16 Long Distance Moving Tips + Checklist

Is there a way to make your selection of a long-distance mover easier? You bet. Our guide will get you through with flying colours.

The Essential Long Distance Moving Tips

1. Don’t Delay Your Planning

“I wish I’d started planning my long distance move from Ottawa to Toronto later and been less organized,” said no one ever. You might be tempted to put off planning because the task looks overwhelming. Actually, the earlier you begin, the less pressure you’ll feel… and the more likely you’ll get everything done on time.

2. Create A Schedule

Once you’ve planned a long-distance moving checklist of chores to accomplish, create a schedule showing when to do each one. Use an online calendar or simply paper and pen — whatever you’re comfortable with. Pay special attention to time-sensitive tasks, like enrolling your kids in their new school or updating passports for an international move.

3. Choose A Trusted Moving Company

Compare reputable movers who offer long distance moving to your destination. Look for a company that has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and is a member of the Canadian Association of Movers.

Request moving quotes based on:

• the services you need AND
• the volume of possessions involved

Have a detailed evaluation performed by a professional Moving from Ottawa to Kingston Consultant. This can be done either in-home or virtually. Don’t trust a company that gives their bid by email or over the phone.

4. Calculate Moving Costs

There’s a difference between local moving costs and long distance. Estimate the approximate total of your moving costs so you can budget wisely. Besides calculating long distance movers‘ fees, consider additional expenses like moving insurance, or a hotel stay for the first night in your new city.

5. Sort Out Important Documentation and Utilities

Check (and double-check!) the necessary documentation for your move — customs declarations, visas, valid driver’s license, etc.

Ensure utilities are set up before your arrival. It won’t be much of a welcome if your new home is freezing cold, has no hot water or lacks internet.

6. Start Packing Early

If you are going to be doing some or all of your packing, start early. You should begin boxing up things like out-of-season clothing months in advance.

PRO TIP: Don’t leave your kitchen for last. It contains many fragile items that need to be packed with special care.

7. Declutter

Don’t pack what you don’t use. (And don’t pay to ship it either!) Declutter before your move by selling, giving away, recycling, or discarding anything that won’t fit into your exciting new life.

8. Create A “Do Not Pack” List

If you’re moving to a brand new province or country, be aware that you’re not allowed to transport certain items between provinces or countries. Marijuana, for instance, is legal in Canada but prohibited in many areas of the United States. Other restrictions apply when you move back to Canada from abroad.

9. Make a Plan for Furniture and Appliances

Furniture is heavy, making it expensive to move. Unless you own a collection of valuable antiques, you might be better off downsizing and purchasing replacement furnishings once you arrive. (This way you can choose couches, tables, and accessories that complement your new home.)

The same goes for appliances — even more so if you’ll be living in Europe or another location that uses a different voltage system.

10. Organize Belongings by Room

Organizing as you pack will make your eventual unpacking and settling in much easier. Keep your belongings separated by room. For instance, group together all the bedding, clothes, and toys for your child’s bedroom.

11. Buy Quality Moving Materials

One of the best moving de-stressors is having plenty of high-quality supplies on hand. Buy moving boxes large enough to protect a mirror or sturdy enough to hold your favourite books. Tape guns, bubble wrap or clean packing paper, and markers are other must-haves.

12. Pack For Long Distance

Long distance moving can be hard on your stuff, so pack carefully. Give breakables extra TLC; pad them securely to minimize jostling.

An excellent option is to hire a packing service. This will save you precious pre-move time. Plus, reliable professionals know the best ways to protect your possessions.

13. Label Boxes and Heavy Items

Your Stittsville movers are likely to be carrying several loads (belonging to multiple families) in their truck. Make sure your boxes won’t get lost in the shuffle. For safety’s sake, label each one with your name, new address, and phone number.

14. Hold Onto Valuables

Keep extremely delicate, expensive, or sentimental belongings with you in your car… or hand luggage if you’re travelling by plane. Pack with care and label with your contact info, in case they somehow go astray.

Don’t forget to bring along a moving day survival kit of essentials like medication or baby’s favourite “blankie.”

15. Plan Your Travel Arrangements

By now, you’ve found a great long distance moving company to transport your things. It’s time to think about transportation for your family. If you are driving to your new locale, get the car tuned up and filled with gas before the big day. If you’re flying, book your seats.

Don’t forget to make arrangements — and buy secure travel crates — for your pets, as well. (PRO TIP: Airlines often require a recent veterinary-issued health certificate.)

16. Prepare for Your Movers

Reserve parking and elevator times for your movers, if necessary. Also, make sure that the path to your door is clear of all potential obstacles.

Group all boxes and other items to be moved in one area of your home as much as possible. When the moving team arrives, show them where everything is and then stay out of their way.

