Essential Moving Checklist Toronto - Tips For A Successful Move
Moving is one of the most stressful things you can do. There are a lot of important details to consider, but moving doesn’t have to be a headache. With Francis Movers’ essential moving checklist, you can take the stress out of your move and get excited instead!
We’ve been providing reliable moving services throughout the GTA for over 40 years. Learn valuable moving and packing tips from our professional team in our full business and home moving checklist. Contact us today for personalized solutions and a successful move!
Our Home Moving Checklist
At Francis Movers, our mission is simple: with honest and hard-working movers, we take every measure to make sure our customers are satisfied with our work. We hope the moving and packing tips in our home moving checklist help your residential move go as smoothly as possible:
- Make sure all of your items are packed in appropriately sized moving boxes (boxes are only rated for certain weights).
- Ensure all boxes are labelled on the top and the sides so they end up in the right room.
- If mattress bags are needed, please request them before the move day.
- Drain gas and oil from lawnmowers, chainsaws, snow blowers, gas grills, and kerosene heaters.
- Defrost and clean your fridge and freezer at least one day before the move.
- Wait at least 3 hours before plugging in your fridge or freezer to let the freezer settle.
- Make sure your elevator reservation times coincide with your moving times. If your elevator time is restricted, consider additional helpers to speed up the move.
- Ensure you have the van driver’s name and contact information, and provide your driver with contact information at the destination. Confirm directions to your new home.
- Remove snow and ice from sidewalks, driveways, and steps for your and your movers' safety.
- Don’t use televisions, electronic equipment, and major appliances before they reach room temperature—this prevents potential damage.
- Clean out your closets, cupboards, toy chests, shelves, attic, garage, and basement, and donate or discard anything you no longer want/need.
- Decide which plants will come with you and secure the soil in potted plants with plastic wrap or garbage bags.
- Go through your moving preparation list again and make a last-minute check of every room and closet before the truck leaves.
- Ensure the water, furnace, and air conditioner are shut off, the windows and doors are shut and locked, and the lights are switched off.

The Business Moving Checklist
Many of our residential moving and packing tips apply to commercial moves, too. However, there are a few extra points any business moving checklist should cover, including:
- Remember to notify stakeholders (as well as employees, vendors, clients, and service providers) about the move and update your company address on important documents.
- Plan for internet and server relocation and back up all important data.
- Set up your new IT network and test all systems before moving day.
- Inspect your new premises, checking that all utilities and services are operational (and furniture is well-arranged).
- Announce your office move by updating your website, Google My Business, and social media.
Follow this essential office move checklist, and your business relocation should go off without a hitch!
Insurance You Can Count On
Francis Movers doesn’t just provide essential moving and packing tips for your residential and commercial moves. As a top-rated moving company in Toronto, we also offer comprehensive insurance coverage when you book a move with us. Our coverage includes:
- $50,000 coverage total
- $100 deductible on claims
- $400 maximum per piece
Our insurance coverage includes furniture and electronics for physical damage only. The contents of boxes are only insured if packed and unpacked by our staff.
Payment can be made by Visa, Mastercard, or cash after the move has been completed.


Check Packing Supplies Off Your Moving Preparation List
To complement our extensive moving services in Toronto, we also provide top-quality packing supplies to ensure the safe transition of your belongings. We can also deliver everything you need straight to your door ahead of time for just $20!
Check ‘get supplies’ off your moving preparation list right away and get a jump on packing. Here’s what we offer:
- Boxes (any size): $2.00 each
- New wardrobe: $30.00 each
- Used wardrobe: $20.00 each
- Tape rolls: $15.00 for six rolls
- Packing paper: $30.00 for a 25-pound bundle of unprinted newsprint
- Delivery: $25.00
Your Ultimate Moving Checklist in Toronto!
If you’re planning a move in Toronto or the GTA, don’t stress – Francis Movers has your back! Get started on your home moving checklist or business moving checklist today and partner with a leading moving company in Toronto.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about putting together a checklist for moving out? Check out our frequently asked questions below!
To start with, make a moving checklist (or use ours) and a timeline. Make sure to book with Francis Movers early and sort through your things ahead of time.
It’s never too early to start packing. Around 4-6 weeks before moving day is ideal. Start with non-essential and seasonal items, leaving daily essentials for last. And don’t forget to label your boxes!
For appliances like refrigerators and washing machines, unplug them at least 24 hours in advance. Our expert movers will wrap your appliances to protect them in transit.
Pack an ‘essentials’ box. This should contain important documents, medications, chargers, toiletries, snacks, and a change of clothes. Include anything you might need at a moment’s notice.