What’s a good moving checklist?
Want a moving checklist that actually sells your Georgetown home fast? Read this.
Quick Promise
This post gives a battle-tested, step-by-step moving checklist built for home sellers in Georgetown, ON. Follow it, avoid costly delays, and move out without hurting your sale price. No fluff. Actionable steps for every week, local tips for Halton Hills, and a complete FAQ.
Why a moving checklist matters for Georgetown home sellers
If you’re selling in Georgetown, you’re not just moving boxes. You’re timing showings, staging a home with historic charm, and juggling commuter buyers who want spotless, move-in-ready results. The wrong move date, a blocked driveway on Main Street, or a messy basement can cost thousands or weeks on market. This checklist keeps you controlled and in charge.
How to use this checklist
Treat this as a timeline. Tweak to fit your closing date. If you have more time, move tasks earlier. If you’re under pressure, prioritize the 8-week, 4-week, 2-week, and moving-day items.
8–12 Weeks Before Moving
- Confirm your sale status and desired closing date. Lock in a realistic move-out day that aligns with buyers’ needs and municipal rules.
- Book a reputable moving company now. Aim for movers experienced with Halton Hills and Georgetown streets. Ask for proof of insurance and references. Get 3 quotes.
- Start a moving binder or digital folder. Store contracts, closing documents, moving quotes, receipts.
- Declutter by room. Sell, donate, or toss items you won’t move. Georgetown has community donations: local thrift stores and Halton Hills donation centers pickup options.
- Measure big items and new home doorways. Don’t assume sofas will fit stairwells in historic downtown homes.
- Research parking and truck permits. If you need a moving truck on a narrow Main Street or near a corner in Georgetown, contact Town of Halton Hills for temporary permits.
4 Weeks Before Moving
- Transfer or cancel subscriptions tied to your Georgetown address: municipal services, local newspapers, pool passes.
- Notify utilities of move date: hydro, water (Town of Halton Hills), gas, internet. Schedule service stop date the day after closing.
- Order packing supplies: boxes, tape, markers, mattress covers. Buy specialty boxes for dishes and wardrobe boxes.
- Begin packing non-essentials: seasonal clothes, books, decor, off-season gear.
- Confirm moving company details and arrival time. Re-check insurance and inventory list.
- Start an inventory list by room and photograph high-value items.
2 Weeks Before Moving
- Pack most items. Keep an essentials box for last two weeks (documents, chargers, meds, basic cookware).
- Defrost and clean fridge/freezer the night before moving day.
- If staging is still active for showings, create a staging-to-moving plan: pack staged decor last and keep staged rooms functional until under contract.
- Update your address online for banks, CRA, and health cards. Begin redirecting mail via Canada Post.
- Confirm school transfer paperwork if you have kids — list nearest Georgetown schools and required records.
1 Week Before Moving
- Confirm final walk-through arrangements with buyers or their agent. Leave agreed-upon items (appliances, fixtures) clearly labeled.
- Prepare the home for its last showings: spotless exterior, trimmed hedges, fresh-smelling interior. Georgetown buyers notice curb appeal in historic neighborhoods.
- Pack valuables, legal documents, and closing paperwork in a secure folder you’ll carry personally.
- Take final meter readings for utilities and photos for condition proof.
- Label boxes clearly: room name, contents, priority for unpacking.
Moving Day Checklist
- Keep cash and ID on hand. Have signed closing documents accessible.
- Supervise movers and walk each room with the lead mover. Use your inventory list and sign off on items loaded.
- Protect floors and doorways — ask movers to use blankets and runners, especially for hardwood in older Georgetown homes.
- If street parking is tight, direct movers to approved parking zones or temporary permits. Confirm parking arrangements with neighbours if needed.
- Do a final sweep: cabinets, attic, basement, garage, shed. Check all closets and behind appliances.
- Lock the home, leave keys per contract instructions, and leave a note with your forwarding address for buyers.
After the Move (First Week)
- Confirm utilities are deactivated/activated at correct addresses.
- Return any borrowed items to neighbors or local services.
- Submit change-of-address with Canada Post and major services.
- Leave a local contact for buyers if minor issues arise (plumbing, HVAC manuals). This builds goodwill and reduces follow-ups.
Georgetown-specific moving tips and market insights
- Timing matters here. Georgetown’s market attracts GTA commuters. Homes priced well and staged properly still sell fast in spring and early fall. Plan your move-out around peak buyer windows to maximize offers.
- Watch parking and street access in Old Georgetown and downtown Main Street. Many streets are narrow with permit restrictions. Get a permit from Town of Halton Hills or reserve private parking space.
