A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Saskatoon

Moving can actually be simple, and it feels much smoother when you plan ahead. At Country Wide Moving and Storage, we have supported moves for countless Saskatoon individuals and organizations since 1986. We’re here to give you the benefit of what we’ve learned, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. We hope this makes your next move easier than ever.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Manage Your Important Papers

• Create a digital or paper folder to keep all your moving-related documents in one place
• Store all major agreements and service documents together
• Collect all invoices and setup records
• File your mail-forwarding details and phone lists
• Choose a safe but handy spot for your paperwork

Decluttering

• Set aside things you want to bring to your new place
• Decide what to sell and put up ads or schedule a sale
• Reserve a bin or plan to deliver discards to a facility
• Sort belongings into keep, donate, sell, or discard piles

Arrange Donation of Unwanted Items

• Go through belongings and choose items to donate
• Arrange logistics for charitable drop-offs or pickups
• Place all donation items together in one spot, ready for pickup
• Give items to family, friends, or neighbours

Make Money from What You Don’t Need

• List items for sale on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local apps
• Take photos and write descriptions for everything to be sold
• Get ready for a physical sale if you want fast results
• Have supplies on hand for your garage sale

Keep Crucial Papers to Keep Close

• Locate birth certificates, passports, and medical records
• Gather insurance papers, financial information, and school records
• Purchase a folder or safe to keep documents organized
• Place all important documents together in a secure, easy-to-find spot

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Create an inventory of your possessions
• Mark which items need gentle handling or extra attention
• Circle or tag pieces that should be wrapped or boxed carefully

Photos for Insurance

• Photograph valuable possessions for records
• Back up your photos digitally for easy access later
• Store photos in a secure digital folder or print copies for reference

Clearing Out Non-Movable Goods

• Start eating any perishable food so it doesn't go to waste
• Dispose of chemicals and products movers won’t transport
• Separate out all forbidden goods and check the rules for safe disposal

Setting Up Your Utilities

• Research providers for electricity, water, internet, and trash at both addresses
• Double-check that services like gas or water are connected at the new home
• Set the dates to turn off electricity, gas, water, internet, and trash service at your old address
• Book your start dates to avoid gaps in service
• Write down all service confirmations and keep them handy

Safe Deposit Box and Storage Unit

• Plan to visit the bank and empty any safe deposit boxes before a long-distance move
• Schedule time to empty or transfer items in storage
• Set up a time to visit the bank or storage facility
• Prepare a safe method for moving critical paperwork or jewelry
• Do a final check to make sure nothing gets left behind in storage

Updating Your Mailing Info

• File a change of address form to reroute your mail
• Change your details with banks, insurers, and monthly subscriptions

Notifying Schools & Healthcare Providers

• Tell your kids' schools and your doctors, dentist, and vet about your move
• Request your files and records be sent to new providers

Child & Pet Care

• Have a kit with treats, toys, and necessities ready to go
• Make sure you have any medications or special items your child or pet might need for the day
• Secure a spot with sitters or daycare and check timing
• Ensure all pets have current information on identification

Planning for Work Absences

• Request time off work for moving day, and for packing or unpacking if you think you'll need it
• Keep colleagues in the loop for smooth coverage
• Set up an out-of-office email or voicemail if you'll be unavailable
• Tie up loose ends before you leave for moving day
• If you work from home, schedule internet setup at your new place as soon as possible

Essential Stops Near Your New Home

Preparing the Layout of Your New Place

• Create a simple floor plan for your new home and decide where you want your furniture and large items to go
• Check the dimensions of entryways and stairs in advance
• Confirm room measurements to avoid placement problems
• Take pictures of each room in your new place to help you plan the layout
• Mark boxes and items clearly to speed up delivery

Keeping Your Most Important Items Safe

• Hold on to passports, special keepsakes, and sensitive files
• Prepare an overnight kit for every person
• Don’t pack your everyday essentials—keep them with you
• Personally move anything that can’t be replaced

Organizing Keys and Access Before Your Move

• Gather every key, remote, and code you’ll need on moving day
• Keep keys and cards handy for a smooth move-in

