Start a household move about eight weeks before moving day. Book the movers first, then sort and pack room by room, then change your address in the last two weeks. The timeline below works for a local move in the GTA and for a move across Canada.
Last updated October 25, 2026 · Klacar Inc., Burlington
Start planning a household move about eight weeks before moving day. Book the movers in the first two weeks, because good dates fill before anything else. The last two weeks are for address changes, utilities and a first-night box.
A move across Canada needs the same steps as a local move, with more lead time for booking. A move to the United States also needs customs paperwork, which is covered in the CBP Form 3299 guide.
Count back from moving day. Move a task earlier if your date is near the end of a month.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks before | Fix the moving date. Get a written quote from movers after a walkthrough, on site or by video. |
| 6 weeks before | Book the mover. Sort each room into keep, sell, donate and discard. Measure large furniture against the new home. |
| 4 weeks before | Order boxes and wardrobe cartons. Start packing rooms you use least. Book elevator time if either home is a condo. |
| 3 weeks before | Set up Canada Post mail forwarding. Arrange transfer of internet, hydro, gas and water accounts. |
| 2 weeks before | Notify your bank, employer, insurance and CRA of the new address. Use up frozen food. Confirm parking for the truck. |
| 1 week before | Pack all but daily items. Label every box with its room. Confirm the time and address details with the mover. |
| Moving day | Walk the home with the crew lead. Keep documents and valuables with you. Check every room before the truck leaves. |
| Within 30 days after | Update your Ontario health card and driver's licence address through ServiceOntario. |
Make these changes in the last three weeks before the move or the first weeks after.
Driver's licence, vehicle permit and health card. Ontario requires the health card update within 30 days.
Update your address through CRA My Account so tax mail and benefits reach you.
Mail forwarding catches anything you missed. Set it to start on moving day.
Banks, credit cards, investment accounts and loans.
Home or tenant insurance, auto insurance and life insurance. Coverage at the new home should start on moving day.
Your employer's payroll, schools, your family doctor, dentist and pharmacy.
Klacar quotes a household move after a walkthrough, on site or by video, so the price reflects the real home. Boxes, tape and wardrobe cartons can be delivered ahead of the move date.
If closing dates do not line up, Klacar can hold goods in its Burlington warehouse until the new home is ready. See storage and warehousing and residential moving.
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Book the movers as soon as your closing or lease date is fixed. End-of-month dates fill first, because many closings and leases end on the last day of the month.
Ontario's Change my address page says you must update your health card address within 30 days of moving. You can update it through ServiceOntario online, in person or by mail. A photo health card with a printed address must be changed in person.
The Canada Revenue Agency allows a moving expense deduction on line 21900 when your new home is at least 40 kilometres closer to your new work or school. The distance is measured by the shortest normal route. Check the CRA's line 21900 page for the current year before you file.
Keep passports, closing papers, medication, chargers, jewellery and keys with you, not on the truck. Pack one box of first-night items: bedding, towels, a kettle, toilet paper and basic tools.
Ask your mover about short-term storage. Klacar can hold goods in its Burlington warehouse for a night or longer and deliver when the keys are in your hand.