Moving day can feel overwhelming, even when you have packed every box and booked experienced movers. The difference between a stressful day and a smooth one is usually preparation: knowing what needs to happen before the crew arrives, what should stay with you, and what to check before the truck leaves each address.
This moving day checklist gives you an hour by hour plan for a local Ottawa move, plus practical adjustments for a long distance relocation. Use it alongside Parkview Moving’s helpful moving tips to stay organized from your final morning at the old home through your first night in the new one.
If you still need a moving team, Parkview’s Ottawa movers can help with local moves, packing, storage, and long distance relocations.
Table of Contents
- The Night Before Moving Day
- 6:00 7:00 AM: Complete Your Final Prep
- 7:00 8:00 AM: Pack Your Moving Day Survival Kit
- 8:00 9:00 AM: Meet Your Movers
- 9:00 AM 12:00 PM: Loading Your Home
- 12:00 2:00 PM: Final Walkthrough and Departure
- Arrival at Your New Home
- Unloading and Final Checks
- Your First Night Checklist
- Moving Day Survival Kit
- Moving Day FAQ
The Night Before Moving Day
Your moving day should not begin with frantic packing. Complete as much as possible the evening before so your morning is focused on essentials, paperwork, and access.
Confirm the important details
Before bed, confirm:
- Your mover’s arrival window and primary contact number.
- The pickup and delivery addresses.
- Elevator reservation times, if applicable.
- Parking arrangements at both locations.
- Building loading instructions, concierge details, and move in rules.
- Payment method and any final paperwork requirements.
- The location of keys, remotes, garage openers, and building access fobs.
- Child care or pet care plans.
- The weather forecast and appropriate footwear.
For condo and apartment moves, reserve the elevator as early as possible and verify where the moving truck can legally park. A delayed elevator or a long walk from truck to door can slow down loading and unloading.
If you have not yet arranged professional help, Parkview’s local movers Ottawa service can support residential moves throughout Ottawa and surrounding communities.
Finish the final packing
By the night before, every box should be sealed, labelled, and placed in the correct room. Mark essential boxes clearly as “Open First” and label fragile boxes on more than one side.
Keep these items out of the truck:
- Passports, identification, and legal documents.
- Jewellery, cash, small valuables, and sentimental items.
- Prescription medication and medical devices.
- Wallet, keys, and payment cards.
- Phone, charger, and power bank.
- Your moving contract, estimate, and mover’s contact details.
- Children’s comfort items and pet supplies.
Do not leave essential documents or medication in a box that could be loaded by mistake.
6:00-7:00 AM: Complete Your Final Prep
Start the day calmly, eat breakfast, and wear comfortable clothes with closed toe shoes. Keep your phone charged and avoid starting any major packing project that morning.
Your early morning checklist
- Wake up early enough to avoid rushing.
- Shower and change into comfortable clothing.
- Eat a simple breakfast and fill reusable water bottles.
- Charge your phone and power bank.
- Place your wallet, keys, documents, medications, and valuables in one bag.
- Put aside cleaning supplies for the final walkthrough.
- Take photos of valuable items or their existing condition if needed.
- Check that pathways, stairs, driveways, and entrances are clear.
- Turn off and unplug appliances that will be moved, following manufacturer guidance.
- Make sure pets and children are in a safe, quiet location away from moving activity.
If you are moving during winter, clear ice and snow from entrances, walkways, and loading areas. In rain, have mats or towels ready to help protect floors and reduce slips.
7:00-8:00 AM: Pack Your Moving Day Survival Kit
Your moving day survival kit is not the same as your household packing. It is the small collection of belongings you need immediate access to during the move and on your first night.
Keep this kit in your car or with you not in the moving truck.
Essentials for every household
- Phone, charger, and power bank.
- Wallet, identification, keys, and payment method.
- Moving paperwork and contact information.
- Prescription medication, glasses, and personal medical supplies.
- Water bottles, snacks, coffee, and easy meals.
- Toilet paper, hand soap, paper towels, and disinfecting wipes.
- Basic first aid kit.
- Toiletries, toothbrushes, and a change of clothes.
