Moving soon in Ottawa? Lock in your date with a licensed & insured local crew before the calendar fills up.
A smooth move starts long before the truck arrives. This Ottawa moving checklist walks you through everything week by week — from booking your movers and reserving the elevator to changing your address and surviving moving day — so nothing slips through the cracks. Print it, save it, and check off each step as you go.
8 weeks before your move
- Set your budget and get a free flat-rate quote from a licensed and insured Ottawa mover.
- Book your date early — summer weekends and July 1 go fast in Ottawa.
- Start a moving binder or phone folder for quotes, receipts and your inventory.
- Begin decluttering room by room. Donate or sell what you will not bring to the new place.
4 weeks before
- Confirm your moving date and crew, and ask about parking and access at both addresses.
- If you are moving into or out of a condo or high-rise, reserve the service elevator and loading dock with building management.
- Order packing supplies, or arrange professional packing if you would rather not do it yourself.
- Start packing items you rarely use — seasonal gear, books, spare dishes.
- Notify your landlord if you are renting, per your lease notice period.
2 weeks before
- Change your address with Canada Post, the CRA, your bank, insurer and Service Ontario.
- Transfer or set up utilities — hydro, gas, internet — for your move-in date.
- Update your driver’s licence and health card address.
- Pack in earnest, labelling each box by room and contents.
- Confirm childcare or pet care for moving day if you need it.
Not sure your date is still available? Check now — peak Ottawa dates book out weeks ahead. Licensed & insured, clear flat-rate quotes.
Moving week
- Pack an essentials box: medications, chargers, documents, a change of clothes, basic tools, toiletries.
- Defrost the fridge and freezer, and empty and dry small appliances.
- Confirm the arrival window and final details with your crew.
- Reserve a parking spot for the truck — important in Centretown, the Glebe, Westboro and other tight downtown streets.
- Keep valuables, keys and paperwork with you, not on the truck.
Moving day
- Be on site to direct the crew and point out fragile or priority items.
- Do a final walk-through of every room, closet and the garage before the truck leaves.
- Check the elevator pads and floor protection are in place at both ends.
- At the new home, label which room each box belongs in so the crew can place it directly.
- Do a final check for damage and confirm everything is off the truck before you sign off.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book movers in Ottawa?
Aim for at least four to eight weeks ahead, and even earlier for summer weekends and July 1, which are the busiest dates in Ottawa. Booking early protects both your date and your price.
When should I reserve the elevator for a condo move?
As soon as you confirm your date — usually three to four weeks out. Many Ottawa buildings only allow one move-in or move-out per time slot, so popular windows go quickly.
What should go in my essentials box?
Medications, chargers, important documents, a change of clothes, toiletries, basic tools and anything you will need the first night before you unpack. Keep this box with you rather than on the truck.
Do I need to be there on moving day?
Yes, it is best to be on site or have someone you trust there to direct the crew, point out fragile items, and do the final walk-through at both addresses.
