Moving to a new home, whether across North York, somewhere else in Ontario, or even further afield, is a monumental task. It’s an exciting new chapter, but let’s be honest – it can also be one of the most stressful experiences of your life. The sheer volume of belongings, the logistics of transportation, and the endless list of tasks can leave anyone feeling overwhelmed. That’s why at Top Town Movers, we believe in empowering our clients with the knowledge to make their house moving tips as smooth and stress-free as possible.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the BEST house moving tips, from the very first thought of relocating to settling into your new space. More importantly, we’ll highlight common mistakes to avoid, ensuring your transition is seamless and your belongings arrive safely.
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The Foundation: Planning is Everything
Tip 1: Create a Detailed Moving Checklist and Timeline (and Stick to It!)
Think of your move as a project, and a project needs a plan. Start early, ideally 8-12 weeks before your move date.
- 8-12 Weeks Out:
- Declutter ruthlessly: This is perhaps the most crucial pre-moving tip. Go through every room, every cupboard, every drawer. If you haven’t used it in a year, or it doesn’t bring you joy, consider donating, selling, or discarding it. Less stuff means less to pack, less to move, and less to unpack. This saves you time, effort, and potentially money if you’re paying by weight or volume.
- Research and book your movers: Don’t wait until the last minute. Reputable moving companies in North York and across Ontario, like Top Town Movers, get booked up, especially during peak seasons (summer and end-of-month). Get quotes from at least three companies, ensuring they are licensed, insured, and have positive reviews. Ask about their services, including packing, unpacking, and storage options. Get everything in writing!
- Set a budget: Moving can be expensive. Factor in moving company fees, packing supplies, utility connection fees, potential cleaning services, and even meals on moving day.
- Start a moving binder/digital folder: Keep all important documents, contracts, receipts, and contact information in one designated place.
- 6-8 Weeks Out:
- Notify relevant parties of your move: This includes landlords (if renting), schools, doctors, dentists, banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, employers, and subscription services. Canada Post offers a mail forwarding service that can be invaluable.
- Gather packing supplies: Start collecting sturdy boxes of various sizes (small for heavy items like books, larger for lighter items like linens), packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers, and labels. Many moving companies offer supplies, or you can often find free boxes at local grocery stores or online marketplaces.
- Start packing non-essentials: Begin with items you won’t need until after the move, such as off-season clothing, decorative items, books, and items from storage areas (attic, basement, garage).
- 4-6 Weeks Out:
- Arrange utility transfers and disconnections: Contact electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable providers for both your old and new homes. Schedule disconnections for the day after your move-out and connections for the day of your move-in.
- Update government records: Driver’s license, health card, vehicle registration, etc.
- Confirm elevator bookings/parking permits: If you’re moving into or out of an apartment or condo building in North York, book elevator times in advance. Check with your municipality for any necessary street parking permits for the moving truck.
- Arrange childcare/pet care for moving day: This will significantly reduce stress and ensure their safety.
- 2 Weeks Out:
- Pack the majority of your belongings: Continue packing room by room.
- Create an “essentials box” (or two!): This box should contain everything you’ll need for the first 24-48 hours in your new home. More on this below.
- Confirm all bookings: Call your moving company, utility providers, and any other services to re-confirm dates and times.
- Empty, defrost, and clean your refrigerator/freezer: Do this a few days before the move.
- 1 Week Out:
- Finish packing: Only leave out items you’ll use daily until moving day.
- Confirm payment methods: Ensure you have the agreed-upon payment ready for your movers.
- Withdraw cash: For tips for the movers or unexpected small expenses.
- Do laundry: You don’t want to move dirty clothes.
- Charge all electronics: Phones, laptops, tablets.
- Learn More >>>>500+ Things Gone | How To Declutter Like You Are Moving
Mistake to Avoid #1: Last-Minute Everything
Panic packing and scrambling to find movers or utilities at the eleventh hour is a recipe for disaster. This leads to higher costs, less reputable services, damaged belongings, and immense stress. Planning ahead and sticking to your timeline is the best defence against moving mayhem.
Smart Packing: Your Key to an Organized Unpack
Packing is more than just putting things in boxes. Strategic packing ensures the safety of your belongings and makes unpacking infinitely easier.
Tip 2: Label Everything Clearly and Effectively
Don’t just write “kitchen” on a box. Be specific.
- Room and Contents: Label each box with the room it belongs in (e.g., “Master Bedroom,” “Kitchen,” “Living Room”) AND a brief list of its contents (e.g., “Pots & Pans,” “Books & Decor,” “Linen Closet”).
- Fragile/Heavy: Clearly mark boxes as “FRAGILE” (with arrows indicating “this side up”) or “HEAVY” to guide movers on how to handle them.
- Color-Coding: Assign a different color to each room and use colored labels or tape on boxes. This provides a quick visual cue for movers.
Mistake to Avoid #2: Over-packing or Under-packing Boxes
- Over-packing heavy items: Don’t stuff large boxes with books or canned goods. This makes them too heavy to lift, risking injury to movers and damage to the box (and its contents). Use smaller boxes for heavy items.
- Under-packing light items: Don’t leave too much empty space in boxes, as this can cause items to shift and get damaged. Fill gaps with packing paper, towels, or linens.
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Tip 3: Pack an “Essentials Box” (Your Moving Day Survival Kit)
This is a non-negotiable house moving tip. This box should be packed last and loaded first, ideally with you in your personal vehicle.
