Your next chapter is packed

Move well.
Land softly.

A clear, practical plan for the moving experience itself—from choosing a mover and packing well to settling safely into the first week at home.

Build my moving plan Start with the essentials

Neatly packed moving boxes beside the open door of a welcoming home — Move / 01A calm move starts before moving day.

Ottawa moving guideFor buyers + sellersProgress saved on your device

Closing & possessionMovingSettling in

Before the boxes

Three decisions make the whole move easier.

Choose the right mover

Compare written estimates, understand the contract and confirm exactly what is—and is not—included.

Control the schedule

Reserve access early, confirm every service and keep a written backup plan for delays or weather.

Carry the essentials

Documents, medication, valuables, keys and the first-night kit stay with you—not in the truck.

Your personal moving plan

Everything in its right order.

Choose your role, work through the timeline, and check items off as you go. Progress stays saved on this device.

4+ weeks before

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ImportantCompare at least three written mover estimatesGive each mover the same inventory, addresses, access details and service needs so the estimates are comparable.Ontario mover guidance

ImportantConfirm the complete moving contractCheck dates, rates, minimum hours, travel time, staffing, vehicle size, stairs, long carries, storage, cancellation terms, insurance and responsibility for loss or damage.

Choose a move plan with breathing roomAsk about flexible arrival windows, truck waiting charges and overnight storage. If your move depends on closing-day access, review the key-timing guidance in the Closing Guide.Review the Closing Guide

Sort every item: move, donate, sell or disposeStart with storage areas and bulky items. Separate electronics, chemicals, confidential papers and anything your mover will not carry.

Create a simple household inventoryPhotograph high-value pieces, record serial numbers where useful and flag anything requiring custom packing, disassembly or special handling.

Measure the route—not only the roomsConfirm doors, hallways, stairs, elevators and truck access before ordering furniture or appliances. Plan where major pieces will go.

Reserve condo moving accessBook the elevator and loading area, and confirm permitted hours, deposits, padding, parking clearance, fob access and move rules in writing.

Arrange storage or a container, if neededConfirm delivery location, municipal or condominium restrictions, access hours, insurance, climate control and the final pickup date.

Assign help for people and petsArrange care for children, pets or anyone needing uninterrupted support. Choose one adult to lead mover questions on the day.

Plan accessibility and medication continuityProtect mobility equipment, medication, refrigeration needs, safe transport, rest space and access at both properties.

2–3 weeks before

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ImportantSchedule electricity serviceHydro Ottawa asks for moving requests at least 10 business days ahead. Use the date you become responsible for each property; outside its territory, contact the local provider.Hydro Ottawa moving

Schedule natural-gas service, if applicableStart, transfer or stop the account for the correct responsibility date. Keep confirmation details with your move records.Enbridge moving service

Notify the City about the water accountFor City of Ottawa-serviced properties, owners moving in or out should provide the closing date, service addresses and forwarding information.Ottawa water account moves

Book internet, security and service changesConfirm installation timing and whether routers, alarm equipment, rented water heaters or other devices must be returned, transferred or left.

ImportantArrange Canada Post mail forwardingCanada Post recommends ordering about 30 days ahead. Parcels are not forwarded, and senders are not given your new address, so update important accounts directly.Canada Post mail forwarding

Build one address-change listInclude government, employer, bank, credit cards, insurer, benefits, school, medical providers, subscriptions, licences, deliveries and trusted contacts.

Use one clear packing systemLabel every box with destination room, contents and priority. Mark OPEN FIRST, FRAGILE and STORAGE clearly; number boxes if using an inventory.

Create a destination room planName rooms consistently and sketch major furniture placement so movers can unload without repeated decisions.

Prepare for rural services, if applicableCollect well, septic, fuel, private-road, snow-removal, waste and emergency service contacts. Confirm truck access and fuel levels.

Schedule cleaning and property helpBook cleaners, junk removal, lawn care or snow clearing for the correct property and date. Leave enough time for the seller’s final empty-home check.

Final week

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Reconfirm the mover in writingVerify addresses, arrival window, contact number, crew, truck, payment method, parking, elevator booking and the latest inventory.

Separate prohibited and owner-carried itemsAsk for the mover’s prohibited-items list. Keep identification, medication, legal papers, cash, jewellery, keys, devices and irreplaceable items with you.

