Congrats on finding your new home.
Now the real fun begins: boxes, paperwork, phone calls, and wondering why you own 14 mystery chargers.
Moving is not just packing. It is timing, planning, address changes, school records, insurance, utility transfers, lawyer paperwork, and trying not to lose your mind before possession day.
So here it is: MY MOVING guide, the one you truly want to save and use.
1) When should I start preparing for a move?
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My advice: Start at least when the offer is accepted. Not two months before. Maybe start early when you suddenly notice you own an entire garage full of “I might use this someday.”
Go through every room and sort what stays, what goes, and what should have left in 2019.
Purge early so you do not pack junk just to unpack it again.
Use up frozen food, pantry items, and cleaning supplies you do not want to move.
Keep a running moving file with receipts, quotes, measurements, inventory lists, and important contacts.
Take measurements at the new house if possible so your oversized furniture does not arrive with false confidence.
Quick checklist
sort and purge
start a moving folder
measure large furniture
use up freezer and pantry items
start a room-by-room plan
2) Should I hire movers or do it myself?
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My advice: Unless you have a lot of well-muscled friends and it's not your first rodeo....Get quotes early and get them in writing. A phone estimate is cute, but not always accurate.
Research moving companies as soon as you know you’re moving.
Ask for an on-site estimate whenever possible.
Compare price, insurance coverage, timing, and what is actually included.
If you are using friends, bribe them properly with food and a realistic plan. Pizza alone is not a moving strategy.
If you are renting a truck, book early. Good dates disappear fast.
Quick checklist
get written estimates
ask what insurance is included
confirm truck size
reconfirm booking closer to move day
keep all receipts and agreements
3) What do I need to do legally and financially before closing?
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My advice: Handle the boring but critical stuff early. This is not the part to wing.
Book your lawyer appointment well before closing so paperwork is signed on time.
Arrange home insurance for the new property before possession day. If there is a mortgage, this is mandatory.
Have your bank draft or certified funds planned for closing costs if needed.
Stay in touch with me...your Realtor and lawyer so nobody is chasing signatures at the eleventh hour.
Make sure key pickup, paperwork, and timing are all clear before 5 p.m. on closing day.
Quick checklist
lawyer appointment booked
home insurance arranged
funds prepared
closing day timing confirmed
key release plan clear
4) What should I pack first, and what should I keep with me?
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My advice: Pack by priority, not by panic.
Start with the things you use least often.
Clearly label and number every box with contents and destination room. (taking photos can come in handy too!)
Pack one or more “essentials” boxes with what you need right away.
Keep jewelry, passports, important paperwork, files, medications, chargers, and valuables in a box or bag you personally transport.
Pack a suitcase for each family member with enough clothes and basics for a few days.
Quick checklist
label every box
number boxes for inventory
pack essentials separately
keep valuables with you
pack family overnight bags
5) What address changes matter most after a move?
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My advice: More people need your new address than you think. It becomes a full-time hobby for a minute. Collect all kind of mail you get months before you move... start making your list of senders (and maybe cancel some things you never open)
Set up mail forwarding with Canada Post.
Update your address with banks, credit cards, insurance companies, your employer, schools, doctors, dentist, vet, clubs, subscriptions, and cell providers.
In Ontario, you can update your address online for your driver’s licence, vehicle permit, Ontario Photo Card, and accessible parking permit through ServiceOntario. If your health card has your address printed on it, that update must be done in person.
Quick checklist
Canada Post mail forwarding
banking and insurance updated
employer updated
doctors, dentist, vet updated
ServiceOntario address changes done
6) What do I need to arrange for kids, schools, and daily life?
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My advice: If you have kids, do not leave school planning until the last minute unless you enjoy chaos with a side of paperwork.
Arrange transfer of school records.
Confirm the new school registration and start details.
Make a plan for childcare or supervision on moving day if needed.
Keep favourite toys, comfort items, snacks, chargers, and basic toiletries easily accessible.
Plan first-night food in advance because nobody wants to unpack a kitchen while hangry.
Quick checklist
school records transferred
new school confirmed
moving day childcare plan
kids’ essentials packed separately
supper plan arranged
7) What utilities and services should I transfer before moving?
