Whether you’re moving across Arnprior, heading from Ottawa to the Valley, or relocating within Renfrew County, the same truth applies: the smoothest moves are the most organized ones. This week-by-week checklist walks you through everything — from the moment you decide to move, all the way to your first morning in the new place.
Bookmark this page, print it off, or share it with whoever is helping you coordinate the move. Nothing gets missed.
8 Weeks Before Moving Day
Eight weeks sounds like a long time, but it goes fast — especially if you’re moving during the busy summer season in Ottawa Valley.
- Decide what you’re keeping, donating, or selling — this is the single best time investment you can make before a move
- Start researching moving companies and get at least two or three estimates
- Book your moving date — summer weekends in Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley fill up quickly, sometimes months in advance
- Notify your employer, your children’s schools, and any daycare of the upcoming move
- If you’re a renter, give written notice to your landlord by the deadline in your lease
- Start using up freezer items and pantry staples you don’t want to transport
Get a free estimate from Ardie’s Movers — Residential Moving in Ottawa Valley.
6 Weeks Before Moving Day
This is when the practical planning really kicks in.
- Order packing supplies: sturdy boxes in multiple sizes, bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, and markers
- Start packing seasonal items, guest rooms, and spaces you use infrequently
- Contact your electricity, gas, water, and internet providers to arrange transfers or disconnections
- Set up mail forwarding through Canada Post — allow two to three weeks for it to take effect
- Update your address with your bank, credit cards, insurance providers, and CRA
- Notify your doctor, dentist, optometrist, and any specialists — request your records if you’re changing providers
- If you have a piano, fish tank, or other specialty items, book those with your mover now — they need extra planning time
Have a piano? See our Piano Moving service — specialist care for uprights and grand pianos across Ottawa Valley.
Moving an aquarium? Our Fish Tank Moving service covers safe transport for aquariums of all sizes.
4 Weeks Before Moving Day
The packing momentum is building. Keep it organized and room by room.
- Pack one room at a time — label every box clearly with contents AND the destination room
- Use coloured stickers or markers per room: makes unloading and unpacking dramatically faster
- Confirm your moving date, start time, and crew details with your mover
- Arrange childcare or pet care for moving day — keeping kids and pets out of the way is a safety and efficiency win
- Photograph the backs of your electronics before you unplug them — this saves hours during setup
- If moving into a condo or apartment building in Ottawa or Kanata, check if you need to reserve the freight elevator
- If you need temporary storage between homes, book your unit now
Need storage between homes? See our Furniture Storage options across Ottawa Valley.
2 Weeks Before Moving Day
The home stretch. Focus on finishing and confirming.
- Pack all remaining non-essentials — leave only what you’ll need in the last two weeks
- Confirm parking arrangements for the moving truck at both your current and new address
- Arrange for utilities to be turned on at the new home the day before move-in — nobody wants to arrive to no heat or water
- Prepare an essentials bag — documents, medications, phone chargers, a change of clothes, snacks, and anything you’ll need immediate access to on moving day
- Deep-clean appliances (fridge, oven, washing machine) if they’re coming with you
- Confirm access details with the new property owner or property manager
Moving Day Checklist
The big day. Stay organized and you’ll be done before you know it.
- Have your essentials bag close at hand — not on the truck
- Be present to direct the crew, or designate someone you trust to make decisions
- Do a full walkthrough of every room, closet, crawl space, and outdoor storage area before the truck leaves
- Take meter readings (gas, water, electricity) at both properties before and after
- Lock all windows and doors at the old address and return or hand over the keys
- Check the truck before it departs — make sure nothing is left on the lawn or driveway
- Tip your movers if they did a great job — it’s always appreciated
After the Move: First Week in Your New Ottawa Valley Home
The boxes are in — now it’s time to settle in.
- Unpack essentials first: kitchen, bathrooms, and beds. Everything else can wait a few days
- Update your driver’s licence and vehicle registration with ServiceOntario (address change required within 6 days of moving in Ontario)
- Update your address with OHIP — your health card information must reflect your current address
- Update your address on your Google and Apple accounts, shopping accounts, and subscription services
- Let your neighbours know you’ve moved in — Ottawa Valley communities are genuinely welcoming
- Find your nearest walk-in clinic, pharmacy, grocery store, and hardware store
Moving Special Items? Plan Well Ahead
Certain items need more than standard moving care. If any of these apply to your move, let your mover know at the time of booking:
- Piano Moving — Ardie’s handles uprights, baby grands, and full grand pianos across Ottawa Valley
- Fish Tank Moving — full process for safe aquarium transport
- Seniors Moving — extra care, flexible scheduling, no-rush approach
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start packing for a move?
Start packing at least six to eight weeks before your move date. Begin with rooms and items you use least often — seasonal storage, guest rooms, books — and work toward the rooms you use daily. Leaving packing until the last week causes rushed decisions and broken items.
What should I pack first when moving?
Pack out-of-season clothing, books, decorative items, and guest room contents first. Leave everyday kitchen items, bedding, toiletries, and work tools to the last few days. Always set aside an essentials box that stays with you — not on the truck — containing documents, medications, chargers, and a change of clothes.
What’s the best time of year to move in the Ottawa Valley?
Late spring (May to early June) and early fall (September to early October) offer the best combination of mild weather and mover availability in the Ottawa Valley. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months. Winter moves are possible and can be less expensive, but Ottawa Valley road conditions require experienced local movers.
How do I update my address after moving in Ontario?
In Ontario, you must update your driver’s licence and vehicle registration with ServiceOntario within 6 days of moving. Also update your OHIP health card, CRA, Canada Post (mail forwarding), your bank, and your employer’s HR records. Many services now allow online address updates.
How early should I book a moving company in the Ottawa Valley?
For summer moves (June through August), book your moving company at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance. For spring and fall moves, 3 to 4 weeks is usually sufficient. For specialty moves involving pianos, fish tanks, or senior clients, book as early as possible as these require additional crew planning.
Ready to book your Ottawa Valley move?
Call: 343-353-9900
ardiesmovers.com/residential-moving
Serving Arnprior, Ottawa, Renfrew County, Carleton Place & surrounding communities
Published by the team at Ardie’s Movers, Arnprior, Ontario