A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Lethbridge

Moving doesn't have to be stressful, and it feels much smoother when you plan ahead. At Country Wide Moving and Storage, our team has assisted countless Lethbridge customers with moving since 1986. We’re here to give you the benefit of what we’ve learned, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. Our goal is to make your move the smoothest one yet.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Manage Your Important Papers

• Have a single spot for all moving files, physical or digital
• Gather all contracts and policies in one folder
• Collect all invoices and setup records
• Have address update info and emergency contacts ready to go
• Choose a safe but handy spot for your paperwork

Sort & Simplify Before You Move

• Set aside things you want to bring to your new place
• List items on eBay/Facebook, Marketplace, or scheduled yard sale
• Reserve a bin or plan to deliver discards to a facility
• Organize everything by what to move, give away, or throw out

Donation Pickups

• Decide what to give to local organizations
• Schedule a pickup or drop off with Goodwill, Salvation Army, or another charity
• Keep everything to donate in a designated area
• Offer things you can’t sell or donate to people you know

Sell Extra Stuff Before You Move

• Advertise things online for a quick sale
• Use good images and descriptions to attract buyers
• Get ready for a physical sale if you want fast results
• Gather price tags, tables, and small bills for making change

Important Documents

• Track down any official paperwork you’ll need
• Collect all non-move-related but important paperwork
• Choose a protective option for sensitive papers
• Store paperwork where you can grab it fast

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Create an inventory of your possessions
• Mark which items need gentle handling or extra attention
• Spot which things might need more padding or special instructions

Documenting Your Valuables

• Take clear photos of high-value items
• Upload all images to a secure storage account
• Keep all image files in a labeled folder

Using Up Restricted Items

• Finish your fresh food before move day
• Use up or safely throw away cleaning supplies and anything hazardous that movers can't take
• Separate out all forbidden goods and check the rules for safe disposal

Managing Power, Water, and Other Services

• List out contacts for all necessary utility services
• 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
• Set up start dates for all your utilities at the new address so everything's ready when you arrive
• Double-check your appointments and keep a list of confirmation numbers, just in case

Safe Deposit Box and Storage Unit

• Plan to visit the bank and empty any safe deposit boxes before a long-distance move
• Pick a day to clear out any storage unit rentals
• Set up a time to visit the bank or storage facility
• Decide on a secure way to move sensitive or pricey items
• Walk through every area to confirm everything is packed up

Change of Address

• File a change of address form to reroute your mail
• Update your address with your bank, credit cards, insurance, and any subscriptions you have

Notifying Schools & Healthcare Providers

• Inform teachers, medical professionals, and veterinarians of your move
• Arrange for academic and medical records to move with you

Preparing for Smooth Travel with Children and Animals

• Have a kit with treats, toys, and necessities ready to go
• Double-check all essentials and prescriptions are packed
• Secure a spot with sitters or daycare and check timing
• Update tags and chips to reflect your new location

Scheduling Days Off for Your Move

• Request time off work for moving day, and for packing or unpacking if you think you'll need it
• Communicate your schedule to the office in advance
• Activate a message to manage expectations for responses
• Make a list of any urgent work tasks to finish before your days off
• If you work from home, schedule internet setup at your new place as soon as possible

Getting to Know Your New Area

Organizing and Mapping Out Your Home

• 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
• Double-check the size of your new rooms so you don't end up with furniture that's too big or too small
• Take pictures of each room in your new place to help you plan the layout
• Label your furniture and boxes with the room name to make moving day easier for everyone

Valuables & Essentials

• Set aside valuables, jewelry, important documents, and anything else you don't want packed by the movers
• Prepare an overnight kit for every person
• Don’t pack your everyday essentials—keep them with you
• If you have irreplaceable items (like heirlooms or keepsakes), plan to transport them yourself

Organizing Keys and Access Before Your Move

• Collect all spare keys, garage door openers, and gate codes for both your old and new homes
• Keep keys and cards handy for a smooth move-in

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

• Reach out to both locations to confirm all requirements
• Verify if your movers must supply insurance paperwork
• Find out if you need parking permits, elevator reservations, or loading dock access for moving day
• Complete all forms before moving day to avoid delays
• Clarify when you’re allowed to move in or out

Cleaning Arrangements

• Schedule a thorough cleaning to increase your chance of getting your deposit returned
• Make sure the new space is spotless for move-in day
• Make a checklist of any areas you want the cleaners to pay special attention to
• Be sure you have what you need for a full DIY clean

Storage Access or Transfer

• Let the storage company know your plans for pick-up
• Decide if you'll move those items yourself or have the movers handle it
• Organize everything in storage for fast loading
• Arrange for new storage and double-check details

Letting Others Know About Your Move

• Give advance notice of your move to your neighbours
• Let neighbours know if your move may impact their routine
• Apologize in advance for any disturbance caused by the move

Arranging Parking for the Truck

• Check if you need a parking permit or street reservation for the moving truck at either location
• Contact your local city office or building manager to arrange permits if needed
• 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

Packing Personal Items

• 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
• Add a prominent “Do Not Move” note so they stay with you

Prepare an Essentials Box

• Pack a box or bag with things you'll need right away at your new home-think toiletries, phone chargers, basic kitchen supplies, and a few days' worth of clothes
• Have your emergency kit or first-night bag within arm’s reach

Taking Care of Borrowed Things

• Gather up anything you've borrowed from friends, neighbours, or the library
• Drop off everything you’ve borrowed to the right owners