Prepare cold drinks for the crew …. plus, have some cash to tip them when you receive excellent service.

The Ultimate Moving Checklist

Thinking about moving from Ottawa to a new city, province, or even another country? 

In the two years leading up to 2021, 2.1 million (13.8% of 15 million) Canadian households moved and recent statistics show long distance moves are actually on the rise, with many finding new opportunities across the country and beyond.

Moving long distance is no walk in the park, and tackling it without a plan can quickly become a huge disaster. Planning ahead isn’t just smart—it’s essential. Whether you’re heading to a historic neighbourhood of Montreal, a scenic village in British Columbia, or the sun-soaked beaches of Florida, having a detailed plan can mean the difference between a smooth transition and a logistical nightmare. 

But don’t sweat it—we’ve got your back during this crazy long distance moving process. This moving guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your cross country move the stress-free adventure it should be.

1. Initial Planning

a. Find The Right Professional Moving Company

The first step in your long-distance move is finding professional movers you can trust. This isn’t a time to gamble on your cousin’s friend who owns a truck. You need professionals. Start by researching and reading reviews. Look for long distance moving companies with solid reputations and glowing testimonials. Don’t settle for the first quote you get; compare prices and services to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

If you’re moving long-distance from Ottawa to another city, get a custom quote from Cassidy’s – Ottawa’s trusted moving company and check our Google reviews!

Check out this comparison of renting a U-Haul vs hiring a moving company for more insights.

b. Budgeting for Your Cross Country Move

Long-distance moves can quickly become pricey, but a well-planned budget can keep moving expenses in check. Think about everything you’ll need and write it down: storage, the number of professional movers, packing supplies like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap—it will add up quickly. Other costs might include packing services, insurance, special handling for items that require it like pianos or antiques, and transporting you and your family. 

Make a spreadsheet and create a budget that accounts for every cost, so you won’t be taken by surprise and go over budget.

To cut down on costs, consider picking a moving date on a weekday or during off-peak season (October to April) when rates are usually cheaper. Sell possessions you don’t really need (like that couch you’ve been thinking of replacing) to lower the amount of boxes that need to move with you.

If you think you’ll need storage, Cassidy’s Sea Can (Shipping Container) Rentals offers flexible and secure options. You can rent or buy new and used shipping containers or get climate-controlled storage in our warehouse for your home or business.

c. Research & Plan

It’s time to know exactly what you’re getting into.  Before you move, find and gather all your documents and files in one place and keep them handy. This includes identification, contracts, insurance papers, and any permits you might need for your new location. Make photocopies. Learn and understand the rules and regulations of your new province or country, including any documentation you’ll need for your family and pets. 

It’s also a good idea to research your new city. Figure out where your bank is, the local schools, grocery store, gym or recreation centre, and learn about transportation. 

Plan out the logistics of the move itself. Create a detailed moving plan that outlines every step, from packing to the actual moving date. Also read: Hiring movers vs moving yourself.

Finally, type up a cross country moving checklist and make sure you don’t miss anything else you need to do before you leave. This can include cancelling utilities, updating your address with important institutions, having mail forwarded, and booking hotels if needed. By planning ahead, you can minimize stress and make your long distance move as easy as possible.

2. Preparing for the Move

a. Decluttering and Organizing

Moving is the perfect time to declutter. Why pack and haul stuff you don’t need? Be ruthless—if you haven’t used it in a year, it’s probably time to let it go. Furniture, clothes, and sports equipment all tend to accumulate over time. Organize your belongings by sorting items into categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard. This will make your packing so much easier and also lower your moving costs.

b. Creating a Moving Inventory

An inventory list isn’t just for control freaks—it’s a lifesaver. Use one to keep track of all your possessions and help with insurance claims if anything gets lost or damaged. There are online tools or apps to create and manage your inventory efficiently, but even a simple Google spreadsheet will work. Knowing exactly what you have and where it’s going can save you a lot of headaches down the road.

3. Packing Tips

a. Gathering Moving Supplies

Don’t start packing until you have the right materials. You’ll need boxes, tape, markers, and bubble wrap. For the environmentally conscious, eco-friendly options are out there like reusable containers and biodegradable packing materials. 

Investing in real moving boxes and packing tape can help prevent damage to your belongings. Moving boxes also come in standard sizes, making them a lot easier to stack and load into a moving truck without having to play Tetris. You can find specialized boxes for fragile items like dishes and electronics.

Labels and markers are also essential for an organized move. Clearly labelling each box with its contents and designated room will save you time and hassle during the unpacking process. Colour-coded labels can also help with staying organized.