- Pajamas, towels, bedding, and pillows for the first night.
- Basic tools, scissors, box cutter, tape, flashlight, and batteries.
- Cleaning supplies, garbage bags, and a few reusable bags.
- Pet food, leash, waste bags, bowls, medication, and bedding.
- Baby supplies, diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, and favourite comfort items.
Competitor moving day guides consistently recommend keeping documents, chargers, medicine, toiletries, snacks, pet supplies, and first night necessities separate from the main load.prestigemoving+2
8:00-9:00 AM: Meet Your Movers
When the crew arrives, take a few minutes to walk through your home before loading begins. This is your chance to prevent confusion and make sure everyone understands the move plan.
Show the crew what matters
Point out:
- Fragile, high value, or sentimental items.
- Furniture that needs disassembly.
- Boxes that need special handling.
- Items that are not moving.
- Rooms, closets, sheds, garages, and storage spaces.
- The location of your “Open First” boxes.
- Any access issues, stairs, narrow hallways, or parking concerns.
Keep “do not move” items in a clearly marked room, vehicle, or designated corner. Place a visible note on items that must remain behind, especially appliances, fixtures, or furniture included in a home sale.
Review the estimate or bill of lading before work begins. Confirm the destination address, contact details, service scope, and any questions about loading, transit, or delivery.
For fragile belongings or a home that is not fully packed, ask about packing services before moving day whenever possible. Professional packing is safest when arranged in advance rather than added at the last minute.
9:00 AM-12:00 PM: Loading Your Home
Once loading begins, your job is to stay available not to lift heavy items or try to manage every box. Professional movers need clear information, safe pathways, and quick answers when questions arise.
What to do while movers load
- Stay accessible for questions.
- Keep children and pets away from loading areas.
- Confirm that fragile and specialty items are identified.
- Check rooms after they are emptied.
- Keep your survival kit, valuables, and documents with you.
- Take a quick look at the truck load only if the crew asks you to confirm an item.
- Avoid placing additional items in the moving path.
- Do not carry heavy furniture yourself to “help” the crew.
If you have a large or unusual item, disclose it before moving day. Specialty belongings often require extra equipment, protection, or planning. A safe move is more important than trying to save a few minutes.
For moves outside the Ottawa area, your long distance moving service may involve a different delivery schedule than a local move. Confirm your delivery window, destination contact, and any storage requirements before the truck departs.
12:00-2:00 PM: Final Walkthrough and Departure
Before you leave the old home, complete a thorough walkthrough. This step can prevent lost belongings, security issues, and disputes over the condition of a rental or sold property.
Final walkthrough checklist
Check every:
- Bedroom and closet.
- Kitchen cabinet and drawer.
- Bathroom cabinet and medicine cabinet.
- Laundry room.
- Basement, attic, and crawl space.
- Garage, shed, balcony, and yard.
- Storage locker or assigned parking space.
- Refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, and oven.
- Wall, behind doors, and inside built in storage.
Then:
- Take photos of empty rooms if appropriate.
- Turn off lights and close windows.
- Check that taps are off.
- Confirm utilities are handled according to your move out arrangement.
- Lock doors and return keys, fobs, or garage remotes as required.
- Confirm you have your survival kit, documents, medications, and valuables.
- Verify the correct destination address with the move coordinator.
Do not sign final pickup paperwork until you understand what it confirms. If you notice an issue, ask questions before the truck leaves.
Arrival at Your New Home
Try to arrive before the movers when possible. You need time to unlock the home, check access, and make sure the space is ready for unloading.
Prepare the new home
Before the truck arrives:
- Unlock doors and test key access.
- Confirm the elevator reservation or loading zone access.
- Turn on lights and check that basic utilities are working.
- Clear pathways from the entrance to each room.
- Protect floors if weather is wet or snowy.
- Decide where major furniture should go.
- Place room labels on doors if the layout is unfamiliar.
- Keep pets and young children in a safe space.
Give the crew a quick tour and point out each room. Clear room labels reduce the chance that boxes will need to be moved twice.