Managing Pharmacy Needs During Relocation

• Contact your pharmacist about moving your medication records
• Refill prescriptions early to avoid running out during the transition

Getting Appliances Ready for the Move

• Disconnect all large kitchen and laundry appliances
• Clear out any remaining items so nothing is left behind
• Clean the inside thoroughly to avoid odours
• Defrost the freezer to prevent leaks and damage during the move
• Towel dry all appliances to prevent mess, mold, or rust

Pack Up Remaining Non-Essential Belongings

• Finish with things you can do without for a few days
• Choose strong boxes and mark contents
• Keep fragile items well-protected with padding
• Confirm all boxes are closed, taped, and good to go

Review Details for Move Day

• Contact the team to lock in the schedule
• Verify any special instructions or requests you have for the movers
• Make sure you have contact info handy for the moving team on the day

Prepare Moving Day Folder

• Collect everything from contracts to checklists
• Make sure keys and passes for every property are on hand
• Prepare a contact list in case you need quick support
• Store all paperwork and small essentials for easy access

Prepare Overnight Bags for the Family

• Set aside enough outfits, sleepwear, and hygiene products for the first few nights
• Include chargers, medications, favourite toys, and anything you'll want right away at your new place

Set Aside Important Documents and Valuables

• Collect all vital paperwork like passports, birth certificates, and insurance paperwork before move day
• Set aside money, precious items, and family heirlooms
• Carry sensitive items yourself for peace of mind

Getting Rid of Unwanted Items

• Take one more pass for anything that shouldn’t come along
• Dispose of, give away, or repurpose things you don’t need
• Look in hidden spots for overlooked belongings

Have Spending Money Ready

• Take out cash for tipping your movers, buying snacks, or handling any last-minute expenses or emergencies

Double-Check Arrangements for Kids and Pets

• Reconfirm the schedule and drop-off times
• Confirm times, drop-off/pick-up details, and share your contact info with the caregiver

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

Line Up Assistance for Delivery and Set-Up

• Have someone you trust available to supervise on move-in day if you can’t be there
• Make sure someone is available to answer the door and supervise any set-up or installations

Safely Empty and Clean Out the Refrigerator

• Remove all food from the fridge and freezer
• Let the fridge and freezer thaw out by airing them
• Wipe down inside surfaces and dry everything to prevent odours or mold

Make Your Washing Machine Move-Safe

• Sanitize the inside to remove soap and residue
• Let it air out so there’s no dampness left
• Use shipping bolts to lock the drum and prevent damage
• Allow extra time for remaining dampness to disappear

At Your Old Home

• Be on hand to provide instructions or guidance as needed
• Point out any items that need special care or are not being moved

• Walk through each room with the movers as they take inventory of your belongings
• Double-check that everything you want moved is included on their list

• Ensure every container is tagged for correct placement
• Observe the move-out process to prevent mistakes

• Go through the house and make sure all windows are closed and locked
• Switch off all electronics and utilities

• Do a last check of every room, closet, cabinet, attic, basement, and garage to make sure nothing is forgotten
• Peek in unlikely places for things you may have missed

• Organize keys and remotes for a smooth handover
• Share important details about the home’s systems or routines

Getting Settled in Your New Place

• Get to your new home before the movers so you're ready to greet them and unlock the door
• Do a quick walk-through to make sure everything is ready for unloading

• Provide clear directions for box placement and setup
• Label doorways or rooms if it helps make things easier and faster

• As the movers bring things in, check off each item on your inventory list
• Look for dents or scratches before the movers leave

• List any concerns on the final form to ensure coverage
• 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

• Save images so you can confirm usage later
• Keep all documentation on file for disputes

• Install new locks for added security if you own the home
• If you're renting, check with your landlord before changing any locks

Get the Basics Out Right Away

• Get out your pillows, sheets, and daily supplies as a top priority
• Set up beds and make sure everyone has what they need for the first night

• If you arranged for the movers to help unpack, let them know which rooms or boxes to start with
• Explain exactly where to place your belongings as you unpack

• Sort out cardboard and plastic for easy removal
• See if your moving company can take the waste, or check for local recycling drop-offs

• Update your address on your driver's license, car registration, and voter registration
• Complete vehicle registration for your new residence
• Register pets with the appropriate local authorities

• Go out and make connections in your new neighbourhood
• Being welcoming can help you feel connected right away

• 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

• Set aside a go-bag with necessities you’ll want throughout the day
• Keep this kit with you—not in the moving truck—to stay comfortable and prepared

• Snap pictures of the back of your devices before taking them apart
• Have the visual guide ready so you don’t guess which wire goes where

• Make sure everyone has sleepwear, toothbrushes, and clean towels
• Include anything you'll want for a comfortable first night—like favourite pillows or a nightlight for kids

• Make sure you keep receiving mail at your new address
• Update your address with online shopping sites and any subscriptions

• Write down important contact details for emergencies
• Have backup records in case your phone isn’t working

Need Help With Your Lethbridge Move?

When you're looking for reliable movers in Lethbridge, Country Wide Moving and Storage is known for great service at prices that fit your budget.

• Trust – Trusted by Lethbridge families and businesses alike since 1986
• Expertise – Every move is managed by skilled and careful staff
• Affordable Results – Our goal is to keep your moving costs as low as possible

Take the worry out of moving day – trust the moving team from Country Wide Moving and Storage to manage your move from start to finish while you plan your next adventure. You’ll notice the difference in our dedication!

Get Your Free Lethbridge Moving Quote or phone our team at 587-800-5764 today!