Complete moving checklist: the 8 weeks before the big day

A well-planned move starts about 8 weeks ahead. By spreading the tasks out week by week, you avoid last-minute stress, compare prices calmly and arrive on moving day with your boxes packed and your paperwork done.

Here is the complete checklist used by the Déménagement Bon Avenir team: tick each task as you go (the boxes are clickable) or print the page to keep it handy.

D-56 8 weeks before: plan and declutter

This is the time for the big decisions: the date, the budget and what you are really taking with you. The fewer items you move, the less the move costs and the faster it goes.

• Set the moving date and note the end and start dates of your leases
• Declutter room by room: keep, donate, sell, recycle
• Measure large furniture and make sure it will fit in the new home (doors, stairs, elevator)
• Set a budget: movers, boxes and supplies, possible storage, connection fees, cleaning
• Request one or more written quotes from movers
• Create a folder (paper or digital) for the lease, quotes, receipts and confirmations

D-42 6 weeks before: book and get supplies

Good dates go fast, especially at the end of the month, on weekends and around July 1 in Quebec. Book as soon as your date is confirmed.

• Choose your mover and get a written contract (date, arrival time, number of movers, rate, included services)
• Mention special items in advance: piano, pool table, appliances, artwork, furniture to disassemble
• Decide whether you want a packing and unpacking service or storage between two homes
• Gather supplies: boxes in various sizes, tape, packing paper, bubble wrap, markers, bags for bedding
• Start packing what you don’t use (seasonal decorations, books, storage items)

D-28 4 weeks before: address changes and utilities

A month ahead, take care of the paperwork. In Quebec, several government bodies can be notified in a single step.

• Use the Service québécois de changement d’adresse (SQCA) to notify 7 Quebec government departments and agencies at once, including Revenu Québec, the RAMQ, the SAAQ, Retraite Québec and Élections Québec
• Notify the federal programs that apply to you (Canada Revenue Agency, benefits, etc.)
• Order Canada Post Mail Forwarding (online or at a post office, ID required) — online orders can start about 5 days after purchase, so order at least a week ahead
• Tell Hydro-Québec your move-out and move-in dates
• Schedule the transfer or installation of Internet, TV and phone
• Update your address with your bank, employer, insurers (home and auto) and subscriptions
• Inform your children’s school or daycare and ask for their files to be transferred, if applicable

D-14 2 weeks before: pack room by room

Packing always takes longer than expected. Go one room at a time, starting with the ones you use least.

• Pack the least-used rooms first (basement, storage, guest room)
• Put heavy items in small boxes and light items in large ones
• Label each box on the top and side: destination room, contents, “FRAGILE” if needed
• Keep screws and small parts from disassembled furniture in labelled bags taped to the furniture
• Book the elevator and check parking at both addresses
• Arrange childcare and pet care for moving day
• Use up or give away frozen food and pantry items

D-7 The last week: confirm and wrap up

• Confirm with your mover the date, arrival time, both addresses, access and payment method
• Prepare your essentials box (see the list below)
• Set aside important documents, jewellery and valuables: they travel with you
• Empty, clean and defrost the fridge and freezer at least 24 hours ahead if needed
• Unplug and prepare appliances (washer: drain the water from the hoses)
• Return borrowed items and collect the ones you lent
• Gather keys and remotes to hand over to the landlord or buyers

D-1 The day before the move

• Finish the last boxes and seal the ones that are ready
• Disassemble beds and furniture that need it (unless this service is planned with your mover)
• Group boxes near the exit without blocking the way
• Keep the essentials box, documents and valuables apart, in your own vehicle if possible
• Charge your phone and keep your mover’s number handy
• Plan a simple meal for the next day and get a good night’s sleep

D-Day Moving day

• Be there when the crew arrives and walk through the rooms with the crew leader
• Point out fragile items and anything that should not be loaded
• Keep children and pets away from the comings and goings
• Write down meter readings and take photos of the empty old home
• Do a final walk-through: closets, cupboards, balcony, storage, basement
• At the new home, tell the crew which room each piece of furniture and each box goes in
• Check your furniture and inventory before the crew leaves

After After you settle in

• Set up the beds and open the essentials box first
• Check that electricity, hot water, heating or air conditioning and Internet work
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and locate the electrical panel
• Unpack room by room: kitchen and bathroom first
• Make sure your mail is being forwarded and finish any forgotten address changes
• Recycle the boxes or give them to someone who is moving
• Keep your moving receipts and documents in your folder

Need help putting furniture back together? Our furniture assembly service can take care of it.

Frequently asked questions

Practical information checked in October 2026 with Québec.ca, the SAAQ, Hydro-Québec and Canada Post. Procedures and fees may change: check the official websites before acting.