Complete Moving Resource
Your Complete Moving Checklist
Everything you need to plan, pack, clean, and settle in — from eight weeks before moving day to your first week in your new home. Follow this guide for a stress-free move.
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Why This Guide
Moving Doesn't Have to Be Overwhelming
Moving is consistently ranked as one of the most stressful life events. Between coordinating logistics, packing years of belongings, and cleaning two properties, the details can quickly spiral out of control without a clear plan.
This checklist was created by P&J Cleaners based on hundreds of move-in and move-out cleaning services across Metro Vancouver. We've seen firsthand what gets missed, what causes deposit disputes, and what transforms a chaotic move into a seamless transition.
Follow this phase-by-phase guide to stay organized from the moment you give notice through your first week in your new home.
“A successful move is 90% planning. Start early, stay organized, and leave the cleaning to the professionals.”
— P&J Cleaners Team
Phase-by-Phase
Your Complete Moving Timeline
Follow this week-by-week plan to stay on track and ensure nothing slips through the cracks. Each phase builds on the last for a truly seamless move.
8 Weeks Before
- Book your professional move-out cleaning service early to secure your preferred date
- Begin decluttering every room — donate, sell, or discard items you won't take
- Research and hire a reputable moving company; get at least three quotes
- Notify your landlord or property manager of your move-out date in writing
- Start collecting packing supplies: boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers
- Create a moving binder or digital folder for all paperwork and receipts
- Update your address with Canada Post and any subscription services
4 Weeks Before
- Begin packing non-essential items: seasonal clothes, books, and decor
- Confirm your moving company booking and review the contract
- Notify your bank, employer, and insurance providers of your address change
- Contact utility companies — electricity, gas, water, and internet — to transfer or cancel services
- Pack a dedicated 'essentials box' you will open first at your new place
- Take detailed photos of every room before packing for reference and any deposit disputes
- Arrange childcare or pet care for moving day to reduce stress
2 Weeks Before
- Accelerate packing — aim to have 70% of your belongings boxed up
- Label every box clearly with its contents and destination room
- Defrost and clean the refrigerator and freezer so they are fully dry before the move
- Dispose of hazardous materials: paint, chemicals, and aerosol cans (check local disposal rules)
- Return any borrowed items and collect anything you have lent out
- Confirm your move-out cleaning appointment and the scope of work
- Create a floor plan for your new home to guide movers on moving day
1 Week Before
- Pack almost everything — leave out only daily essentials
- Disassemble large furniture and wrap it in moving blankets or stretch wrap
- Clean and pack all kitchen appliances once you are finished using them
- Confirm the moving day schedule, timeline, and any parking arrangements
- Back up important digital files and documents to a cloud service
- Prepare cash or payment method for movers and cleaning crew tips
- Do a final walk-through checklist of all rooms, closets, and storage areas
Moving Day
- Do a final sweep of every room, checking all closets, cabinets, and drawers
- Take timestamped photos of every room after all items are removed
- Check all windows and doors are locked before handing over keys
- Ensure the professional cleaning team has full access to the property
- Collect all keys, access cards, parking passes, and mailbox keys
- Document the condition of the new property before moving anything in
- Confirm utility meter readings at both properties for billing accuracy
After Move-In
- Set up essential areas first: bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen
- Schedule a move-in deep clean if the previous occupants did not arrange one
- Test all appliances, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors
- Change the locks or re-key the new home for security
- Set up internet, cable, and any subscriptions at the new address
- Register vehicles and update your driver's licence with the new address
- Introduce yourself to your new neighbours and learn about waste and recycling schedules
Cleaning Guide
Move-Out vs. Move-In Cleaning
Both move-out and move-in cleanings are thorough deep cleans, but the priorities differ. Here is exactly what each one covers.
Move-Out Cleaning
Leave your old place spotless
- Deep clean all kitchen appliances inside and out
- Wipe down all cabinet interiors and exteriors
- Scrub oven, stovetop, and range hood thoroughly
- Clean inside the refrigerator and freezer (fully defrosted)
- Sanitize all bathroom fixtures, toilets, and tile grout
- Remove soap scum from showers and bathtubs
- Clean all windows, sills, and tracks inside
- Wipe all baseboards, light switches, and door frames
- Remove all marks, scuffs, and smudges from walls
- Vacuum and mop all floors including closets
- Clean light fixtures, ceiling fans, and vents
- Empty and clean all closets and storage areas
Pro Tip: Document every room with timestamped photos before and after cleaning to protect your security deposit.
