Your Ultimate Moving Guide

Step-by-Step Checklist from

Alberta Strong Movers

Moving doesn’t have to be stressful. With proper planning, packing, and a reliable moving team by your side, the process can be smooth and organized. At Alberta Strong Movers, we’re committed to helping you every step of the way. Follow our detailed timeline and packing tips to prepare for a seamless move.

Alberta Strong Movers Truck

One Month Before Moving

✅ Change Your Address

  • Submit a change of address form to your local post office.
  • Notify the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for tax-related changes

✅ Book Your Moving Company

  • Confirm your move with a professional moving company like Alberta Strong Movers.
  • Get an in-home or virtual estimate if needed.

✅ Make Travel Arrangements

If traveling a long distance, book flights, buses, or car rentals in advance.

✅ Transfer Memberships

Notify churches, gyms, clubs, and other community organizations of your move.

✅ Update Medical and Insurance Records

  • Collect medical, dental, and vet records.
  • Request prescription transfers and ask your doctor for referrals.

✅ Open a New Bank Account

  • If moving to a new city, consider setting up a local chequeen account.

✅ Understand Local Laws

  • Check if there are any regulations for home-based businesses or professional licenses in your new area.

✅ Inventory Your Belongings

  • Take photos or videos of your valuables.
  • Record serial numbers for electronics and appliances.

✅ Arrange for Pet Transportation

  • Book pet-friendly travel or professional pet movers, if needed.

1–2 Weeks Before Moving

✅ Notify Utility Providers

  • Schedule disconnection and reconnection of services: electricity, gas, water, internet, phone, and cable.
  • Cancel newspaper and magazine subscriptions.

✅ Prepare Appliances and Large Items

  • Defrost your refrigerator and freezer.
  • Clean and wrap rugs and out-of-season clothing.

✅ Close or Transfer Bank Accounts

  • Ensure there are no outstanding payments before closing your current account.

✅ Collect Important Documents

  • Empty safe-deposit boxes and organize legal documents.
  • Keep these items with you during the move.

✅ Notify Insurance Providers

  • Confirm coverage for your belongings during the move.
  • Arrange for new homeowners or renters insurance.

✅ Reserve Elevators or Parking

  • If moving from an apartment or condo, book the elevator and loading zone.

✅ Share Your Moving Plan

  • Give your travel route and moving timeline to a friend or relative.

Moving truck

Moving Day Essentials

✅ Final Checks

  • Walk through every room, closet, attic, and garage to ensure nothing is left behind.

✅ Keep Essentials Close

  • Personally carry valuables, cash, IDs, legal papers, jewelry, and medications.

✅ Stay Connected

  • Keep phones charged and travel documents handy.

✅ Arrival Tasks

  • Update your driver's license and vehicle registration.
  • Review and revise your will or legal documents.
  • Locate nearby essentials: hospitals, vets, fire and police stations.

Moving Day Essentials

What You Need & How to Do It Right

🧰 Essential Packing Supplies:

  • Boxes (multiple sizes)
  • Packing tape
  • Bubble wrap or foam
  • Newspaper or wrapping paper
  • Markers for labeling
  • Moving blankets or linens for padding

💡 Tip: Ask friends who recently moved if they have leftover boxes to recycle!

📦 Choosing the Right Box for the Right Item:

  • 1.5 Cubic Feet Boxes
  • Ideal for books, canned goods, small tools, and heavy items.
  • 3.0 Cubic Feet Boxes
  • Great for kitchenware, electronics, lampshades, shoes, and toys.
  • 4.5 Cubic Feet Boxes
  • Use for linens, larger kitchen items, and non-fragile bulky items.
  • Dish Barrels (5.5 Cubic Feet, Extra-Thick)
  • Designed for breakables like dishes, glassware, and ceramics.
  • Wardrobe Boxes
  • Hang clothes directly to prevent wrinkling—includes a metal bar.
  • Mirror & Picture Cartons
  • Adjustable and perfect for framed art, mirrors, and large photos.

How to Pack Like a Pro

  • Layer with Care:

Line each box with crumpled paper at the bottom. Stand wrapped items vertically.

  • Wrap and Pad:

Use bubble wrap, towels, or linens to wrap delicate items.

  • Layer Tightly:

Create layers with crumpled paper between each to avoid shifting.

  • Seal & Label:

Securely tape boxes and label them by room and content category.

 

⚠️ What NOT to Pack:

Avoid packing flammable or hazardous materials, especially in hot weather. The back of a moving truck can exceed 130°F (54°C).

  • Do NOT pack:
  • Aerosols
  • Matches
  • Nail polish/remover
  • Paints or thinners
  • Perfumes
  • Fireworks
  • Hair spray
  • Gunpowder
  • Cleaning liquids
  • Candles (may melt)

✅ Pro Tips to Stay Organized:

  • Work room-by-room instead of the whole house at once.
  • Use towels and blankets to wrap items and reduce waste.
  • Keep an “essentials box” for moving day with toiletries, snacks, and tools.
  • Label boxes on all sides.

🎉 Final Words of Advice:

Take it one step at a time, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Alberta Strong Movers is always here to make your transition smoother, safer, and stress-free.

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