1. Establish a Moving Budget- Estimate costs related to moving, such as a moving company, packing supplies, and additional expenses.
2. Select a Moving Date- If the house you’ve purchased closes prior to the one you currently live in moving doesn’t have to be on closing day. Moving day should be whenever works for you. Consider factors such as weather conditions and personal schedules, and give yourself adequate time.
3. Research Moving Companies- If you’re not moving the items yourself, obtain quotes and reviews to choose a reputable moving service. At Integra Realty we’d be happy to recommend a few.
4. Declutter Your Home- Sort belongings into categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard. Purging unwanted items can take an additional load of your shoulders.
5. Notify Your Landlord (if applicable)- Provide notice as required by your lease agreement. Many leases require 60 days. Ensure that your landlord has sufficient notice so that you don’t incur an additional expense.
6. Acquire Packing Supplies- Gather boxes, bubble wrap, tape, markers, and labels. Its about to happen!

7. Begin Packing Non-Essential Items- Packing the non-essentials well in advance provides an added sense of preparation.
8. Update Your Address- Change your address with the post office and relevant institutions.
9. Inform Utility Companies- Schedule disconnection and reconnection of services at your new residence. Doing this well in advance is a smart move to ensure that nothing is missed.
10. Arrange Care for Pets- You might want to consider dropping your pet of at a close friend or family members house on the day of moving.

11. Continue Packing- Pack room by room, clearly labeling each box.
12. Confirm Moving Details- Reconfirm date, time, and payment arrangements with the moving company. It may also be wise to confirm that the utility accounts are adequately prepared for your move. Additionally, since its common to have a friend or family member to help with the move, confirm their availability for the big day!
13. Prepare an Essentials Box- Include items needed immediately upon arrival (e.g., clothing, toiletries, important documents). This box should be useful for at least a couple days while the busiest part of the move is being tackled

14. Complete Packing- Finish packing all remaining items, leaving out only essentials.
15. Conduct a Thorough Cleaning- Deep clean your home as you complete the packing process. A clean home for your buyers is often included in the agreement of purchase and sale.
16. Check Weather Forecasts- Prepare for potential weather conditions on moving day.

17. Enjoy a Nutritious Breakfast- Give yourself lots of energy for the day ahead. You’re going to need it!
18. Perform a Final Walk-Through- Inspect each room, closet, and storage area for any overlooked items. A final clean ensures the next occupants aware entering a positive environment.
19. Meet the Movers- Provide any necessary instructions to the moving team. It may be wise to highlight a few boxes that are extra fragile to ensure they are well taken care of.
20. Safeguard Important Documents- Keep essential papers with you instead of placing them in the moving truck.

21. Unpack Essential Items First- Prioritize unpacking the kitchen and bedrooms. This is the quickest way to feel at home.
22. Check utilities- Ensure all services are operational in your new home. Some meters are read on the day of closing as benchmark for utility companies.
23. Take a trip to service Ontario- Register your new address on all necessary documents such as your drivers license and health card.
24. Continue picking away- Continue turning your house into a home. Finish unpacking and add the details that you’ve been visualizing since the day you first saw it.
25. Explore Your New Neighborhood- Familiarize yourself with local amenities, parks, and shops.
26. Introduce Yourself to Neighbors- Begin building connections within your new community.

Make sure there’s a spot for the moving truck to park, and that there are no plants, boxes or furniture blocking doorways and walkways. Remove rugs, disconnect the spring from the screen door and prop open doors than swing shut.

Ask your neighbours if you can use their containers to toss any remaining trash. Make sure any hazardous or flammable waste is disposed of properly.

Take note of your utility meter readings so you don’t end up paying for someone else’s use.

Do one last walk-through to make sure you haven’t missed anything. Don’t forget closets, cupboards and crawl spaces.

Turn off all the lights, shut all the windows and lock the doors.

Leave them with the landlord or new owner.

Make sure they can be easily accessed once they’re inside.

See that the right boxes are going to the right rooms.

 Before unpacking or setting up anything else, ensure everyone has a comfortable place to sleep.

After sleep comes food. Pull out the coffee maker, the toaster and maybe a frying pan for scrambled eggs so you can have breakfast in the AM.