Let’s be real—packing up your life can feel like trying to stuff a sleeping bag back into its tiny sack after a camping trip.  Fear not!  We have your back with the ultimate moving checklist—because we’d rather see you sipping a Slurpee than sobbing into a cardboard box.  Plus, we’ve got the scoop on packing hacks, where to snag cheap materials, and whether to hire movers or rent a van in Winnipeg.

Two to Three Months Out: The Great Purge

Start by channeling your inner Marie Kondo.  Does that chipped Jets mug spark joy?  If not, toss it!  Winnipeg’s housing market is buzzing—sales jumped 8.2% in 2024 compared to 2023 (Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board)—so you’re not alone in this shuffle.  Declutter now: host a garage sale (prime season is May to September here), donate to Value Village, or sell that old couch on Kijiji.  What’s better than moving stuff you don’t actually want or need? Getting rid of it so you don’t have to!

Notify your landlord if renting.   

• Tenants in fixed-term tenancies (e.g., one year) are responsible for rent until the end of the term. Landlords must give tenants a tenancy agreement renewal three months before the end of the agreement. For example, if the agreement is from January 1 to December 31, landlords must give tenants a renewal form by September 30. Tenants who choose to move out should inform their landlords or show this on the renewal form.

• Tenants in periodic tenancies (e.g., month-to-month) must give landlords one full rental payment period’s notice (the month before your move).  For instance, if rent is due on the first of the month and tenants want to move out on July 31, they must give notice on or before June 30.

Link: Residential Tenancies Branch

Pro tip: Start a “moving binder” for receipts, quotes, and that inevitable “where’s my hydro bill?” panic.

Six Weeks Out: Logistics, Eh?

Book your movers—or bribe your buddies with pizza and beer.  Already dreaming of your new digs?  Get utilities sorted—Manitoba Hydro and Shaw don’t set themselves up.  Update your address with Canada Post so your mail doesn’t end up in a snowbank.  If it’s winter (likely), scope out parking for the truck—Winnipeg’s snow-clearing crews don’t mess around.

Hiring Movers vs. DIY Costs in Winnipeg:

• Hiring Movers: Local moves range from $500-$2,500, depending on home size and distance. For a 2-bedroom apartment, expect $1,200-$1,500 for 6-8 hours with 3 movers (e.g., Riverbend Moving quotes ~$130/hour, Two Men and a Truck ~$160/hour). Add $250-$770 for packing services.
• DIY Van Rental: Renting a 16-foot van from U-Haul Winnipeg costs ~$29.95/day plus $0.89/km (fuel extra, ~$50-$100). Total for a local move: $150-$300, but you’re hauling solo.
• Verdict: Movers save time and backaches; DIY saves cash if you’ve got muscle and patience.

Here are a few highly regarded moving/ rental companies in Winnipeg based on their reputation, services, and customer feedback:

Two to Four Weeks Out: Pack Like a Pro

Packing isn’t just throwing stuff in boxes like a kid hiding toys before mom checks the room.  Label everything—room and contents—so unpacking isn’t a treasure hunt.  

Pro tip:  Start with packing the stuff you won’t need soon: that fondue set from 2012, seasonal gear, and yearbooks.

Packing Hacks & Where to Save: Use towels, socks, and blankets to wrap fragile items—free padding!  Buying boxes can be a good investment to streamline your move, but first, why not hit up Liquor Mart or other shops in your area for free sturdy boxes (perfect for books and dishes).  Skip bubble wrap; use old newspapers and flyers instead, (paper is also better for the environment too).

One Week to Go: The Countdown

Confirm your movers’ arrival—and remind your friends there will be free beer…  Pack a “first-night kit”: toothbrush, PJs, phone charger, and maybe some Bothwell cheese to feel at home. 

For kids, arrange school transfers; Winnipeg School Division’s a beast, so don’t dawdle.

Moving Day: Game On

It’s go time!  Wake up early—think pre-dawn Stella’s coffee—and be sure to do a final sweep.  Check closets, under beds, and that weird cupboard above the fridge.  Hand over keys with a witness (Winnipeg rentals love formality). 

If friends and family are helping you move, make sure to keep them fed and hydrated.  A hungry mover is not a happy mover, so have the pizza delivery guy at the ready!  

At your new place, test faucets, heat, and Wi-Fi—Prairie winters without pipes are a nightmare.  A Realtor can help with the handover of your new place on the first day, by helping check what to look for to make sure everything is working as expected.

Post-Move: Settle In, Winnipeg Style

Unpack essentials first—bed, coffee maker, router—then go room by room.  Recycle empty moving boxes in your blue bin, or offer the boxes up to friends/ family who could use them. 

Update your driver’s licence and insurance—Manitoba Public Insurance hates procrastinators.  Throw a housewarming; have some fun and maybe even invite your new neighbours.

The Wrap-Up

Moving doesn’t have to be a pain.  With some of these things in mind, smart packing, and a cost-savvy plan, you’ll glide through like a curler on fresh ice.  Did we miss anything, let us know in the comments?

Note:  We’re not affiliated with these moving companies or rental spots. These are suggestions based on local reputation and reviews. Do your own research to make sure they are right for you, as we can’t guarantee their services.