Move-In/Move-Out Requirements for Apartment and Condo Residents

• Double-check with both your old and new buildings about any move-in or move-out requirements
• Ask if you need to provide insurance certificates for the movers
• Make arrangements for access to necessary moving facilities
• Double-check that all paperwork is done before your move
• Clarify when you’re allowed to move in or out

Making Sure Both Homes Are Clean

• Schedule a thorough cleaning to increase your chance of getting your deposit returned
• Make sure the new space is spotless for move-in day
• Highlight important rooms or surfaces for cleaning crews
• Be sure you have what you need for a full DIY clean

How to Handle Items Kept in Storage

• Book your time at the storage unit early
• Decide if you'll move those items yourself or have the movers handle it
• Organize everything in storage for fast loading
• Reserve your new unit and make sure you know when it’s open

Notifying Neighbours

• Give advance notice of your move to your neighbours
• Warn about possible disruptions to shared areas or parking
• Thank them for their patience with any noise or inconvenience

Parking Permits/Street Reservations

• See if your city requires any special permissions for moving trucks
• Talk to officials or property managers about permits
• Mark the space with cones or signs the night before, if allowed, to save the spot for the truck

Utility Arrangements

• Make sure every utility is disconnected at your old home and connected at the new address
• Confirm the start and stop dates with each provider so you're not left without service

Preparing Personal Belongings for the Move

• Start packing personal items you want to move yourself, like medications, keepsakes, and important documents
• Use sturdy boxes or bags for these items and keep them in a safe spot
• Clearly label these boxes or bags as "Do Not Move" so the movers know to leave them with you

Packing a Move-Day Survival Kit

• Gather all daily essentials together for easy access upon arrival
• Keep this essentials kit easily accessible during your move

Returning Loaned/Borrowed Items Before the Move

• Gather up anything you've borrowed from friends, neighbours, or the library
• Return library books, borrowed tools, or anything else you don't own before moving day

Prescription Transfers

• Contact your pharmacist about moving your medication records
• Double-check you’re stocked with all necessary medicines

Unplug and Clean Appliances

• Pull the plug on every major appliance before moving day
• Clear out any remaining items so nothing is left behind
• Clean the inside thoroughly to avoid odours
• Thaw freezers so water doesn't cause trouble in transit
• Dry the appliances completely before moving day

Finish Packing Items You Don't Need Daily

• Finish with things you can do without for a few days
• Select tough boxes and write clear descriptions on each
• Layer extra padding around anything delicate
• Confirm all boxes are closed, taped, and good to go

Final Check-In with Your Movers

• Contact the team to lock in the schedule
• Verify any special instructions or requests you have for the movers
• Save phone numbers for quick communication

Make a Handy Moving Day Packet

• Bring together every moving-related document you’ll need
• Include keys, garage remotes, and access cards needed for both old and new homes
• Write down or save essential phone numbers for fast help
• Use a labeled folder to keep everything in one place

Get Suitcases Packed

• Pack a suitcase or overnight bag for each family member with enough clothes, pajamas, and toiletries for a few days
• Include chargers, medications, favourite toys, and anything you'll want right away at your new place

Gather Up Valuables and Important Documents

• Gather passports, birth certificates, insurance papers, and other important documents
• Round up everything valuable or sentimental
• Carry sensitive items yourself for peace of mind

Final Declutter

• Walk through the house to catch leftover clutter
• Dispose of, give away, or repurpose things you don’t need
• Search all storage nooks before you finish

Prepare Cash for Moving Day

• Keep cash on hand for anything you might need quickly

Confirm Child or Pet Care

• Reconfirm the schedule and drop-off times
• Make sure communication is clear for hand-offs and updates

Clean Out Bins and Containers

• Empty and clean all trash cans, recycling bins, and outdoor containers
• Do a final walk-through of outdoor and trash areas

Arrange Help at Your New Home

• Ask a friend or family member to be at your new home to accept deliveries or let in utility technicians if you can't be there yourself
• Enlist a backup to keep an eye on things if you’re busy

