How to Prepare for a Long-Distance Move: A Complete Checklist
Moving across provinces? A long-distance move requires more planning than a local one. Here's everything you need to do — and when to do it — to arrive stress-free.
Moving across the city is one thing. Moving across provinces is a whole different challenge.
Long-distance moves require more lead time, more coordination, and more careful planning. Get it right and you'll arrive at your new home feeling organized and in control. Get it wrong and it becomes one of the most stressful experiences of your life.
Here's the complete preparation guide from the team at MoversLTD.
8 Weeks Before Your Move
Research and Book Your Moving Company Early
Long-distance movers book up fast, especially during peak season (May–September). Get at least 3 quotes, check reviews, and confirm the company is licensed for interprovincial moves. Book as soon as you have a move date.
Create a Moving Binder
Keep everything in one place: contracts, inventory lists, receipts, important contacts, and your new home details. You'll reference this constantly over the next two months.
Start Decluttering
The more you move, the more it costs. Go through every room and be ruthless. Sell, donate, or discard anything you haven't used in over a year. This is especially important for bulky furniture.
6 Weeks Before Your Move
Get a Detailed Inventory
Document everything you're moving, room by room. For high-value items, photograph them and note any existing damage. This protects you if anything is lost or damaged in transit.
Understand Your Moving Insurance
Standard carrier liability is minimal — often just cents per pound. For a long-distance move, consider purchasing additional valuation coverage or check if your home insurance covers transit.
Research Your New Province
If you're moving to a new province, research:
- Vehicle registration and driver's licence transfer timelines
- Health card registration (there's often a waiting period)
- School enrollment deadlines if you have children
- Provincial tax differences
4 Weeks Before Your Move
Begin Packing Non-Essentials
Start with seasonal items, books, hobby gear, and anything you won't need before moving day. Label every box clearly with room and contents.
Notify Important Parties of Your Address Change
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- Employer and payroll
- Bank and credit card companies
- Canada Post (set up mail forwarding)
- Insurance providers
- Subscriptions and online accounts
Arrange Utilities
Cancel or transfer utilities at your current address. Set up electricity, gas, internet, and water at your new home to start on your move-in date.
Plan for Your Pets and Plants
Long drives are stressful for animals. Research pet-friendly rest stops along your route. Note that some provinces have restrictions on transporting certain plants — check before you load them up.
2 Weeks Before Your Move
Pack Almost Everything
Only leave out essentials you'll use daily. Have boxes for each room fully sealed, labelled, and stacked near the door.
Confirm All Details With Your Mover
Reconfirm your pickup date, delivery window, and payment terms. For long-distance moves, there's often a delivery window (e.g. 5–10 business days) rather than a guaranteed single date — make sure you understand this.
Clean Out the Freezer
Stop buying perishables and start using up what's in your freezer and pantry. Movers won't transport food, and you don't want to throw out a full fridge on moving day.
Moving Week
Pack Your Personal Travel Bag
This goes with you in the car — not on the truck. Include:
- Important documents (ID, lease, financial papers)
- Medications
- Phone chargers and electronics
- A change of clothes for each person
- Snacks and water for the road
- Basic toiletries
Do a Final Walkthrough
Check every room, closet, cabinet, and outdoor space. Check the attic, garage, and storage areas. Take meter readings for electricity and gas.
Hand Over Keys
Return all keys, garage openers, and access cards to your landlord or the new owner.
Arriving at Your New Home
Do a Condition Inspection First
Before the movers bring anything in, walk through the new home and document any existing damage with photos. This protects you from being held responsible for pre-existing issues.
Direct the Movers Room by Room
Have a floor plan ready. Tell movers exactly where each piece of furniture goes — it's much easier than moving it yourself after they leave.
Check the Inventory
As boxes come off the truck, check them against your inventory list. Report any missing or damaged items to the moving company immediately and in writing.
A long-distance move is a big undertaking — but with the right preparation, it's completely manageable.
Moving across BC or beyond? MoversLTD offers reliable long-distance moving services from Surrey to anywhere in Canada. Get a free, no-obligation quote today.
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