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The Complete Pre-Move Declutter Checklist

Based on Canadian Association of Movers guidelines and Transport Canada dangerous goods regulations. Covers what to purge, what movers refuse to take, and what you handle yourself.

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The math: On an average $6,000 long-distance move, a 20% weight reduction saves roughly $1,200. Even a local move saves $300 to $500. Decluttering is the highest-paid hour of work you'll do this month.
Work through all sections before packing day. Click each item to mark complete.
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Movers Can't Take These
Transport Canada prohibits. Dispose of or handle separately.
Critical: If you pack these in boxes, professional movers will refuse them on the day or charge delay fees. Moving companies are bound by the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act 1992.
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Perishables & Plants
Movers won't take these. Plant restrictions apply across provinces.
Cross-province note: BC restricts plants from other provinces due to invasive species rules. Check Canadian Food Inspection Agency rules before transporting live plants interprovincially.

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1
Closet & Clothing
Heaviest category after books. Be ruthless.
2
Kitchen
Heavy and fragile. The worst category to over-pack.
3
Books, Media & Paper
Books are the single heaviest category by weight.
4
Bathroom
Half-used bottles are dead weight. Many are hazardous.
5
Garage, Basement & Storage
Where forgotten stuff lives rent-free for years.
6
Furniture & Large Items
Often cheaper to replace than to move long-distance.
Measure first: Moving furniture that won't fit your new space costs double. You pay to move it, then pay to dispose of it. Get the new home's floor plan before deciding.
7
Kids' Rooms
Involve them. They'll surprise you.
8
Digital Declutter
Clean these before the move so the new start is actually fresh.
9
Keep With You (Never Pack)
These never go on the moving truck.
Mover insurance excludes these: Most cargo insurance policies don't cover cash, jewelry, or irreplaceable documents. If lost or damaged, you're not reimbursed. Keep them in a personal bag.

Where to Send Your Purged Items

Sell

Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, VarageSale, Poshmark. Start 4 weeks before the move.

Donate

Salvation Army, Value Village, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Diabetes Canada pickup.

Junk Removal

1-800-GOT-JUNK, Just Junk, College Hunks. $200 to $500 for a full truckload.

Hazardous Waste

Municipal depot. Paint, chemicals, batteries, propane, aerosols. Usually free.

Electronics

Best Buy, Staples, or municipal e-waste depot. Free drop-off.

Textiles

H&M, Uniqlo, and Value Village accept worn clothes for recycling.

Medications

Any Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, or Costco pharmacy. Free take-back.

Car Seats

Canadian Tire runs annual car seat recycling events. Check locally.

How Much You Save After Decluttering

1 Bedroom
Save $300–$700
2 Bedroom
Save $600–$1,200
Long-Distance
Save $1,000+

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You've purged. Now see what it costs to move what's left. Canadian-specific, covers every province, compares DIY, portable container, and full-service movers.

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