Expert Advice
Moving Tips & Checklist for Ontario Homeowners
Moving in London, Ontario or anywhere across the province? These practical, experience-backed tips from the True North Movers team will help your move go smoothly, save you money, and eliminate moving-day stress. Whether you're moving a student apartment, a family home, or a business, these steps apply to every move.
Book Your Movers at Least 2–4 Weeks Ahead
In London and across Ontario, moving companies fill up fast — especially on weekends and at the end of the month (when most leases turn over). Booking early guarantees your preferred date and often gets you better availability and pricing. For summer moves (May–September), booking 4–6 weeks in advance is strongly recommended.
Declutter Before You Pack
Every item you don't move is money saved. Before your move, sort belongings into keep, donate, and discard piles. London has several donation drop-offs including Habitat for Humanity ReStore on Exeter Road and the Salvation Army on Dundas Street. Moving fewer items means a faster, cheaper move.
Use the Right Boxes and Labelling System
Don't mix heavy items (books, tools) in large boxes — they become impossible to carry safely. Use small boxes for heavy items and large boxes for light bulky items like pillows. Label every box on the side (not the top) with the destination room and a brief contents note. Colour-coded tape per room speeds up unloading dramatically.
Protect Furniture with Blankets and Wrap
Hardwood furniture, glass surfaces, and electronics need proper padding. True North Movers supplies professional-grade moving blankets and stretch wrap on every job at no extra charge. If you're packing yourself, wrap mirrors and art in bubble wrap and use mattress bags for all beds.
Disassemble Large Furniture in Advance
Bed frames, large desks, and bookshelves are much easier to move in pieces. Disassemble them the night before and keep all screws and hardware in labelled zip-lock bags taped to the piece they belong to. This alone can save 30–60 minutes of moving time.
Reserve Elevator and Parking Permits
If you're moving in or out of a London condo or apartment building, contact your property manager at least a week ahead to book the service elevator and reserve a loading zone. Many buildings require a deposit. Failing to do this can cause costly delays on moving day.
Update Your Address Early
Canada Post mail forwarding takes a few days to set up — do it the week before you move at canadapost.ca. Also update your address with Service Ontario (driver's licence, health card), your bank, CRA, insurance providers, and any subscriptions. Ontario law requires updating your driver's licence address within 6 days of moving.
Pack an Essentials Box for Moving Day
Put together one clearly labelled box (or bag) that travels in your car, not the truck. Include phone chargers, medications, toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents (lease/mortgage, ID), snacks, and the kettle. You'll thank yourself when the truck is unloaded and you're exhausted.
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