This schedule represents an ideal scenario, so be flexible and patient with yourself!

As Soon As Possible

• Decide where you are moving to.

6+ Months Before Moving

• Set your move-in date.
• Interview realtors if selling your house.
• Obtain the floor plan and exact measurements of your new home to determine what furniture will fit.
• Begin interviewing moving companies.
• After consultations with experts, decide whether to have an estate sale or to donate/give away items that aren’t moving with you.

3 Months Before Moving

• Book movers and schedule the move date. Purchase packing supplies if you are packing yourself.
• Start the decluttering process room by room starting with the least used room:
  • Garage
  • Attic/Basement
  • Guest Room
  • Linen Closet
  • Office
  • Dining Room
  • Living Room
  • Bedroom
  • Kitchen
• Collect and organize important papers. Inform your family of the timeline and arrange for the pick-up of items they may want.
• Begin packing items not needed until after the move.

1 Month Before Moving

• Complete address changes. Consider sending out a new home announcement for support from loved ones during the transition.
  • CRA
  • Driver’s License/Car Registration & Health CardNotify:
  • Post Office
  • Credit Card Companies
  • Banks and Financial Institutions
  • Family and Friends
  • Newspaper/Magazine Subscriptions
  • Social Clubs and Places of Worship
  • Lawyer, Accountant, Insurance Agent
• If you have pets, consider boarding them on move day and schedule the boarding if necessary.

2 Weeks Before Moving

• Refill all prescriptions.
• Cancel utilities, cable, TV, and phone services at the old home. Schedule installation of the same at the new home.
• Hold an estate sale if you are having one.

1 Week Before Moving

• Pack the remaining items in the house.
• Arrange for donations and trash pick-up.
• Pack a first box with essentials to take with you, not on the moving truck.
• Oversee packing day if the moving company is handling it.
• Finalize donation and trash haul arrangements.

Moving Day

• Perform one final sweep of the old home.
• Get excited about the change – not all change is bad!

Contact Us
As downsizing experts, we at Alivio Downsizing are here to offer and assist with a wide range of services to meet your downsizing needs. For a complimentary consultation, contact us today and discover how we can bring relief (Alivio) to your downsizing process.