10 Things to Do Before Moving Day

Moving day is stressful enough without realizing you forgot to transfer your utilities or can’t find your toothbrush. Here are the 10 things we see clients wish they’d done before the truck arrived.

1. Pack an Essentials Box (And Keep It With You)

This is the single most important thing on this list. Pack a bag or box with everything you’ll need for the first 24-48 hours:

• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper)
• Medications
• Phone chargers and cables
• Change of clothes
• Snacks and water
• Basic cleaning supplies
• Sheets and towels for the first night
• Coffee maker (trust us on this one)

Pro tip: Keep this box in your car, not on the moving truck. You want access to it immediately.

2. Confirm Everything With Your Movers

Call your moving company 2-3 days before to confirm:

• Arrival time and window
• Address details for both locations
• Any access codes, elevator bookings, or parking permits needed
• Special items requiring extra care or equipment
• Payment method and amount

3. Transfer or Cancel Utilities

Schedule utility changes for moving day:

• BC Hydro: Transfer or cancel online
• FortisBC: For natural gas
• Internet: Book installation at new place in advance
• Water: Some municipalities require you to call

Don’t schedule disconnection until end of moving day—you’ll need lights!

4. Update Your Address Everywhere

The list is longer than you think:

• Canada Post (set up mail forwarding)
• BC Services Card / Driver’s License
• Vehicle registration
• CRA (for tax purposes)
• Banks and credit cards
• Insurance (home, auto, life)
• Employer and payroll
• Subscriptions (Amazon, Netflix, etc.)
• Doctors, dentists, pharmacies
• Schools and daycares

5. Clean Out Your Fridge and Freezer

In the week before moving:

• Stop buying perishables
• Use up what you have (meal planning helps)
• Defrost the freezer 24 hours before
• Clean the inside—you don’t want smells in transit
• Prop the door open slightly during the move

6. Photograph Your Electronics Setup

Before unplugging anything, take photos of:

• Back of your TV (which cable goes where)
• Router and modem connections
• Computer cable setups
• Stereo and speaker wiring

You’ll thank yourself when you’re setting up at 10 PM and can’t remember which input was which.

7. Disassemble What You Can

The night before, take apart:

• Bed frames (keep hardware in labeled bags)
• IKEA furniture that needs it
• Anything that won’t fit through doorways assembled

Movers can do this, but it saves time (and money if you’re paying hourly).

8. Prepare Both Locations

At your old place:

• Clear pathways from rooms to the door
• Protect floors if needed
• Reserve elevator time (if applicable)
• Arrange parking for the truck

At your new place:

• Do a walkthrough—note any existing damage
• Clean before your stuff arrives (easier with empty rooms)
• Make sure utilities are on
• Reserve elevator time
• Decide where furniture will go

9. Secure Valuables and Documents

Keep these with you, not on the truck:

• Passports and IDs
• Birth certificates and important documents
• Jewelry and watches
• Cash and credit cards
• Prescription medications
• Laptops and external hard drives
• Sentimental items that can’t be replaced

10. Get Some Rest

We know—easier said than done. But moving day is physically and mentally exhausting. Don’t stay up until 2 AM packing. A few unpacked items are better than being exhausted. You need energy for decision-making and oversight.

Bonus: Have Cash On Hand

For tips, unexpected expenses, and that pizza you’ll inevitably order when you realize all your pots are buried in a box somewhere.