Lastly, having scissors, box cutters, and furniture blankets will make your packing process much smoother. By getting all of this ahead of time, you’ll pack more efficiently, have less frustration, and make sure your belongings are protected during the move.

b. Packing Strategies

Don’t just start shoving things into boxes! Have a packing strategy. Start by packing one room at a time. This method helps you stay organized and makes unpacking easier. Begin with the least-used rooms, such as guest bedrooms or storage areas, and save everyday essentials for last.

Give yourself time. For the average 3-bedroom home, you could spend 3-4 full days packing. 

Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to in your new home. Categorizing boxes can make unpacking easier and more efficient. This methodical approach prevents chaos and makes settling in smoother.

Use the right-sized boxes for different items. Heavy items like books should go in small boxes, while lighter items such as linens and pillows can fill larger ones. This not only makes moving the boxes easier but also prevents overpacking and potential damage.

Flammable, explosive, and other chemical products should not be packed for moving.

Wrap fragile items individually with bubble wrap or packing paper. Place heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter ones on top. Fill any empty spaces with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent shifting during transit. Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. Colour-coded labels or markers can add an extra layer of organization, making it easier to find what you need quickly.

4. Moving Day

a. Final Checks

Before you hit the road, double-check everything. Make sure all utilities and services have been transferred or scheduled to be disconnected. This includes electricity, water, gas, internet, and any other essential services.

Do a thorough walkthrough and make sure nothing is left behind. Check all closets, cabinets, drawers, and storage areas. It’s easy to overlook small items or those tucked away in less obvious places.

Keep anything you might need immediately upon arrival in a secure, easily accessible place. Things like keys to your new place, bank cards, identification, financial documents, and medical records.

b. Managing Moving Day

It’s your moving date, but staying organized will keep you calm and in control. Start the day early to maximize daylight and allow for any unexpected delays. Have a detailed plan and timeline, including when professional movers will arrive, loading schedules, and travel times. Keep a copy of this plan handy and share it with everyone involved.

Ensure that you have essential items you’ll need easily accessible, such as important documents, medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes. Pack these in a backpack or something you can keep with you. It’s also wise to have snacks, water, and basic tools (like screwdrivers and box cutters) readily available.

Keeping a running checklist of tasks to complete throughout the day. Check off items as they are loaded onto the truck to ensure nothing is left behind. Be present and available to direct movers, answer questions, and manage any last-minute issues.

For families with small children or pets, arrange for a sitter or designate a safe, quiet area for them to stay during the hustle and bustle. This will help reduce stress for both them and you.

Do a final walkthrough to make sure nothing is left behind. Double-check that all doors and windows are locked before you leave.

Finally, be prepared for the unexpected. Delays, traffic, or last-minute changes can happen, so maintain a flexible mindset and keep your stress levels in check. By staying organized, communicative, and prepared, you can manage moving day efficiently and set the stage for a smooth transition to your new home.

5. Settling In

a. Unpacking Efficiently

Unpacking doesn’t have to be a nightmare! Take your time and enjoy the process of setting up your new space.

Begin by unpacking boxes of items you use regularly, such as cooking utensils, toiletries, and bedding. This will help you gain a sense of normalcy in your new place.

Use the labels on your boxes to guide you, and put each box in its designated room before unpacking them. This will minimize confusion. As you unpack, place items directly into their intended spots rather than piling them on the floor. This method keeps your new home organized from the start and reduces the need for searching later on.

Break down unpacking into manageable tasks. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, set small goals, like completing one room or unpacking a set number of boxes each day. This will stop you from getting overwhelmed and procrastinating and will keep you motivated.

Get rid of packing boxes and materials quickly to keep your space clutter-free. Flatten boxes for recycling and organize packing supplies you may want to reuse.

Finally, take your time personalizing your new space. Arrange furniture and have fun decorating, making your new house feel like home. These steps will take most of the stress out of unpacking.

b. Making Your New House a Home

It’s time to make your new place feel like home sweet home. Set up your internet, utilities, and security systems as soon as possible. Start to make your space feel familiar and like it’s yours. Exploring your new neighbourhood and connecting with your neighbours and community can also help you settle in more comfortably.

Begin with the rooms you use most, such as the living room and bedroom. Arrange furniture in a way that makes you enjoy being there. Adding personal touches like family photos, artwork, plants, and decorations can make the space feel more familiar and inviting.

Finally, give yourself time to adjust. Moving is a significant change, and it’s okay to take it step by step. By gradually adding your personal touches and integrating into your new community, your house will soon feel like home.

Work With Cassidy’s For Your Long Distance Move

Long distance moving is a big deal, but with the right plan, it doesn’t have to be a headache. Start early, stay organized, and let the pros handle the heavy lifting. 

Ready to make the leap? Request a quote from Cassidy’s and start your new adventure with confidence.