How to Prepare for an International Move

Careful organization at this stage helps avoid delays, unexpected costs, and unnecessary stress later in your international move. Here are our Moving Checklist Essentials:

• Confirm your moving date with your international moving company and review the scope of services being provided.
• Create a preliminary inventory of the household goods you plan to ship, items you intend to purchase after arrival, and belongings you plan to sell, donate, or dispose of before the move. Many Canadian households choose to donate usable items to local charities.
• Check electrical compatibility for your appliances and electronics. Canada uses 120 volts at 60 Hz with Type A and B plugs (two flat pins, with/without grounding pin)—identical to the US but different from Europe (220–240V), Asia, Africa, or most other regions. High-wattage items like hair dryers, kettles, or power tools from 220–240V countries may not work properly (or could be damaged) without a voltage converter/transformer. Dual-voltage devices (100–240V) usually only need a simple plug adapter. Review labels on your appliances now to decide what to ship, replace, or sell.
• Discuss destination charges and taxes with your mover. While used household goods are often duty-free, some countries may still apply taxes, inspection fees, or charges on specific items.
• Review insurance coverage options carefully. Under most international moving insurance policies, full replacement-value (“all-risk”) coverage is typically available only for items packed by professional movers. Coverage terms vary by insurer, so confirm what applies to your shipment before packing begins.
• Request packing materials from your mover if you plan to pack non-fragile items yourself. Fragile items and furniture are best packed by professionals to reduce the risk of damage and insurance disputes.
• Plan the layout of your new home by reviewing floor plans or measurements. Knowing where major furniture items will go helps movers work more efficiently on delivery day.
• Research your new community using municipal and provincial newcomer resources, school board websites, and local government portals. These sources provide the most accurate information on schools, community services, and registration requirements.
• Book travel arrangements early, especially during peak moving seasons. International flights and temporary accommodations may fill quickly, so flexibility in travel dates can help manage schedule changes.
• Finalize real estate or rental arrangements at your destination and confirm key dates with landlords or agents.
• Review your insurance needs and coordinate with your insurance provider regarding medical, property, auto, and travel coverage during the transition.
• Gather essential documents such as passports, visas, medical and vaccination records, school records, and legal or financial documents. Keep these items with you rather than in your shipment.

• Arrange mail forwarding through Canada Post, either online or at your local post office, to ensure important correspondence reaches you after your move. Mail forwarding does not automatically update your address with organizations, so you will still need to notify them directly.
• Notify key contacts and organizations of your change of address, including:
  • Family and friends
  • Banks and financial institutions
  • Credit card providers
  • Insurance companies
  • Employers and pension or benefits administrators
  • Doctors, dentists, and other healthcare providers
  • Clubs, associations, and subscription services
  • Government agencies such as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and relevant provincial services (e.g., ServiceOntario or your provincial equivalent)
• Involve children in the moving process where appropriate. Allow them to pack some personal items under supervision and participate in planning the layout of their new room to help make the transition more positive.
• Contact utility and service providers at both your current and new locations to arrange disconnection and connection dates. This typically includes telephone, internet, electricity, gas, water, cable or streaming services, and waste collection.
• Review banking arrangements in your current and new location. If opening an account in a new country or province, confirm transfer options and ensure you maintain access to funds during the transition.
• Check driver’s licence and vehicle registration requirements. For moves within Canada, confirm timelines and requirements with the destination province or territory. For international moves, review the destination country’s licensing rules and coordinate any necessary updates or cancellations to Canadian registration and insurance.

