Ottawa Packing Checklist — 8-Week Countdown
Stop forgetting things. Enter your move date and we’ll walk you through every packing and prep task — week by week, right down to moving-day morning. Your progress saves automatically in your browser for 7 days.
Ready when you are — book your Men In Trucks crew.
Popular move dates (month-end, long weekends) fill up fast in Ottawa. Lock in your crew early to guarantee the date you want.
Packing checklist FAQ
When should I start packing for a move?
For most Ottawa households, 6–8 weeks out is the right starting point. Start with rooms and items you use least (basement, seasonal clothes, books, decor) and save kitchen + daily essentials for the final week.
How many boxes do I actually need?
A rough rule for a 2-bedroom home: 15 small, 20 medium, 10 large, 5 wardrobe, 4 dish packs. We include a supply-kit recommendation based on your home size when you book with us.
Should I pack dishes and glassware myself?
You can — use dish packs with cell dividers, wrap each piece in packing paper, and stack plates vertically (not flat). If you’d rather not risk it, ask us for professional packing. We pack 20,000+ dishes a year.
What about pantry food, cleaning chemicals, plants?
Movers can’t transport hazardous materials (paint, propane, chemicals, ammunition). Plants and perishable food are discouraged on long hauls. For local Ottawa moves, we’ll happily take plants if they’re boxed and labeled.
What goes in the “essentials box” for moving day?
Phone chargers, medications, a change of clothes, toilet paper, basic toiletries, bedding for the first night, snacks and water, your wallet and keys, and paperwork for the new place. Keep this box with you — don’t load it on the truck.
Who do I need to notify about the address change in Ottawa?
Hydro Ottawa (hydroottawa.com), ServiceOntario (health card, driver’s license, vehicle registration), Canada Post (mail forwarding for 6+ months), your bank, credit cards, insurance, doctor/dentist/vet, and subscription services.
Can I reuse this checklist for another move?
Yes — hit Reset to clear your progress, or just pick a new move date. State clears automatically after 7 days of inactivity.
Tip: your progress is stored in this browser only. It does not sync across devices or browsers.