Move-In Cleaning
Start fresh in your new space
- Deep clean all kitchen surfaces, cabinets, and drawers
- Sanitize appliances and install new drip pans if needed
- Scrub and disinfect all bathroom surfaces and fixtures
- Clean behind and underneath appliances before placing them
- Wash all windows inside to remove fingerprints and grime
- Vacuum and mop all floors before furniture arrives
- Wipe all closet interiors, shelving, and rods
- Clean air vents and replace HVAC filters
- Disinfect all door handles, light switches, and high-touch areas
- Clean garage floor and walls if applicable
- Inspect and clean laundry connections and area
- Wipe down all trim, baseboards, and door frames
Pro Tip: Book your move-in clean before furniture arrives so cleaners have unrestricted access to every surface and corner.
Expert Advice
Pro Packing Tips from Our Team
Pack One Room at a Time
Focus on completing one room fully before moving to the next. Label each box with the room name and a brief list of contents. This system makes unpacking dramatically faster and reduces chaos on moving day.
Protect Fragile Items Properly
Wrap fragile items individually in packing paper or bubble wrap. Use original boxes for electronics when possible. Fill empty space in boxes with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent shifting during transport.
Use Clothing as Padding
Pack clothes, towels, and linens around breakable items to save on packing materials. Socks are perfect for wrapping glasses and small fragile items. This dual-purpose approach reduces waste and saves space.
Create an Essentials Box
Pack a clearly labelled box with everything you will need in the first 24–48 hours: toiletries, chargers, a change of clothes, snacks, and important documents. Load this box last so it comes off the truck first.
Room-by-Room
Moving Priorities by Room
Kitchen
The kitchen requires the most intensive cleaning due to grease, food residue, and appliance buildup. Clean this area first so products have time to work while you handle other rooms.
- Clean oven inside and out with degreaser
- Wipe down all cabinet interiors and exteriors
- Degrease range hood and filters
- Sanitize sink, faucet, and garbage disposal
Pro Tip: Work from top to bottom in every room — ceiling, walls, surfaces, then floors — so falling dust and debris only need to be cleaned once.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms harbour bacteria, mold, and mildew. Deep cleaning bathrooms early allows you to apply cleaning products and let them sit before scrubbing, resulting in a far superior clean.
- Scrub tile grout and remove all soap scum
- Sanitize toilet inside and out including base
- Clean shower, tub, and glass enclosures
- Polish mirrors and all chrome fixtures
Pro Tip: Work from top to bottom in every room — ceiling, walls, surfaces, then floors — so falling dust and debris only need to be cleaned once.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms are typically the easiest rooms to clean once furniture is removed. Focus on closets, baseboards, and any carpet stains. Steam-clean carpets last so the floors can dry without foot traffic.
- Vacuum and steam-clean all carpets or mop hard floors
- Clean inside all closets and wardrobes
- Wipe baseboards, window sills, and frames
- Remove all marks from walls and doors
Pro Tip: Work from top to bottom in every room — ceiling, walls, surfaces, then floors — so falling dust and debris only need to be cleaned once.
Living Areas
Living areas and hallways are high-traffic zones. Clean ceilings, walls, and light fixtures before vacuuming floors to ensure all dust and debris falls down and gets captured in one final pass.
- Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and vents
- Clean all windows and blinds or shutters
- Vacuum thoroughly including corners and under radiators
- Wipe all light switches, outlets, and door handles
Pro Tip: Work from top to bottom in every room — ceiling, walls, surfaces, then floors — so falling dust and debris only need to be cleaned once.
Laundry Area
The laundry room is often overlooked during a move. Wipe down the washer and dryer drum, clean the lint trap housing, and sanitize the utility sink and floors before disconnecting appliances.
- Clean washer drum and door seal
- Clear and clean dryer lint trap and housing
- Sanitize utility sink and surrounding shelving
- Sweep and mop floors behind and around appliances
Pro Tip: Work from top to bottom in every room — ceiling, walls, surfaces, then floors — so falling dust and debris only need to be cleaned once.
Garage & Storage
Garages and storage areas accumulate oil, dust, and grime over years. Sweep and scrub floors, clear all shelving, and dispose of any hazardous materials before handing over or moving into the space.
- Sweep and scrub the garage floor
- Clear and wipe all shelving and storage units
- Dispose of oil, chemicals, and old paint safely
- Clean garage door tracks and interior surfaces
Pro Tip: Work from top to bottom in every room — ceiling, walls, surfaces, then floors — so falling dust and debris only need to be cleaned once.
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