A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Victoria

Moving can actually be simple, and it gets easier with good preparation. At Country Wide Moving and Storage, our team has assisted countless Victoria customers with moving since 1986. We’re here to give you the benefit of what we’ve learned, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. Our goal is to make your move the smoothest one yet.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Keep Documents in Order

• Create a digital or paper folder to keep all your moving-related documents in one place
• Store all major agreements and service documents together
• Collect all invoices and setup records
• Keep copies of your change-of-address confirmation and important contact numbers
• Make backup scans of crucial documents, just in case

Sort & Simplify Before You Move

• Set aside things you want to bring to your new place
• List items on eBay/Facebook, Marketplace, or scheduled yard sale
• Arrange for junk removal or donation drop-offs
• Organize everything by what to move, give away, or throw out

Arrange Donation of Unwanted Items

• Select gently used things for charity
• Book a collection or bring donations to your group of choice
• Organize donations so they’re easy to find on pickup day
• Offer things you can’t sell or donate to people you know

Sell Extra Stuff Before You Move

• Advertise things online for a quick sale
• Use good images and descriptions to attract buyers
• Pick a date and set up for a garage or yard sale
• Gather price tags, tables, and small bills for making change

Don’t Lose Track of Key Files

• Locate birth certificates, passports, and medical records
• Gather insurance papers, financial information, and school records
• Get a secure container or digital solution for storage
• Have your documents handy for when you arrive

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Create an inventory of your possessions
• Flag anything that is delicate, pricey, or sensitive
• Highlight items requiring extra protection or handling

Photos for Insurance

• Photograph valuable possessions for records
• Upload all images to a secure storage account
• Make hard copies or backups in case you need them

Clearing Out Non-Movable Goods

• Plan meals to use up anything that won’t keep
• Use up or safely throw away cleaning supplies and anything hazardous that movers can't take
• Set aside anything you're not allowed to move, and make a plan to dispose of it properly

Utility Arrangements

• Look up which utility companies you'll need for your new place and your current one
• Confirm that your new place has the right utilities, gas for a gas stove for example
• Call each company to arrange your move-out timing
• Book your start dates to avoid gaps in service
• Track appointments and reference numbers for backup

Safe Deposit Box and Storage Unit

• If changing banks (long distance move) make plans for emptying out your safe deposit box before moving day
• Set date to empty or move any storage units
• Coordinate your access ahead of moving day
• Prepare a safe method for moving critical paperwork or jewelry
• Inspect the unit before leaving to avoid forgotten items

Letting Everyone Know Where You’re Going

• File a change of address form to reroute your mail
• Notify all your financial and service providers about your new address

Notifying Schools & Healthcare Providers

• Tell your kids' schools and your doctors, dentist, and vet about your move
• Ask about transferring any records you'll need at your new place

Planning for Kids and Pets

• Have a kit with treats, toys, and necessities ready to go
• Prepare everything for their comfort and health
• Secure a spot with sitters or daycare and check timing
• Double-check that pets have updated ID tags and are microchipped with your new address

Scheduling Days Off for Your Move

• Request time off work for moving day, and for packing or unpacking if you think you'll need it
• Communicate your schedule to the office in advance
• Set up an out-of-office email or voicemail if you'll be unavailable
• Tie up loose ends before you leave for moving day
• Book your internet installation in advance for remote work

Getting to Know Your New Area

Preparing the Layout of Your New Place

• Sketch out room arrangements before moving day
• Make sure there’s a clear path for oversized items
• Ensure every piece fits perfectly before the truck arrives
• Snap photos for easy reference when arranging furniture
• Label your furniture and boxes with the room name to make moving day easier for everyone

Packing Necessities and Priceless Belongings

• Gather up personal treasures and keep them separate
• Pack a small bag with chargers, medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes for each family member
• Carry important daily items in your pocket or purse
• Don’t risk sentimental objects—bring them along in your car

Managing Entry and Exit

• Collect all spare keys, garage door openers, and gate codes for both your old and new homes
• Organize every entry tool in one place and label clearly

Move-In/Move-Out Requirements for Apartment and Condo Residents

• Double-check with both your old and new buildings about any move-in or move-out requirements
• Check on required documents or proof of coverage
• Make arrangements for access to necessary moving facilities
• Double-check that all paperwork is done before your move
• Make sure you know the allowed moving hours for each building to avoid surprises

Making Sure Both Homes Are Clean

• Hire professionals to clean your old place post-move
• Arrange for a cleaning at your new place before you move in, so it's fresh and ready for your things
• List which spots need extra care or deep cleaning
• If you're cleaning yourself, gather supplies and plan enough time to get it done

How to Handle Items Kept in Storage

• Book your time at the storage unit early
• Decide if you'll move those items yourself or have the movers handle it
• Inventory all stored goods for an easy move
• If you're moving to a new storage unit, reserve it in advance and confirm the address and hours

Notifying Neighbours

• Give advance notice of your move to your neighbours
• Let neighbours know if your move may impact their routine
• Express gratitude for their understanding

Arranging Parking for the Truck

• Find out about parking rules in both old and new neighbourhoods
• Reach out to arrange for street reservations or permits
• Put up barriers to hold your reserved parking if permitted

Managing Utility Shut-Off and Start-Up

• Review service schedules to prevent being left without power, water, or connectivity
• Contact providers ahead of time to coordinate changes in service

Keeping Important Items Safe

• Set aside items that you’ll carry yourself for added peace of mind
• Choose strong boxes for personal things and place them somewhere secure
• Add a prominent “Do Not Move” note so they stay with you

Packing a Move-Day Survival Kit

• Prepare a go-bag with everything for your first nights in the new house
• Have your emergency kit or first-night bag within arm’s reach