• Confirm vehicle shipping arrangements if you are transporting a car as part of your move. Finalize pickup or drop-off details, documentation requirements, and timelines with your mover.
• Make plans for household plants. Most countries restrict or prohibit the import of plants, so consider giving them to friends, family, or local charities before your move.
  To learn more about Import and Export restrictions, visit the FIDI Import & Export Customs Guides
• Arrange transportation and documentation for pets. Schedule a visit with your veterinarian to ensure vaccinations, health certificates, and microchip records are current. Entry requirements vary by destination country and, in some cases, by state or province, so confirm regulations well in advance.
• Set aside valuables and irreplaceable items such as jewelry, important keepsakes, and personal electronics. These items should travel with you rather than being placed in your household goods shipment.
• Return borrowed items and collect items in storage or service, including library materials, dry cleaning, repairs, or items held by third parties.
• Coordinate building access if you are moving from or into a residence with an elevator or restricted loading area. Confirm reservation requirements and moving-day access with building management to avoid delays.

• Transfer prescriptions and medical needs to a pharmacy in your new city or destination country, where possible. Ensure you have an adequate supply of essential medications for the transition period.
• Empty safety deposit boxes and gather any important documents or valuables they contain to keep with you during the move.
• Prepare computers and electronics by disconnecting equipment and backing up important files. Store backup drives or devices separately (or to cloud storage) and keep them with you, as extreme temperatures during transit can damage electronic media.
• Finalize packing decisions by clearing closets, basements, attics, and storage areas. This is the last opportunity to sort, donate, or discard items before packing begins.
• Make sure you removed all prohibited or hazardous items that cannot be shipped with household goods, such as flammable or corrosive materials. Review your mover’s “items not to pack” guidelines for a complete list.
• Drain fuel and oils from outdoor power equipment, including lawn mowers, snow blowers, and similar tools. This step is essential for safe transportation and is typically required by moving companies.
• Arrange appliance disconnection and preparation with a qualified service provider to ensure appliances are ready for transport and delivery.
• Confirm storage arrangements, if needed. Your mover can advise on short- or long-term storage options that suit your timeline and destination.
• Service your vehicle if you plan to travel by car, checking tires, fluids, and maintenance needs before departure.
• Cancel or redirect regular deliveries, such as newspapers and subscriptions.
• Clear out external storage areas, including self-storage units, basements, gyms, schools, or workplace lockers.

• Organize your home for packing day. Clear work areas so the packing crew has space to safely pack furniture and household goods. Items left scattered throughout the home can slow the process and cause delays.
• Set aside items that will travel with you, including jewelry, cash, passports, visas, medical records, and other important documents. Keep these items clearly separated from what the movers will pack.
• Do a final walkthrough of your home to check for overlooked items, minor repairs, or forgotten storage areas.
• Prepare major appliances by emptying, defrosting, and cleaning refrigerators and freezers at least 24 hours before the move. Leave doors open to air out and reduce odours; baking soda can help neutralize lingering smells.
• Pack essentials for the transit period. Prepare suitcases and carry-on bags with clothing, toiletries, medications, and important documents. Confirm travel arrangements and allow flexibility in case of schedule changes.
• Confirm contact details with your move coordinator, including the delivery address and phone number at your destination, as well as temporary contact information until you are settled.
• Finalize payment arrangements for your move according to the agreed terms and timeline.
• Collect remaining personal items, such as dry cleaning and laundry, and settle outstanding bills with local merchants.
• Return borrowed items, including library materials or rentals.
• Prepare a “first-night” or “essentials” box containing items you will need immediately upon arrival, such as basic kitchen supplies, bedding, clothing, and toiletries.
• Disconnect and prepare appliances that will be shipped, confirming electrical compatibility with the destination country where applicable. Appliances that will remain should be cleaned and left ready for the next occupant.
• Gather keys, access cards, alarm codes, and garage door openers and prepare them for handover to the new owner, landlord, or real estate agent.
• Secure your home if it will be unoccupied after departure. Adjust heating or cooling, shut off water where appropriate, and follow any local requirements for notifying municipal services or security providers.