Reduce food and prepare cold itemsUse perishables, plan coolers, and follow manufacturer or mover instructions for refrigerators and freezers. Do not pack leaking or unsealed food.

Prepare appliances that are movingUse qualified help where disconnection is required. Drain hoses, secure removable parts and confirm which appliances stay under the agreement.

Pack a first-night kit for each personInclude medication, toiletries, bedding, towels, chargers, basic tools, paper products, snacks, water, pet supplies, children’s comfort items and clothing.

Protect cables, controls and hardwarePhotograph electronic connections. Bag and label screws, brackets, remotes and furniture hardware; keep essential tools accessible.

Confirm the pet and child planPrepare carriers, medication, food, records and comfort items. Use a sitter or a closed, labelled safe room away from doors and movers.

Check weather, parking and the carrying routeClear snow, ice and obstacles; protect floors; confirm truck clearance and permitted parking; prepare mats, tarps, salt, fans or water for conditions.

sellerAssemble the property handoffGather keys, fobs and remotes as arranged, plus manuals, warranties and helpful property information. Remove personal passwords from smart devices.

sellerFinish the empty-home planSchedule the final load, cleaning and waste removal so every cupboard, storage area, garage and outdoor space can be checked before leaving.

Prepare an arrival boxKeep light bulbs, flashlight, batteries, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, garbage bags, basic tools and a shower curtain immediately accessible.

Write down the backup planChoose a safe waiting location and know the mover’s process if the truck, weather, elevator or property access is delayed.

Moving day

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Make one person the move leadThat person holds the mover contract and contact list, answers crew questions and keeps children, pets and helpers out of traffic paths.

Create a clearly marked “do not load” zoneKeep keys, documents, medication, valuables, chargers, cleaning supplies, pet items and the first-night kits there.

Walk and protect the routeCheck floors, stairs, railings, doors, elevators and exterior paths before loading and unloading. Keep exits clear and dry.

sellerComplete the final empty-home sweepCheck appliances, cupboards, closets, attic, basement, garage, shed and yard. Remove waste and take dated condition photos.

sellerSecure the home and hand off access itemsClose windows, lock doors, maintain required heating or cooling, and deliver keys, fobs and remotes exactly as arranged.

buyerImportantWait for confirmed accessDo not enter or direct movers onto the property until legal closing and the key arrangement have been confirmed. See the Closing Guide for the legal sequence.Closing-day sequence

Supervise inventory and conditionReview the load at pickup and delivery, photograph significant concerns and note missing or damaged items before the movers leave.

Direct boxes by room and priorityWalk the destination first, identify restricted areas, and unload OPEN FIRST items where they will remain accessible.

Maintain one controlled safe roomUse it for pets, children, medication and essentials. Keep it closed, labelled and separate from mover traffic.

Set up the first evening before unpackingMake beds, establish medication and pet stations, charge phones, confirm hot water and lighting, and identify the next day’s necessities.

First week home

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ImportantUpdate Ontario records on timeOntario requires driver’s-licence and vehicle-permit addresses within 6 days of the change, and health-card addresses within 30 days.ServiceOntario address change

Update your CRA addressCRA does not receive your address automatically from other departments. Update it promptly through your CRA account or another official method.Change your CRA address

Update other government programs separatelyGovernment systems are not connected. Review federal benefits, pensions, immigration files and any other services that hold your address.Government of Canada address guide

Complete a home-safety orientationLocate the main water shutoff, electrical panel, gas shutoff and fire extinguishers. Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms.

Take control of home accessConsider rekeying exterior locks and reset garage, alarm and smart-home access. Follow condominium rules where applicable.

Find the official collection scheduleUse the City of Ottawa address lookup for garbage, green bin and recycling dates, reminders and service alerts.Ottawa collection calendar

Confirm mailbox and parcel accessIdentify the correct mailbox and authorized key process. Update parcel senders directly because Canada Post Mail Forwarding does not redirect parcels.

Report mover concerns promptlyCompare the delivered inventory, document damage or missing items and follow the mover’s written claims process and deadlines.

Unpack by function, not by room countPrioritize sleep, medication, food, bathing, work and school. Flatten boxes only after contents have been checked.