Returning Loaned/Borrowed Items Before the Move

• Gather up anything you've borrowed from friends, neighbours, or the library
• Drop off everything you’ve borrowed to the right owners

Prescription Transfers

• Set up prescription transfers so nothing is missed
• Make sure you have enough medication to last through the move, just in case there are any delays

Getting Appliances Ready for the Move

• Disconnect all large kitchen and laundry appliances
• Remove everything from refrigerators and freezers
• Clean the inside thoroughly to avoid odours
• Thaw freezers so water doesn't cause trouble in transit
• Towel dry all appliances to prevent mess, mold, or rust

Finish Packing Non-Essentials

• Complete packing of items you're moving yourself that aren't needed daily
• Select tough boxes and write clear descriptions on each
• Keep fragile items well-protected with padding
• Look over your items one last time before moving day

Final Check-In with Your Movers

• Reach out to verify what time your movers will show up
• Remind them of anything out of the ordinary
• Make sure you have contact info handy for the moving team on the day

Make a Handy Moving Day Packet

• Collect everything from contracts to checklists
• Add all entry tools to your folder so you have them
• Write down or save essential phone numbers for fast help
• Organize everything in a folder or envelope that's easy to carry and access on moving day

Get Suitcases Packed

• Prepare a travel bag for everyone with all necessary basics like a few changes of clothes and toiletries
• Include chargers, medications, favourite toys, and anything you'll want right away at your new place

Set Aside Important Documents and Valuables

• Find and assemble all the documents you can’t afford to lose like passports and birth certificates
• Collect jewelry, cash, and other valuables
• Carry sensitive items yourself for peace of mind

Getting Rid of Unwanted Items

• Walk through the house to catch leftover clutter
• Dispose of, give away, or repurpose things you don’t need
• Search all storage nooks before you finish

Set Aside Cash for the Big Day

• Take out cash for tipping your movers, buying snacks, or handling any last-minute expenses or emergencies

Confirm Child or Pet Care

• Reconfirm the schedule and drop-off times
• Give all necessary information to those watching your loved ones

Clean Out Bins and Containers

• Scrub and sanitize trash cans and recycling bins before moving
• Make sure nothing is left behind and everything is ready for the next resident

Line Up Assistance for Delivery and Set-Up

• Have someone you trust available to supervise on move-in day if you can’t be there
• Plan for extra help to monitor movers or installations

Prepare Refrigerator

• Remove all food from the fridge and freezer
• Disconnect power and keep doors ajar to melt ice
• Wipe down inside surfaces and dry everything to prevent odours or mold

Prepare Your Washer for the Move

• Sanitize the inside to remove soap and residue
• Make sure it's completely dry to avoid any mildew
• Stabilize the drum according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Leave the door open for a few hours to let any last moisture evaporate

Wrapping Up at Your Old Home

• Be on hand to provide instructions or guidance as needed
• Alert movers to pieces that require extra attention or are not going

• Walk through each room with the movers as they take inventory of your belongings
• Double-check that everything you want moved is included on their list

• Make sure all boxes are clearly labeled with their destination rooms
• Keep an eye on the loading to catch any forgotten items

• Go through the house and make sure all windows are closed and locked
• Switch off all electronics and utilities

• Walk through all spaces to double-check for leftovers
• Look behind doors and in drawers for any last items

• Leave all necessary keys, garage door openers, and gate remotes for the new occupants
• Write down any helpful tips or reminders for the new people

Move-In Steps for Your New Home

• Show up early to prepare for unloading
• Do a quick walk-through to make sure everything is ready for unloading

• Provide clear directions for box placement and setup
• Put up temporary signs to help movers navigate

• Keep track of boxes as they’re delivered
• Quickly review each item for problems before accepting delivery

• List any concerns on the final form to ensure coverage
• Take photos of any damaged items for your records

• Make sure electricity, water, gas, and internet are all working
• Make sure all machines work before unpacking further

• Snap pictures of all meter readings for reference
• Keep all documentation on file for disputes

• Install new locks for added security if you own the home
• Always confirm with your landlord before altering entry systems

Unpack Essentials First

• Open up boxes with your most-used essentials first
• Double-check that each family member has comfort and basics for the evening

• Let movers know your unpacking priorities at the start
• Offer detailed guidance for each space or room

• Flatten boxes and collect all packing materials
• See if your moving company can take the waste, or check for local recycling drop-offs

• Update your address on your driver's license, car registration, and voter registration
• Follow local rules to make sure your car is properly registered
• Register your pets with the new city or county if needed

• Go out and make connections in your new neighbourhood
• A friendly hello can help you settle in and start building community

• Give movers the praise or suggestions they deserve

• Collect everything related to your move for easy reference
• Keep paperwork in case you need to reference it later

• Set aside a go-bag with necessities you’ll want throughout the day
• Don’t pack these items in the truck—keep them handy for comfort and emergencies

• Snap pictures of the back of your devices before taking them apart
• Have the visual guide ready so you don’t guess which wire goes where

• Pack a bag with pajamas, toiletries, towels, and bedding for each family member
• Bring extra things to make your family feel at home right away

• Go online or visit your post office to set up mail forwarding
• Let all your subscription providers know where to send things

• Research and save phone numbers you might need urgently
• Store emergency numbers on paper and electronically

Need Help With Your Victoria Move?

When finding dependable movers is a priority in Victoria, Country Wide Moving and Storage sets the standard for value and customer care.

• Dependability – Chosen by countless Victoria clients since 1986
• Expertise – We treat your possessions with the respect they deserve
• Smart Savings – Our goal is to keep your moving costs as low as possible

Don't stress about your upcoming move – let the experts at Country Wide Moving and Storage take care of every detail so you can start fresh. You’ll notice the difference in our dedication!

Get Your Free Victoria Moving Quote or call 778-403-4575 today!