Long Distance Moving Checklist: 8 Weeks to Moving Day

A long distance move — Toronto to Ottawa, Hamilton to Kingston, or London to Sudbury — takes more planning than a local move. Use this timeline to stay ahead.

8 weeks before

• Get quotes from movers. For long distance moves, ask for pricing based on your inventory, not just an hourly rate.
• Decide what's coming with you. Long distance pricing depends on volume, so this is the time to declutter.
• Start a moving folder for quotes, receipts and important documents.

6 weeks before

• Book your mover and confirm pickup date and delivery window.
• If your new home won't be ready, ask about storage services.
• Give notice to your landlord if you're renting.
• Arrange school and medical record transfers if needed.

4 weeks before

• Start packing rarely used items, or book a packing service.
• Set up mail forwarding with Canada Post.
• Update your address with banks, employers, insurance and government services.
• Book elevators or parking at both homes if needed.

2 weeks before

• Arrange utility disconnection at your old home and connection at the new one.
• Use up frozen food and plan simple meals for the last week.
• Confirm the moving plan and timing with your mover.

Moving week

1. Pack an essentials bag for the days your belongings are in transit.
2. Defrost and clean the fridge at least 24 hours before pickup.
3. Walk through the inventory with the crew at pickup.
4. Keep valuables and documents with you.
5. At delivery, check items against the inventory before signing.

Not sure what a long distance move will cost? Choose "Long distance" in our moving cost calculator and enter the distance for an instant range.

Learn more about our long distance moving service, including moves from Toronto, Ottawa and London.