Let pets learn the home slowlyBegin with one quiet room, verify fences and gates before off-leash access, maintain routines and supervise introductions.

Start a secure home recordStore manuals, warranties, service contacts, filter sizes, paint details, utility confirmations and dated move-in photos together.

Close the loop with Vidal & Co.Let your representative know how the transition went. If something unexpected appears, document it and contact the appropriate professional promptly.

Moving day

Calm is a contingency plan.

Make one person the move lead. Keep the essentials together, protect the carrying route and communicate changes early.

01
Before loading
Photograph important items, protect floors, confirm the destination and keep the “do not load” zone closed.
02
While in transit
Keep phones charged, pets secured and the mover, access and Vidal & Co. contacts easy to reach.
03
Before access
Buyers wait for legal closing and confirmed key instructions. Sellers complete the agreed handoff and secure the property.
04
At the destination
Walk the path first, direct boxes by room, inspect significant items and set up beds, medication and pet space before unpacking.

Plans within the plan

Because no two moves are the same.

These are the details most likely to create stress when they are left until moving day.

Condo

Elevator, loading area, hours, deposits, padding, parking and fob access.

Rural

Well, septic, fuel, private roads, snow access, waste and service availability.

Pets

Quiet space, sitter, medication, records, tags, microchip and secure introductions.

Children

Care, comfort bag, routines, safe zones and a clear explanation of the day.

Accessibility

Medication, mobility equipment, transport, rest space and uninterrupted support.

Weather

Snow and ice, heat, rain, floor protection, truck access and a safe waiting location.

Official shortcuts

Update the address. Keep the life.

These current public-service links are placed here for convenience. Always follow the provider’s own instructions and dates.

OntarioServiceOntario address change↗CanadaFederal services address guide↗Canada PostMail forwarding↗OttawaHydro Ottawa moving service↗OttawaWater account move↗

Good questions

The things people ask on moving week.

For legal possession, key timing or agreement obligations, use the Closing Guide and contact your lawyer or Vidal & Co.

How far ahead should I book movers?

Book as soon as the moving date is reasonably known, especially for month-end, weekends and summer. Compare written estimates and confirm the final details again during the last week.

Should I book movers for the morning of closing?

Avoid a plan that depends on morning keys. Legal closing time varies. Ask the mover about a flexible arrival window, waiting charges and storage options, and review the Closing Guide’s timing section.

When should utilities be changed?

Use the date responsibility changes for each property. Confirm the request with every provider and keep the confirmation number. Sellers should not discontinue a service the property still requires.

What should never go on the moving truck?

Identification, legal documents, medication, jewellery, cash, keys, irreplaceable items, essential devices and the first-night kit should stay with you.

What if the truck, elevator or access is delayed?

Contact the mover and the person responsible for access immediately. Use the written backup plan and keep children, pets, medication and essentials with you. If the delay involves legal possession, contact Vidal & Co. and your lawyer.

Can movers carry paint, propane or chemicals?

Policies vary and many movers restrict hazardous, flammable or pressurized items. Ask for the mover’s prohibited-items list and use municipal guidance for safe disposal.

How should boxes be labelled?

Put the destination room on the top and two sides, add a short contents description, and mark OPEN FIRST, FRAGILE or STORAGE clearly. Numbered boxes are easier to reconcile at delivery.

What changes for a condo move?

The condominium may control elevator bookings, hours, deposits, padding, loading access and parking. Confirm everything in writing with management well before the move.

What changes for a rural move?

Plan for well, septic, fuel, snow removal, private-road access, waste collection and service availability. Keep maintenance and emergency contacts in your home record.

You are not moving alone

Need a second set of eyes on the plan?

Your Vidal & Co. representative can help you connect the transaction timeline with the practical move.

Contact Vidal & Co.

Move well.Land softly.

Three decisions make the whole move easier.

Choose the right mover

Control the schedule

Carry the essentials

Everything in its right order.

4+ weeks before

2–3 weeks before

Final week

Moving day

First week home

Calm is a contingency plan.

Before loading

While in transit

Before access

At the destination

Because no two moves are the same.

Condo

Rural

Pets

Children

Accessibility

Weather

Update the address. Keep the life.

The things people ask on moving week.

Need a second set of eyes on the plan?

Move well.
Land softly.