few days away now. This is the moment to prep your current home for your big exit. A little time spent here can save both you and your movers time on moving day. You’ll also want to think about your first night in the new place, so you’re not digging through boxes to find a pillow or a pan.

• Defrost and clean the fridge/freezer 24 to 48 hours before moving.
• Lay down cardboard or old rugs along main pathways so the floor stays protected.
• Pack a “first night” box with bedding, towels, and kitchen basics.
• Make final decisions on plants or other special items.

1 Day Before: The Double-Check

The day before is like the calm before the storm. This final sweep is to make sure the storm doesn’t knock anything over. This is your safety net day, making sure nothing gets left behind and that everything is clearly labeled and ready to go.

• Do a final sweep of closets, cabinets, attic, and garage.
• Bag and label loose hardware, attaching it to the matching item.
• Keep valuables, important papers, and keepsakes with you.
• Prepare parking or access instructions for the transportation crew.

Move-Day Morning: Calm and Collected

Moving day has arrived, and the goal now is to keep things running smoothly. A quick walk-through and a little organization first thing in the morning can set the tone for the rest of the day. Think of it as the last lap in a well-paced race.

• Walk through each room, closing windows and turning off lights.
• Keep your essentials kit and valuables with you.
• Protect fragile items and keep pathways clear for easy loading.
• Check off each box or item on your inventory list as it’s loaded.

If you don’t think you can get everything done on your own, our trusted Toronto moving company offers packing, loading, and unloading, transportation services so that you don’t have to deal with any unnecessary stress! A helping hand never hurts.

The Day After: Your Well-Earned Break

And just like that, you’ve made it through moving day! The boxes are stacked, the heavy lifting is done, and now it’s time to take a deep breath. The day after is your chance to rest, recharge, and let it sink in that this new space is yours. You’ve worked hard to prepare your home for moving, and now you get to enjoy the payoff! Order your favourite takeout and put your feet up – you’ve earned this moment!