If your move in date changes or your home is not ready, Parkview’s Ottawa storage services can help bridge the gap. For more guidance, see our article on moving and storage solutions.
Unloading and Final Checks
Unloading is the time to prioritize placement, condition checks, and first night essentials not full unpacking.
Direct the unloading efficiently
- Have movers place labelled boxes in their intended rooms.
- Direct large furniture before boxes fill the space.
- Ask for beds and key furniture to be assembled first if included in your service.
- Keep “Open First” boxes accessible.
- Check high value, fragile, and large items as they are unloaded.
- Note any visible concerns before completing final paperwork.
- Make sure no boxes or items remain on the truck.
A useful approach is to prioritize:
- Beds and bedding.
- Bathroom essentials.
- Kitchen basics.
- Medication and personal items.
- Children’s and pet supplies.
- Internet, chargers, and lighting.
- Major furniture placement.
You do not need to unpack the entire house on moving day. Your goal is to make the home safe, comfortable, and functional for one night.
For a fuller settling in plan, read Moving Day: Important Steps to Take Right After Moving In.
Your First Night Checklist
After the movers leave, avoid putting pressure on yourself to finish everything. Focus on essentials and rest.
First night priorities
- Make at least one bed.
- Set up a bathroom with toilet paper, towels, soap, and toiletries.
- Locate medication, chargers, and important documents.
- Feed pets and set up their familiar bedding.
- Prepare a simple meal or order food.
- Confirm doors and windows lock properly.
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Plug in phones and essential devices.
- Set aside boxes you need to open first tomorrow.
- Get enough sleep before beginning the unpacking process.
A calm first night makes the next day more productive. Start unpacking room by room, beginning with the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, and daily use spaces.
Moving Day Survival Kit
Use this condensed checklist before leaving your old home.
Documents and valuables
- Identification and passport.
- Wallet and payment cards.
- Keys, garage remotes, and building fobs.
- Lease, closing, or moving paperwork.
- Mover’s phone number and estimate.
- Jewellery, cash, and small valuables.
Health and comfort
- Prescription medication.
- First aid kit.
- Water and snacks.
- Toiletries and towels.
- Change of clothes and pajamas.
- Glasses, contact lenses, and medical devices.
Home essentials
- Phone chargers and power bank.
- Flashlight and batteries.
- Basic tools and scissors.
- Toilet paper and hand soap.
- Cleaning wipes and garbage bags.
- Bedding and pillows.
- Coffee, kettle, mugs, and simple food.
Children and pets
- Diapers, wipes, bottles, formula, and comfort items.
- Pet food, bowls, medication, leash, and bedding.
- Games, books, or headphones to keep children occupied.
- Emergency contacts and veterinary information.
Moving Day Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first on moving day?
Start by keeping your documents, medication, valuables, keys, chargers, and survival kit separate from everything being loaded. Then make sure pathways are clear, access is arranged, and the mover knows about fragile items and anything that should not be moved.
What should not go in a moving truck?
Keep important documents, cash, jewellery, medication, keys, passports, phones, chargers, and irreplaceable sentimental items with you. Check your moving company’s policy for hazardous materials, perishable food, plants, and other restricted items.
How do I make moving day easier with children or pets?
Arrange child care or pet care if possible. If they stay with you, keep them away from loading zones and pack food, medication, comfort items, and entertainment in your moving day survival kit.
What should I check before movers leave?
Complete a final walkthrough of the old home, confirm no belongings remain, check the truck inventory, verify your destination details, and make sure you have your keys, paperwork, medication, documents, and essentials bag.
When should I unpack after moving?
On moving day, unpack only the items you need for safety and comfort: bedding, bathroom supplies, medication, chargers, food, and pet or child essentials. Unpack the rest room by room over the following days.
Plan a Smoother Ottawa Move
A moving day checklist turns a busy day into a clear sequence of manageable steps. Prepare your essentials the night before, stay available to guide the movers, complete a final walkthrough, and focus on first night comfort rather than unpacking everything at once.
For dependable local, long distance, packing, and storage support, contact Parkview Moving. Our professional moving team can help you plan a more organized move from the first box to the final delivery.