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My advice: Yes, utilities matter. But do not let them become your whole personality. Get them booked early and move on.
For Sarnia-Lambton, commonly needed services include:
hydro
water and sewer
natural gas
internet, phone, cable
rental equipment transfers if applicable
In the City of Sarnia, Bluewater Power handles hydro billing and also manages billing for City water and sewer charges on the same bill. Bluewater Power’s main number is 519-337-8201.
Enbridge Gas handles natural gas service in much of Ontario and says moving-related inquiries can be handled at 1-877-362-7434.
Cogeco says to submit a move request at least 5 days before your move through My Account.
For some Lambton addresses outside Bluewater Power territory, Hydro One may be the hydro provider. Hydro One customer service is 1-888-664-9376.
Quick checklist
hydro set up
water and sewer confirmed
gas transferred
internet booked
confirm rental items like hot water tank or furnace agreements
8) What local phone numbers should I keep with me during a move?
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My advice: Save these in your phone before moving day. Hunting for numbers while standing in an empty house is deeply annoying.
Important local and moving-related numbers
Bluewater Power: 519-337-8201
Enbridge Gas customer care: 1-877-362-7434
Hydro One customer service: 1-888-664-9376
Bell: 1-888-394-9953
Cogeco: 1-800-267-9000
Rogers: 1-855-759-5857
Reliance Home Comfort: 1-855-619-8987
Your Realtor – Renata Kaijser: 519-466-8491
Quick checklist
save all contacts in phone
keep account numbers handy
keep lawyer and Realtor contacts at the top
save outage and emergency numbers too
9) What should I do a few days before moving day?
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My advice: The last few days are for tightening loose ends, not starting from scratch like a maniac.
Finish most packing a few days ahead.
Defrost and clean the fridge at least 24 hours before if it is coming with you.
Reconfirm moving company arrival time and contact details.
Have exact directions and your cell number ready for movers.
Make sure keys, garage remotes, and access details are sorted.
Plan how you are paying movers, lawyer, or any same-day costs.
Make sure your insurance is active for possession day.
Ask for final meter readings or take photos of all meters yourself on moving day.
Quick checklist
finish packing
defrost fridge
reconfirm movers
prepare payments
sort keys and remotes
charge phones
take meter photos!
10) What should I check on moving day and right after I move in?
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My advice: Do a proper walkthrough before the house disappears behind a mountain of boxes.
At the old house:
make sure everything that stays is still there as agreed
leave spare keys on the counter if needed
check every room, closet, cabinet, shed, and garage
take photos of utility meters
keep a copy of the mover’s inventory or bill of lading
At the new house:
take photos of all meters right away
test lights, taps, toilets, appliances, and locks
check that nothing important was left behind by the last occupants unless agreed
make a quick note of anything that needs attention
CHANGE THE LOCKS! You don't want someones' cousin to crash on your couch.
plan for SSS: Snacks, Supper, Sleep
Also, after moving, check with your municipality for garbage, recycling, blue box rules, and local pickup schedules. The City of Sarnia says residents can access waste collection information and local service details through the city.
Quick checklist
final walkthrough old house
meter photos old and new
locks or re-key
test basics on arrival
inventory check
plan food and sleep
check garbage and recycling setup
Short Moving Checklist
As soon as your deal is firm
serious sort and purge
get moving quotes
start a moving folder
measure furniture
arrange school transfers if needed
One month before
book lawyer appointment
arrange home insurance
book movers or truck
start packing non-essentials
set up mail forwarding
begin address changes
Two weeks before
confirm time off work
reconfirm movers
transfer utilities and internet
collect refunds or deposits
keep important contacts with you
A few days before
finish general packing
pack suitcases and essentials boxes
defrost fridge
sort keys and remotes
prepare payments and closing funds
Moving day
final walkthrough old home
take meter photos
check mover inventory
test basics at new home
keep snacks, supper, and sleep planned
Final Note
A smooth move is not about being superhuman. It is about doing the boring stuff early so moving day does not punch you in the face.
And when in doubt, stay in touch with your Realtor.
Renata Kaijser
519-466-8491
RenataRealty.ca
