A practical guide for a
smooth move in later life

Helpful tips on making a safe, well‑planned transition to a new home

By Janik Fauteux

Edited, April 10, 2026

For many seniors and retirees, sorting through a lifetime of belongings, dealing with paperwork, and managing the physical effort of moving can seem almost impossible. This is why it is so important to plan ahead, break the move into simple steps, and ask for help when needed.

The first piece of advice is to begin sorting your possessions now. it will make all the difference.

Doing this slowly, over several weeks or months, will make the move easier and less tiring. It is better not to wait until the last minute. Items you no longer need can be given to family members, friends, charities or second‑hand shops, where they will be appreciated and used. Below is a practical checklist, adapted to the needs of older adults, to help make your move as smooth, safe and stress‑free as possible.

Two months before moving

• Set the date when you will be moving by choosing a weekday to avoid paying a weekend or civic event premium.
• Reserve the services of a moving company registered with the CTQ (Commission des transports du Québec) and covered by liability insurance.
• Ask for a written contract outlining payment terms for overtime or exceeding the weight limit.
• Draw a floor plan of your new home to determine the available area and mark the locations of important furniture.
• Book storage space if you need to store surplus goods.
• Take photos of your belongings and valuable furniture.
• One month before moving.
• If an elevator is available, reserve it along with a parking space.
• Envision which doors must be removed to allow passage for large furniture, such as the fridge and stove.
• Find boxes of various sizes and pack non-essential items (frames, clothing, trinkets, books). Number the boxes, indicate which room each will go in, and create a list of boxes and their contents.
• Advise your banks, insurers, credit card issuers, telephone and Hydro service and various levels of government (Service québécois de changement d’adresse and the Canada Revenue Agency) of your change of address and ask Canada Post to forward your mail to your new address.

A week before moving

Prepare an identifiable 24-hour suitcase containing your toiletries, medicines, jewelry, and important documents that you will keep with you on the day of the move.

• Confirm the moving date with your mover and your caregivers, and double-check elevator and parking reservations, as well as the time you can move into your new home.
• Empty your shelves, remove the curtains, and get rid of any chemical or corrosive products.
• Clean the accommodation you are leaving.
• Place the boxes unobtrusively in a corner.
• Start cleaning your new place if it is available.
• Prepare or buy snacks and drinks for moving day.

The day before moving

• Reconfirm the movers’ arrival time the next day.
• Take the final reading of the electricity and gas meters.
• Empty and clean the refrigerator and freezer. Prepare a box containing rags, paper towels, detergent, adhesive tape, gloves, a flashlight, garbage bags, bandages, and antiseptic (in case of injury).
• Make sure your washing machine is empty of water.
• Clear a path for the movers to ensure easy passage of bulky items (refrigerator, stove, washer, dryer, etc.).

‘Collect and keep on hand keys, the floor plan and list of boxes, your 24-hour suitcase, your toolbox, drinks and snacks.’

Moving day

• Confirm the destination address with the movers, and note their arrival and departure times. Give them a cell phone number to reach you if something goes wrong.
• Make sure to have a credit card or slightly more cash than the estimated amount, in case the move takes longer than expected or exceeds the set weight limit.
• Before you leave your apartment, turn down the heat, turn off the lights, make a last inspection to check that you have not forgotten anything, lock the doors and windows, take out the garbage and leave the keys with the broker, the new owner, or the tenant, depending on the case.
• Bring your toolbox, as well as a broom, mop, and the box containing the household products used to clean the areas you’re moving.
• Arrive at your new place before the movers. Identify the rooms so they can place the boxes in the right rooms and make sure nothing is left in the moving truck when unloading.
• Check each box off the list as it is delivered.
• Indicate lost or damaged items on the mover’s invoice in order to facilitate compensation later.
• Ask for a receipt showing the amount paid, including taxes, the mover’s name, address, and CTQ registration number.
• Take a reading of the electric meter.
• Change the locks and check the smoke detectors

In case of problems with the moving company, contact the Office de la protection du consommateur.

With a bit of planning, a move in later life can become a positive, manageable step rather than an ordeal. By starting early, sorting your belongings gradually, and following a clear timeline, you protect both your health and your peace of mind. Choosing a reliable moving company, keeping essential documents and medications with you, and making sure your new home is safe and ready to welcome you all contribute to a smoother transition.

Perhaps most importantly, do not hesitate to ask for help from family, friends, caregivers, or trusted professionals. Moving is a major life change, but with these simple, practical precautions, you can make your new home a comfortable, secure place where you can enjoy the next chapter of your life.

Image: Tim Sheerman-Chase – StockPholio.com

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