- Contents:
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, toilet paper)
- Medications (prescription and over-the-counter)
- A change of clothes for a day or two
- Pajamas
- Basic kitchen essentials (paper plates, cups, cutlery, coffee/tea, snacks, bottle opener)
- Important documents (birth certificates, passports, financial records, moving contracts)
- Chargers for phones and other devices
- Basic tools (screwdriver, utility knife, hammer)
- First-aid kit
- Pet food and supplies (if applicable)
- Kids’ comfort items (favorite toy, blanket)
- Cleaning supplies for quick tidy-ups
- A roll of paper towels
- Garbage bags
Mistake to Avoid #3: Mixing Items from Different Rooms
This is a common packing mistake that leads to chaotic unpacking. Keep items from one room together in designated boxes. This streamlined approach saves countless hours when you’re setting up your new home.
Moving Day: Execution and Efficiency
The big day has arrived! Even with the best planning, moving day can be hectic. These house moving tips focus on smooth execution.
Tip 4: Supervise and Communicate with Your Movers
If you’ve hired professionals like Top Town Movers, you’re in good hands, but your presence and clear communication are still vital.
- Be Present: Be available to answer questions, direct movers to specific rooms, and address any concerns.
- Do a Final Walkthrough: Before the movers leave your old home, do a thorough walk-through of every room, closet, and cupboard to ensure nothing is left behind.
- Confirm New Address and Delivery Time: Double-check the destination address and estimated arrival time with your movers before they depart.
- Inspect Upon Arrival: As items are unloaded, check for any visible damage and ensure all boxes are accounted for, especially if you have an inventory list. Report any issues immediately.
Mistake to Avoid #4: Not Measuring Furniture and Doorways
Imagine the frustration of getting your beloved couch to your new living room, only to find it won’t fit through the door. Before moving day, measure all large furniture pieces and the entryways, hallways, and stairwells of your new home. This simple step can save you immense hassle and potential damage.
Tip 5: Protect Your Valuables and Important Documents
While professional movers are meticulous, some items are best kept with you.
- Carry Valuables Personally: Jewelry, sentimental items, important family photos, and irreplaceable documents should be transported by you, not in the moving truck.
- Back Up Important Files: Before packing up computers and external hard drives, back up all critical digital files to a cloud service or a portable hard drive you carry with you.
Mistake to Avoid #5: Ignoring Moving Insurance
Many people assume their standard home insurance policy covers their belongings during a move. This is often not the case, or coverage may be limited. Discuss insurance options with your moving company. Reputable movers like Top Town Movers offer various levels of valuation coverage. Understand what’s covered and what isn’t, and consider additional coverage for high-value items if needed.
Settling In: The Unpacking Phase
You’ve made it to your new home! The boxes are piled high, but the journey isn’t over. These house moving tips will help you transform a house into a home.
Tip 6: Prioritize Unpacking
Don’t feel pressured to unpack everything on day one. Focus on the essentials.
- Start with the “Essentials Box”: Unpack this immediately.
- Set up Bedrooms: Get beds assembled and linens on. A good night’s sleep is crucial after a long moving day.
- Unpack Bathrooms: Get your toiletries and towels in place.
- Set up the Kitchen: Unpack enough to prepare simple meals, make coffee, and access basic dishes.
- Connect Utilities: Ensure electricity, water, and internet are functioning.
Mistake to Avoid #6: Procrastinating on Changing Locks
Especially if you’ve bought a previously owned home, changing the locks should be one of your top priorities. You never know who might have old keys. This is a crucial safety measure.
- Learn More >>>>The Best Moving Boxes to Make Life Easier
Tip 7: Get Organized as You Unpack
Resist the urge to just “dump” items into cupboards. Take a moment to organize as you go.
- Clean Before Unpacking: If possible, clean shelves and drawers before putting items away.
- Create Designated Homes: Decide where everything will go in your new space. This prevents clutter from accumulating right away.
- Break Down Empty Boxes: As soon as a box is empty, break it down. This prevents piles of empty boxes from overwhelming your new space and makes disposal easier.
Mistake to Avoid #7: Neglecting Self-Care
Moving is physically and emotionally draining. Don’t forget to take care of yourself and your family.
- Stay Hydrated and Fed: Have water and easy-to-grab snacks readily available for everyone involved in the move.
- Order Takeout: On moving day, plan for takeout meals. Cooking will likely be the last thing you want to do.
- Take Breaks: Don’t push yourself to exhaustion. Take short breaks to rest and re-energize.
- Celebrate! Once the critical unpacking is done, take a moment to acknowledge your hard work and celebrate your new beginning.
Partnering with Professionals: Top Town Movers in North York
While these house moving tips empower you to manage many aspects of your move, the expertise of professional movers can be invaluable. At Top Town Movers, serving Ontario and specifically the North York area, we understand the nuances of a successful relocation.
- Learn More >>>>Why THESE Boxes Are the BEST for Moving and Packing
We offer:
- Experienced and reliable teams: Our movers are trained, uniformed, and dedicated to handling your belongings with care.
- Comprehensive services: From full packing and unpacking services to secure transportation and even storage solutions, we can tailor our offerings to your specific needs.
- Local knowledge: We know the North York area and Ontario routes, ensuring efficient and timely service.
- Transparent pricing: No hidden fees, just clear and honest quotes.
- Customer-focused approach: We prioritize your peace of mind and strive to make your move a positive experience.
By combining these BEST house moving tips with the reliable service of Top Town Movers, your transition to your new home in North York, or anywhere in Ontario, can be an exciting adventure rather than a stressful ordeal. Remember, a well-planned move is a happy move!
