May 21, 2025
The Halifax Summer Moving Checklist: Your Ultimate Guide to a Smooth Transition!
Summer in Halifax! The waterfront is buzzing, the parks are green, and for many, it’s the perfect season to make a move. Whether you’re relocating within our beautiful city, upsizing, downsizing, or settling into a new Halifax neighbourhood, a summer move can be exciting. But let’s be honest, it can also feel a bit overwhelming.
Fear not! We’re here to help you navigate the process with The Ultimate Halifax Summer Moving Checklist. With a little planning, you can beat the heat and the stress, ensuring your move is as breezy as a Halifax harbour afternoon. And remember, if you find yourself needing extra space during your transition, Storage Inn in Halifax is here to provide secure and convenient storage solutions.
8 Weeks Out: The Early Bird Gets the Worm (and the Moving Truck!)
- ☐ Set Your Moving Date: Pinpoint the exact day. Summer is peak season in Halifax, so the sooner you have a date, the better.
- ☐ Create a Moving Budget: Estimate costs for movers, supplies, storage (if needed), and potential overlaps in rent or mortgage.
- ☐ Research & Book Movers/Rental Truck: Halifax moving companies and truck rentals get booked up FAST in the summer. Get quotes from at least three reputable companies or compare rental options and book ASAP. Confirm their insurance and understand their policies for summer moves (e.g., hot weather protocols).
- ☐ Start Decluttering – Seriously! This is a big one. Go room by room. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. The less you move, the easier (and cheaper!) it will be.
- Halifax Tip: Consider a yard sale (check local HRM bylaws) or online marketplaces. For items you’re not ready to part with but don’t need in your new home immediately, think about a storage unit at Storage Inn. It’s perfect for seasonal items, sentimental belongings, or things you’ll sort out later.
- ☐ Create an Inventory List (Optional but Recommended): Especially useful if using movers or storing items.
- ☐ Notify Landlord (if renting): Check your lease agreement for the required notice period.
6 Weeks Out: Getting Down to Details
- ☐ Order Packing Supplies: Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers. Don’t underestimate how much you’ll need.
- ☐ Start Packing Non-Essential Items: Think out-of-season clothes, books, decorative items, spare linens.
- Halifax Summer Tip: Be mindful of potential humidity. Pack sensitive items like photos and electronics carefully, and consider climate-controlled storage if these items will be stored long-term.
- ☐ Plan for Kids and Pets: If you have them, arrange for childcare or pet-sitters for moving day to keep them safe and reduce stress.
- ☐ Begin Researching Your New Halifax Neighbourhood: Locate essential services, schools, parks, and maybe even a new favourite coffee shop!
4 Weeks Out: The Countdown is On!
- ☐ Confirm Arrangements with Movers/Rental Company: Reconfirm dates, times, and addresses.
- ☐ Change Your Address:
- Canada Post
- Banks and credit card companies
- Insurance providers (home, auto, etc.)
- Subscription services
- Doctors, dentists, veterinarians
- Schools and employers
- Halifax Specific: Nova Scotia Power, Halifax Water, Eastlink/Bell Aliant.
- ☐ Continue Packing: Aim to have a significant portion packed by now. Label boxes clearly with contents and the destination room.
- ☐ Service Your Vehicle: If you’re driving a long distance to or from Halifax, ensure your car is in good shape.
2 Weeks Out: Nearing the Finish Line
- ☐ Pack an “Essentials Box” or Suitcase: Include items you’ll need for the first 24-48 hours in your new home: toiletries, medications, basic tools, phone chargers, snacks, a change of clothes, important documents, and perhaps the kettle for that all-important first cup of tea!
- ☐ Plan Meals: Use up perishable food items.
- ☐ Reconfirm Child/Pet Care for Moving Day.
- ☐ Dispose of Hazardous Materials Properly: Items like paint, chemicals, and propane tanks cannot be moved by most companies or stored. Check HRM guidelines for proper disposal.
1 Week Out: The Final Stretch
- ☐ Defrost Fridge and Freezer.
- ☐ Finish Packing Everything (Almost!): Except for the absolute essentials you’ll use in the final days.
- ☐ Confirm Arrival Time with Movers.
- ☐ Pack a Cooler with Drinks and Snacks for Moving Day: Staying hydrated is key, especially during a Halifax summer move!
- ☐ Clean Your Old Home: As you empty rooms, clean them. This is often a requirement for getting your security deposit back if renting.
Moving Day!
- ☐ Protect Floors and Doorways at Both Locations.
- ☐ Do a Final Walk-Through of Your Old Home: Check every cupboard, closet, and corner to ensure nothing is left behind.
- ☐ Supervise Movers (if applicable) or Get Your Team Organized. Clearly label where boxes should go in the new home.
- ☐ Keep Your Essentials Box with You.
- ☐ Tip Movers (if service was good).
- ☐ Take Meter Readings (if necessary).
- ☐ Lock Up and Leave Keys as Arranged.
Welcome to Your New Halifax Home!
- ☐ Direct Movers or Start Unloading into Correct Rooms.
- ☐ Assemble Beds First: You’ll be grateful for a place to sleep after a long day.
- ☐ Unpack the Essentials Box.
- ☐ Check for any Damage During the Move.
- ☐ Order Takeout! You deserve it.
- ☐ Start Unpacking Room by Room – Don’t Try to Do It All at Once.
Bonus Summer Moving Tips for Halifax:
- Beat the Heat: Start early in the morning if possible. Wear light, breathable clothing.
- Stay Hydrated: Keep water bottles handy for everyone involved.
- Sunscreen is Your Friend: Even if it seems overcast, the summer sun can be strong.
- Check Halifax Event Schedules: Major festivals or events can mean road closures or increased traffic. Plan your route accordingly.
- Explore Your New Neighbourhood: Once the dust settles, take a walk and get to know your new Halifax surroundings!
Moving, especially in the summer, can be a big undertaking, but with a solid plan, it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. This checklist is your roadmap to a smoother transition.
And remember, if you find yourself needing a bit more space to manage your belongings before, during, or after your Halifax move, Storage Inn is here to help. We offer a range of unit sizes and flexible options to make your move easier. Contact us today for a quote or to discuss your storage needs!