Start planning your move early and you will be surprised at just how smoothly things will go.   If possible allow a time-span of 30 days to prepare, and try to avoid peak moving periods like the first and last few days of each month. These are the times when everybody wants to move.

When you're finished reading this page, go to the text-only version of The Better Move Planner to print a copy of this checklist without graphics.




  • Have an inventory session.  Decide what to move and what not to move.

  • Make arrangements for the trip (hotel/airline reservations,routing etc.)

  • Schedule a moving sale for the items you won't move.  Donate other items to charitable organizations (get receipt for tax record).

  • Arrange for packing. Bluebird Relocation Systems can handle all of the packing for you, or if you decide to move yourself, Bluebird also has a retail location where you can find all the supplies you will need.

  • Gather personal records: medical, dental, school, birth, marraige etc.   Arrange to send transcripts of school records in advance to new schools.

  • Close local department store and other charge accounts.

  • Make arrangements to discontinue:

    Newspaper
    Electricity    check for refund
    Water service
    Telephone service    the day after your goods are loaded
    Gas service    check for refund
    Fuel or oil delivery
    Garbage collection
    Diaper service
    Pool/Lawn services

    Make advance arrangements for these services in your new hometown.

  • Notify the following of your change in address:

    Post Office, Health Canada, Human Resources Canada, Provincial Social Services, insurance companies, credit cards, magazines, friends, relatives, mail order accounts.



  • Fill and transfer prescriptions for family and pets.  Pack them to travel with you.

  • Arrange for shipment of pets and plants.  Get immunization records for pets.

  • Safely dispose of, or give away, all flammable goods such as paints.  These items can not be moved.



  • Defrost refridgerator and freezer, and allow thorough air-drying to prevent mildew.  Arrange for disposal of frozen foods.

  • Clean oven.

  • Transfer bank accounts

  • Drain fuel and oil from lawnmowers, and other power equipment.

  • Drain garden hoses

  • Pack items to be carried in car. Label "Do Not Move".

  • Gather valuables from safe deposit boxes, drawers, jewelry cases, personal records etc.  Pack these items safely to bring with you.

  • Send clothing, draperies, curtains, rugs out for cleaning and leave in wrapping.

  • Take down curtain rods, shelving, TV antenna.

  • Have car seviced for trip, and have proof of insurance ready.



  • Remember to pack a box of the basics you will need on moving-in day (tools, paper, cleaners etc.), and load this box last so that it will be first off at your new home.

  • Pack suitcases for trip

  • Remove all bed linens

  • If you are using a professional mover, make sure you are available to check inventory lists.

  • Conduct last minute walk-through of you house (with your van operator).  Make sure the windows are closed, the closets empty, the lights out, and the doors are locked.





copyright Bluebird Relocation Systems 1999
a North American Van Lines agent