6 Things People Forget To Do When They Move

Moving has a way of taking over your entire brain. No matter how organized you are or how detailed your checklist is, some things will always slip through the cracks when you are deep in moving mode. After years of helping Torontonians move, our team has spotted the same overlooked mistakes coming up again and again.

Here are the top 6 things people often forget to do when they move, along with how to avoid them.

1. Packing things you actually need on moving day

Once you get into packing mode, it is hard to stop. There is something satisfying about taping up a box and labelling it. But it is very easy to get carried away and pack things you will actually need on the day itself, especially if you have friends or family helping who do not know your routine.

Before packing day, set aside a separate bag or box with everything you will want immediate access to: a change of clothes, phone charger, snacks, water, wallet, ID, jewellery, and anything else you reach for daily. Keep it in your car, in a separate room, or ask your movers to load it last so it is the first thing off the truck.

2. Making an essentials box for your first night

This one catches almost everyone off guard. After a long moving day, the last thing you want to do is dig through a stack of boxes looking for your toothbrush or your phone charger before bed. Most likely, your boxes will be scattered across multiple rooms, and you will not have the energy to sort through them all.

Pack a clearly labelled essentials box ahead of time and add to it as you think of things. Common items to include are toiletries, bedding, towels, a first aid kit, scissors, basic tools, medicine, snacks, coffee or tea supplies, keys, and phone chargers. This box goes last on the truck and first off.

3. Telling the right people you are moving

It sounds obvious, but a surprising number of people forget to update their address with everyone who needs it. Beyond family and friends, make sure you notify your bank, utility providers, insurance companies, doctors, employer, and anyone else you correspond with regularly.

Set aside a couple of hours before your move to work through the list. The post office also offers an address change service that will redirect your mail to your new address for a reasonable fee. Check out our Ultimate Address Change Checklist to make sure nobody gets missed.

4. Using the right packing supplies

It is tempting to grab free boxes from a grocery store or the LCBO, but we strongly recommend against it. Those boxes are not built for the stress of a move. They are often flimsy, can collapse under weight, and may leave odours on your belongings. Plastic bags are even worse: they tear easily, scatter items, and cannot be stacked in the truck, which wastes space and adds time to your move.

Use quality, properly sized moving boxes. At Six Moving, our boxes are Canadian-made, sturdy, and come in a range of sizes to suit different items. If you end up with boxes you do not use, we will take them back.

Need Packing Supplies?

Our BoxShop has everything you need to get started, from sturdy boxes to high-quality packing materials. You can also rent our eco-friendly PinkPacks, reusable plastic moving boxes that make packing faster, easier, and more efficient. With durable supplies and convenient delivery across Toronto, we help you pack smarter, move faster, and stress less every step of the way.

5. Clearing every corner before the truck leaves

You would be surprised how many things get left behind. The most commonly forgotten spots are under the bed, under the stairs, in the attic, in the dishwasher, and in the shed or storage locker. These are easy to miss when you are packing quickly, and your attention is pulled in a dozen directions.

Six Moving always does a full virtual walkthrough of your home with you once loading is complete. Be sure to take that walkthrough seriously. Open every cupboard, drawer, closet, and outdoor storage space, as a quick glance is often not enough. Take the time to fully empty and assess each area, checking behind doors, on high shelves, and in those easy-to-forget corners where items tend to accumulate.

It’s often these hidden spots that hold the most overlooked belongings, so a thorough check helps ensure nothing gets left behind or underestimated when planning your move.

6. Arranging care for kids and pets

Moving day is a big transition, and kids and pets often pick up on the stress and disruption around them. Trying to manage a move and keep an eye on little ones or anxious animals at the same time is a lot to handle, and it slows things down.

Arrange a babysitter for the kids in advance, and either leave your pets with someone you trust or book a pet sitter for the day. Everyone will be calmer and happier for it, including you.

Ready to make the smart move?

If your next chapter involves a move, let’s make getting there feel exciting, not exhausting. At Six Moving, we know every move comes with its own set of details, from logistics and timing to access points and those unexpected little quirks along the way. We take care of it all so you can focus on what’s ahead, not what you have to lift. It’s as easy as one, two... six!

Related Resources

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