Moving to a bigger home is exciting, especially when your family has outgrown your current space. But the process of buying, selling, packing, and coordinating everything in between can be a major source of stress. That’s where a realistic, family-friendly moving timeline becomes your best friend.
At The Halyard Group, we work exclusively with families who are upsizing, so we understand the unique juggling act required to balance real estate goals with school schedules, playdates, work demands, and everything else family life brings. Whether you’re moving within the GTA or relocating to a new family friendly neighbourhood, a clear and customized moving timeline will help keep things calm and manageable.
This step-by-step plan is designed to walk your family through every major phase of the upsizing journey, helping you stay organized and confident from start to finish.
Start with Your Why
Before you create your moving timeline, take a moment as a family to define your motivation. Are you moving for more space, better schools, a shorter commute, or a bigger backyard? Clarifying your goals will guide your decision-making and help you prioritize.
Once your “why” is clear, you can begin building your moving timeline around those values. If school zoning is a priority, for example, timing your sale and purchase around the academic calendar is crucial. If you’re hoping to host holidays in your new home, a fall or early winter move might be ideal.
Three Months Before the Move
The early planning phase of your moving timeline is where it all begins. This is the time to meet with your real estate team, review your finances, and begin outlining your selling and buying strategies.
You’ll also want to get pre-approved for a mortgage and start preparing your current home for sale. Decluttering is key here. Use this time to donate, sell, or store items you won’t need in the next few months. Sites like the City of Toronto’s donation directory are helpful when you’re deciding where to donate gently used household goods.
Around this time, families often begin browsing upsizing-friendly listings that offer more space, functional layouts, and access to schools or parks that match their lifestyle. Exploring available homes early in your moving timeline can help you get a feel for what’s realistic within your budget and timeline. It also allows you to narrow in on neighbourhoods that fit your family’s day-to-day routine, commute, and long-term needs.
Two Months Before the Move
Now that your goals are clear and your sale is in motion, your moving timeline shifts to prepping your home for showings and seriously exploring new homes. This is the point where your family’s schedule needs to work in tandem with your realtor’s. Showings, open houses, and home tours can be a challenge – especially if kids are in the mix. Having a go-bag ready and planning short outings during showing blocks can make things easier.
If your home is already on the market, it’s a good idea to develop some staging habits that work with family life rather than against it. Daily routines like making beds each morning, clearing kitchen counters after meals, and doing a quick toy sweep before heading out can help keep your home consistently show-ready without feeling like a full-time job. Rather than aiming for perfection, focus on small, repeatable habits that make it easier to tidy up on short notice. Storage bins, neutral decor, and simple lighting touches can go a long way toward making your home feel inviting to buyers without disrupting your kids’ comfort or routine.
One Month Before the Move
At this stage of your moving timeline, you should have either sold your current home or be well into negotiations. On the buying side, you’ll be finalizing the details of your new home, scheduling inspections, and reviewing conditions.
This is also when moving logistics come into focus. Booking a reputable mover early is essential. If you’re moving within Ontario, you can also refer to Consumer Protection Ontario’s Moving Checklist to make sure you’re following regulated best practices.
This is a good time to collect boxes and supplies, start packing non-essentials, and notify schools or daycare providers. You’ll also want to start organizing change-of-address updates with Canada Post, which you can easily manage through their official change-of-address portal.
Two Weeks Before the Move
Your moving timeline is picking up speed now. This is when daily life starts to look a little more transitional. Most of your packing should be underway. Designate one area for things you’ll keep out until moving day, such as school supplies, kitchen basics, and family entertainment.
Touch base with your real estate team to confirm closing dates and final walk-throughs. If you’re moving to a new school district, this is also the time to submit any remaining paperwork. The Ontario Ministry of Education has guidelines and links to help streamline school registration.
This phase is also a great opportunity to involve your kids in the packing process. Give them small, age-appropriate tasks so they feel included. Talk to them about what to expect in the new home to help reduce moving anxiety.
One Week Before the Move
The final stretch of your moving timeline is all about staying organized and keeping your family on track. Confirm moving details with your mover or rental service. Finish packing your remaining items, label boxes clearly, and make sure keys, documents, and essentials are packed in a safe, accessible spot.
If you’re planning to clean your current home before handing over the keys, schedule a cleaning day or hire a professional service. Many Canadian families rely on local companies or tools to handle last-minute deep cleans.
Moving Day and Beyond
It’s here – the day your moving timeline has been building toward. While the logistics of the move may dominate your morning, aim to create a sense of calm for your kids. Snacks, games, and clear communication will go a long way.
After you arrive, try to unpack bedrooms and bathrooms first. Having some sense of routine on the first night can help everyone settle in. You can unpack the rest gradually over the next few days, focusing on spaces that impact your family’s routine the most, like the kitchen or entryway.
Don’t forget to explore your new neighbourhood. Whether it’s a local park or a family-friendly café, building small routines right away helps your new house feel like home.
Final Thoughts
A well-thought-out moving timeline is the backbone of a smooth, stress-free upsizing journey. It gives your family the structure and clarity you need while leaving room for flexibility when things don’t go exactly as planned.
If you’re thinking about your next move, reach out to our team of real estate professionals for guidance on how to streamline the process. With the right team and a solid moving timeline, your upsizing journey can be one of the most rewarding transitions your family makes.