- Historic houses often have odd-sized windows and doors. Measure before scheduling movers and before buyers arrive to move large pieces.
- Local contractors are great for last-minute touch-ups. Keep a list: local painters, electricians, and landscapers who work fast on tight timelines.
- Buyers here value outdoor space and mature trees. Before showings, trim lawns, clear walkways, and remove leaf clutter along the Credit River corridors.
- School catchments matter. Advertising proximity to Acton or Georgetown schools impacts buyer interest. Have current school catchment info ready for showings.
Packing and Labeling System that saves time and money
- Use room-based labeling: “Kitchen — Box 12 — Pots & Pans.” Add a priority number 1–3 for unpacking order.
- Color-code boxes with stickers per room. Movers can place entire color-coded groups in the right room at the new address.
- Essentials bag: chargers, meds, documents, one change of clothes per person, keys, basic tools, cleaning supplies.
- Photographs and serial numbers: photograph electronics and appliances before moving. Helps with insurance claims or items that go missing.
How to handle last-minute showings during a sale
- Keep one clean, staged room ready. Store showing essentials in labeled tubs that can be whisked out fast.
- Stay flexible. Georgetown buyers often schedule showings around commutes. Keep access instructions simple for agents and lockbox codes ready.
Moving company checklist for hiring (local focus)
- Confirm mover is licensed and insured in Ontario.
- Verify experience in Halton Hills or Georgetown. Movers who know tight streets and narrow driveways reduce damage risk.
- Get itemized quotes and confirm hourly vs flat rates, and fuel or stair fees.
- Ask about cancellation policies and a guaranteed arrival window.
- Get a binding estimate when possible to avoid surprise charges.
Final checklist — Quick hit version (printable)
- 8–12 weeks: Book mover, declutter, list measurement, moving binder.
- 4 weeks: Transfer utilities, order supplies, pack off-season items.
- 2 weeks: Pack majority, arrange final showings, confirm school/health records.
- 1 week: Final clean, prepare documents, take meter readings.
- Moving day: Supervise movers, final sweep, hand over keys.
Why working with a local agent matters
A local agent who knows Georgetown reduces mistakes. They handle parking permits, recommend reliable Halton Hills movers and contractors, and time your closing to minimize overlap between showings and moving. They also keep buyers comfortable during inspections and walkthroughs — that protects sale prices and reduces post-closing disputes.
Call to Action
If you’re selling in Georgetown and want a moving plan tailored to your property, get a customized timeline and vetted local mover recommendations. Contact Tony Sousa — a Georgetown real estate specialist who coordinates moves and sales so you don’t lose time or money.
Contact: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
FAQ — Georgetown moving & selling questions (short, expert answers)
Q: How far ahead should I book a mover in Georgetown?
A: Book 6–8 weeks ahead for peak seasons (spring/fall). For weekday moves or winter, 3–4 weeks can work but earlier is safer.
Q: Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Georgetown?
A: Possibly. Contact Town of Halton Hills for temporary permits if the truck blocks a narrow street or driveway. Ask your agent to arrange neighbor notifications.
Q: How do I handle staged furniture when moving?
A: Leave staged furniture until under firm sale. Pack staged items last and keep a labeled list of what stays or goes. Clarify in the sale agreement which items remain.
Q: Any local contractors you recommend for last-minute repairs?
A: A good agent will provide vetted local contractors. Focus on painters, quick HVAC techs, and landscapers who know Halton Hills timelines.
Q: Should I be present during showings or the final walk-through?
A: Not necessary for regular showings. For the final walk-through, it’s best your agent attends and you’re reachable by phone to approve small decisions.
Q: What moving insurance do I need in Ontario?
A: Movers should offer cargo insurance. Check your homeowner’s policy for coverage during transit. Photograph all valuable items before packing.
Q: How do I keep my sale from falling through because of moving overlaps?
A: Communicate moving dates to your agent early. Stagger packing and hold flexible moving days. Use storage for overlap days if needed.
Q: How to preserve curb appeal before the last showings?
A: Clean driveways, trim hedges, power-wash porches, and stage a simple seating area. Georgetown buyers notice mature landscaping.
Q: What are common hidden costs when moving in Georgetown?
A: Permit fees, narrow-street surcharges, stairs or elevator fees, and after-hours or weekend premiums. Ask movers about these fees upfront.
Q: Can moving affect my closing timeline?
A: Yes. Delays in moving can delay possession. Communicate with your lawyer and agent to align move-out with closing to avoid penalties.
For a tailored moving checklist and local mover recommendations in Georgetown, reach out: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
