Relocating to a new house can be both thrilling and daunting, particularly when it comes to long-distance coordination, logistical challenges, and packing material. Whether you’re changing cities or simply moving a few blocks, moving house in Canada takes some planning and wise choices to make the experience as seamless as possible.
In this guide, we will take you through all you need to know about moving house in Canada, including packing advice, shipping options, and even budget-friendly tips. Whether you’re moving to Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, or somewhere in between, this will be a comprehensive guide. Let’s dive in.
Things to Know Before Moving House in Canada
1. Create a Moving Checklist Early
Before you break out the boxes and bubble wrap, begin with a plan. A common mistake people make during moving household in Canada is thinking too little of the time and effort required. A checklist, written out with details, helps you remember crucial steps such as
- Cancelling or transferring utilities
- Notify your bank, insurance provider, and the post office.
- Reserving movers or renting trucks well in advance
- Acquiring and marking packing materials
Please allocate at least 6–8 weeks for preparation. This prep will pay off.
2. Know Your Moving Options
Where households and residential moving are concerned, you have some choice. Some people opt for a DIY approach, using a hired-out moving truck. Alternatively, others prefer to hire a full-service moving company from beginning to end. Some companies load and deliver, but you handle the packing yourself.
Full-Service Movers
- Less stressful
- Ideally suited to longer distances
- Potentially costly
Self-Move Options
- More affordable
- You have control over everything.
- Physically demanding
It’s all up to your budget, time, and physical capacity. Just make sure to get estimates from several companies and read reviews of your options before making any final decisions.
3. Understand Domestic Shipping in Canada
Understanding how domestic shipping in Canada functions is crucial, especially if you’re not relocating everything at once or shipping additional items separately. Some companies provide this as an included service. Others arrange for couriers for larger items or postpone deliveries.
Be sure to inquire about timelines and insurance coverage when choosing your shipping company. It’s also a smart idea to photograph valuable items and belongings before pickup.
4. How Much Will It Cost?
The cost of moving a house in Canada varies based on several factors:
- Distance
- Size of your move (i.e. number of boxes, furniture, etc.)
- Time of the year (summer is high season and more costly)
- Optional services, such as packing/unpacking or storage for a limited time.
To minimize costs, move during off-peak seasons such as late autumn or early spring. Compare quotes and ask about hidden charges such as stair charges, fuel charges, or prolonged waiting time.
5. Choose the Right Shipping Option
Did you know that ground shipping in Canada is frequently the most cost-effective way to ship furniture or large items between provinces? It may take a little longer, but for non-urgent moves, it’s convenient and cost-effective.
Other common options include
- Standard shipping in Canada (for regular packages)
- Express shipping (quicker but more expensive)
- Freight delivery (for heavy or bulky goods)
Some firms also provide cheap delivery on low loads or flexible time windows for last-minute time windows. It’s worth asking about!
6. Label Everything and Stay Organized
To avoid future headaches, clearly label each box with its contents and the room it’s meant for. This simple act makes unpacking a breeze.
Here’s a tip from a pro: use coloured tape or stickers to code your boxes by room for each room to simplify moving for your movers (or even just for yourself) on the other end.
You can also make a simple spreadsheet to track what you’ve packed, especially if you’re going to do shipments across Canada (sometimes you need an inventory list for insurance or customs).
7. Think About Insurance
What happens if your TV sustains damage or your sofa disappears during transit? Though uncommon, it’s still a possibility. When planning to moving house in Canada, consider investing in moving insurance. While most professional movers offer basic liability insurance, it may not cover the full value of your possessions.
Ask about:
- Full Value Protection: pays for replacement or repair.
- Declared Value: less expensive based on weight.
- Third-party insurance: best for valuable possessions such as electronics, artwork, or family heirlooms.
It’s an additional expense, but the peace of mind is well worth it.
8. Manage Utilities and Address Changes Efficiently
Here’s what you need to remember
- Notify Canada Post of your address change.
- Transfer your hydro, gas, water, and internet services.
- Notify your doctor, dentist, and veterinarian.
- Contact your employer, schools, and subscriptions.
Though these may seem like small details, neglecting them can result in delays, overlooked bills, and unnecessary hassle.
9. Declutter Before You Pack
Want to cut your moving costs in half? Declutter. The fewer items you move, the less you’ll pay and the less stress you’ll experience.
Here’s how you can do it
- Sell valuable items (on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji).
- Donate to local shelters, charities, or thrift shops.
- Recycle outdated appliances or broken items.
- Dispose of items that are beyond repair.
Fewer items = less stress = a smoother moving house in Canada.
10. Don’t Forget the Essentials Box
On your first night in your new home, you’ll want to avoid searching through 30 boxes for a toothbrush or phone charger.
- Toiletries
- Chargers
- Sleep clothes
- A few dishes
- Important documents
- food
- Coffee or tea (yes, this is a necessity)
Keep it with you instead of leaving it in the moving truck. It’ll be a lifesaver.
Conclusion
Moving house in Canada doesn’t have to be stressful or disorganized. With the right attitude, resources, and some pre-planning, you can make it a doable—and perhaps even pleasurable—adventure.
Don’t forget to compare alternatives, plan, pack wisely, and look after yourself throughout. Your dream home is within reach.