Get Your Fridge Ready for Moving

• Remove all food from the fridge and freezer
• Unplug the refrigerator and leave the doors open to defrost
• Wipe down inside surfaces and dry everything to prevent odours or mold

Make Your Washing Machine Move-Safe

• Freshen up the interior with a cleaning run or thorough wipe
• Make sure it's completely dry to avoid any mildew
• If you have a front-loading washer, secure the drum with moving bolts to protect it during the move
• Leave the door open for a few hours to let any last moisture evaporate

Wrapping Up at Your Old Home

• Stay available to answer any questions and give directions to the movers as they work
• Identify anything fragile or staying behind before loading begins

• Accompany the movers during their inspection to ensure nothing is missed
• Verify nothing is left off the list for transport

• Make sure all boxes are clearly labeled with their destination rooms
• Watch as boxes and furniture are loaded onto the truck to ensure nothing is missed or left behind

• Do a final security sweep to close up the property
• Turn off all lights, fans, and appliances before you leave

• Do a last check of every room, closet, cabinet, attic, basement, and garage to make sure nothing is forgotten
• Look behind doors and in drawers for any last items

• Put all access devices in a labeled spot for the next resident
• Leave a note or instructions if needed (for mail, trash day, or anything special about the house)

At Your New Home

• Show up early to prepare for unloading
• Do a quick walk-through to make sure everything is ready for unloading

• Mark rooms or label doors to speed up the process
• Put up temporary signs to help movers navigate

• As the movers bring things in, check off each item on your inventory list
• Quickly review each item for problems before accepting delivery

• If you notice any damage or problems, make a note of it on the moving paperwork before you sign anything
• Take photos of any damaged items for your records

• Confirm basic utilities are active and connected
• Test major appliances like the stove, fridge, and washer/dryer to be sure they're running properly

• Take clear photos of your utility meters (electric, gas, water) as soon as you move in
• Keep all documentation on file for disputes

• Think about rekeying or upgrading for your safety
• Get permission from the property manager before making changes

Unpack Essentials First

• Get out your pillows, sheets, and daily supplies as a top priority
• Double-check that each family member has comfort and basics for the evening

• Let movers know your unpacking priorities at the start
• Offer detailed guidance for each space or room

• Break down boxes and gather packing paper and bubble wrap
• Ask your movers if they offer packing material removal, or find out where you can recycle or dispose of them locally

• Contact government offices to update your address on your driver’s license, car registration, and voter registration
• Follow local rules to make sure your car is properly registered
• Register your pets with the new city or county if needed

• Take a moment to introduce yourself to your new neighbours
• A quick chat can go a long way toward feeling at home

• Post your thoughts online to assist other customers

• Collect everything related to your move for easy reference
• Keep paperwork in case you need to reference it later

• Pack a small bag or box with phone chargers, daily medications, snacks, and bottled water so you can grab them easily during the move
• Don’t pack these items in the truck—keep them handy for comfort and emergencies

• Photograph all wires and plugs so reassembly is easy
• Have the visual guide ready so you don’t guess which wire goes where

• Set out bedding and basics so bedtime is easy
• Include anything you'll want for a comfortable first night—like favourite pillows or a nightlight for kids

• Go online or visit your post office to set up mail forwarding
• Update your address with online shopping sites and any subscriptions

• Make a list of key emergency numbers for your new area—local police, fire department, nearest hospital, and a 24-hour pharmacy
• Have backup records in case your phone isn’t working

Need Help With Your Saskatoon Move?

When finding dependable movers is a priority in Saskatoon, Country Wide Moving and Storage sets the standard for value and customer care.

• Trust – Chosen by countless Saskatoon clients since 1986
• Experience – Our trained professionals handle your belongings with care
• Best Value – We're dedicated to delivering a lower final bill!

Don't stress about your upcoming move – count on the professionals at Country Wide Moving and Storage to manage your move from start to finish while you plan your next adventure. We give every relocation our personal attention!

Get Your Free Saskatoon Moving Quote or phone our team at 639-739-6594 today!