• Keep valuables with you and out of the packing area. Jewelry, cash, passports, and important documents should not remain in the home during packing and loading, as the pace of moving day can make them easy to misplace.
• Arrange childcare where possible. Having young children cared for off-site or supervised away from the packing area can reduce stress and help the moving process proceed safely and efficiently.
• Secure pets in a quiet, separate space. Keep pets confined to a room or with a caregiver so they are not disturbed by the activity and do not interfere with loading.
• Be available to work with the moving crew. If you cannot be present, designate a trusted friend or family member to act on your behalf. Inform the movers in advance who has authority to make decisions and sign documents, and ensure that person understands your instructions.
• Remain at the home until packing and loading are complete. Conduct a final walkthrough before the crew departs, checking rooms, closets, and storage areas. Review the inventory and confirm that any condition notes are accurate. Taking photos for your records can be helpful.
• Keep your phone accessible throughout the day. Ensure you can be reached during packing and loading. After the movers leave, keep your phone and charger with you rather than packing them in your shipment.
• Provide current contact information. Confirm all phone numbers and email addresses where you can be reached while your shipment is in transit, and keep the destination agent’s contact details readily available.
• Prepare the home for handover. Do a final light cleaning and check all rooms, cabinets, and storage areas to ensure nothing has been overlooked.
• Return keys and access items. Hand over keys, alarm codes, and garage door openers to the new owner, landlord, or real estate agent as required.

• Provide clear delivery instructions to the driver or destination agent, including directions to your new home and current phone numbers where you can be reached on delivery day.
• Review delivery documentation with the crew leader. As items are unloaded, accompany the team leader while furniture and cartons are checked against the inventory using identifying tag numbers and condition notes recorded at origin.
• Use your floor plan to guide placement. Review your layout in advance and be available to direct movers on where to place furniture and appliances during unloading to avoid unnecessary repositioning.
• Designate an authorized representative if you cannot be present. Inform the destination agent in advance if someone else will accept delivery on your behalf. That person must be authorized to note any changes in condition or missing items on the inventory at delivery.
• Carefully review and sign delivery documents. By signing the inventory and bill of lading, you acknowledge receipt of the listed items. Any visible loss or damage should be clearly noted on the inventory at delivery and reported promptly to the crew, destination agent, and your move coordinator. Keep your shipment or reference number handy for follow-up questions.
• Arrange childcare where appropriate. Having young children supervised away from the unloading area can help the process proceed safely and efficiently.
• Secure pets during unloading. Keep pets in a separate room or with a caregiver to reduce stress and avoid interference with movers.
• Allow electronics and appliances time to acclimate. After delivery, wait approximately 24 hours before using electronics, televisions, computers, and appliances so they can adjust to room temperature and humidity. Confirm electrical compatibility with local voltage standards before use.
• Confirm utility services. Verify that utilities have been disconnected at your previous residence and activated at your new home. If possible, ensure phone or mobile service is active before move-in day.

• Locate essential local services, including nearby hospitals or clinics, pharmacies, police and fire stations, and fuel stations, so you know where to go in an emergency.
• Get familiar with local shopping areas and service providers. New households often need basic items, tools, or replacement household goods shortly after arrival.
• Confirm waste and recycling schedules with your local municipality or property manager, including pickup days and recycling or composting requirements.
• Establish local service relationships if you have not already done so, such as banking, pharmacy services, internet and mobile providers, and household services.
• Provide new healthcare providers with your medical history, including vaccination records and ongoing prescriptions, to ensure continuity of care.
• Update or transfer insurance coverage as needed, including medical, property, auto, and liability insurance, to reflect your new residence and local requirements.
• Learn about local community resources, such as schools, libraries, recreational programs, and municipal services, through official municipal websites, school boards, or newcomer information portals.
• Update your official address and registrations where required, including government agencies and voter registration, if eligible, in accordance with local regulations.
• Organize and retain important documents by determining which records must be kept and for how long. Store them securely and keep digital copies where appropriate.
• Share feedback on your moving experience, if you wish. Your input helps us improve our services and assists other families planning an international move.