Moving house is exciting, but it can also be one of life’s most stressful events. Whether you’re upgrading to a larger home or relocating across town, good planning can make a huge difference. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Many homeowners face similar challenges when preparing for a move.

In this guide, we’ll share practical advice to help you plan, organise, and enjoy a smooth moving experience.

Start Planning Early

The earlier you start preparing for your move, the better. A well-organised plan reduces stress and gives you time to deal with any surprises.

Make a checklist of all the tasks you need to complete, such as:

• Decluttering your home
• Organising packing materials
• Booking Residential Movers
• Notifying utility companies of your move
  
  

Give yourself at least six to eight weeks to plan, especially if you’re moving during peak seasons.

Declutter Before You Pack

Packing can be overwhelming if you have too many belongings. Before you start boxing things up, take the time to declutter.
 Ask yourself:

• Have I used this item in the past year?
  
  
• Does it hold sentimental or practical value?
  
  

Donate, sell, or recycle anything you no longer need. For example, you can donate items through the Ottawa Neighbourhood Services program, which supports local families around Kanata.

By decluttering early, you’ll have fewer items to move — saving time, space, and money.

Hire Professional Residential Movers

While some homeowners consider a DIY move, hiring professionals often proves to be a wise investment.
 Expert Residential Movers like firstratemovers can:

• Protect your belongings during transit
  
  
• Offer efficient packing and unpacking services
  
  
• Provide insurance coverage for peace of mind
  
  

According to the Better Business Bureau Ottawa, choosing accredited movers in the Kanata area ensures you avoid scams and get quality service.

Choosing a reputable company ensures you can focus on settling into your new home, instead of worrying about logistics.

Pack Smartly

Packing isn’t just about throwing items into boxes. Good packing techniques protect your belongings and simplify unpacking later.

Here are a few tips:

• Use quality moving boxes and supplies
  
  
• Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to
  
  
• Wrap fragile items individually
  
  
• Pack heavy items in small boxes and lighter items in larger ones
  
  

You can also create an “essentials box” with everything you’ll need for the first night in your new home — like toiletries, snacks, a change of clothes, and important documents.

For professional tips, the City of Ottawa Moving Guide offers advice for residents relocating within the Ottawa–Kanata region.

Prepare Your New Home Before Moving Day

If possible, visit your new home before moving day to take care of any repairs or cleaning.
 Tasks you may want to complete include:

• Changing the locks
  
  
• Cleaning carpets and floors
  
  
• Setting up utilities
  
  
• Checking smoke alarms
  
  

This way, you can move into a fresh, fully functional space without added stress.

If you’re moving into a Kanata neighbourhood managed by an association, such as Kanata Lakes Community Association, check their guidelines around move-in dates, parking, and local rules.

Stay Flexible on Moving Day

Even the best-laid plans can encounter unexpected hurdles. Weather delays, last-minute changes, or small mishaps are common during a move.

Stay calm and flexible. Having trusted Residential Movers on your team makes it easier to adapt when challenges arise.

Remember: moving is a major life event. Give yourself grace, stay positive, and celebrate the beginning of a new chapter.

FAQs About Moving for Homeowners

1. How early should I book a moving company?
It’s best to book Residential Movers at least six to eight weeks in advance, especially during busy seasons like summer.

2. What items should I pack last when moving?
Essentials like medications, important documents, chargers, basic kitchenware, and toiletries should be packed last for easy access on moving day.

3. Is it worth getting professional packing services?
Yes. Professional packers can save you time, reduce stress, and better protect your valuables during the move.

4. What should I do if it rains on moving day?
Use waterproof covers for furniture and boxes, lay down protective mats in entryways, and have extra towels on hand to dry wet items quickly.

5. How can I estimate moving costs?
You can request quotes from several Residential Movers and use trusted local services or cost calculators from organisations like the Better Business Bureau Ottawa.

6. Can I move plants and pets easily?
Special care is needed. Use breathable containers for plants and prepare a calm, secure space for pets during transit.

7. How do I set up utilities in my new home?
Contact service providers at least two weeks before moving. Resources are available through the City of Ottawa Utilities Page.