Mortgages by Ashley Najim

How to Safely Move Your Belongings Into Your New Home

Jan 13, 2026

Securing a mortgage is one of the biggest steps in the home-buying process, but once your financing is in place and keys are in hand, the focus quickly turns to the logistics of moving. Whether you’re transitioning into your first home, upgrading to a larger space, or relocating for a new chapter, the excitement of moving should be paired with a clear plan. 

As a mortgage agent, I know that buying your home is just the beginning. Helping you feel confident through closing and into your first night in your new space is part of what I do. These practical moving tips will help you protect your belongings and settle in smoothly, so you can start making memories without undue stress.

Start With a Simple Inventory

Before packing begins, take a moment to create a basic inventory of what you’re moving. Listing furniture, boxes, and high-value items helps you stay organized and ensures nothing is forgotten in the rush of moving day. An inventory also makes unpacking easier, especially when you’re coordinating timelines around possession dates and mortgage funding.

Break Down Larger Furniture

Large furniture items are more vulnerable to damage if moved as-is. Disassembling bed frames, shelving units, or dining tables makes them easier to transport and reduces the risk of scratches or breakage. Keep screws and hardware in clearly labelled bags and tape them directly to the furniture so reassembly is simple once you arrive.

Choose Quality Packing Supplies

Investing in proper packing materials is one of the best ways to protect your belongings. Sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and moving blankets provide the cushioning needed for fragile items like dishes, artwork, and electronics. Quality supplies also prevent boxes from collapsing during transport.

Protect Furniture and Surfaces

Moving trucks, elevators, and stairwells can be hard on furniture. Wrapping sofas, mattresses, and wooden pieces in protective covers or blankets helps prevent scuffs, dust, and dents. Paying attention to corners and legs can make a noticeable difference in keeping items in good condition.

Label Everything Clearly

Clearly labelled boxes make unpacking easier and help movers place items in the correct rooms. Note the contents, destination room, and whether the box is fragile. This keeps everything organized from the moment it’s unloaded.

Pack Smart and Secure Your Furniture

Pack heavier items like books into smaller boxes and reserve larger boxes for lighter belongings. Overloaded boxes are harder to carry and more likely to break, which can slow things down on moving day. At the same time, make sure furniture with drawers or doors (such as dressers, cabinets, and sideboards) is properly secured. Using stretch wrap or painter’s tape prevents pieces from opening or shifting during transport and helps protect both the furniture and nearby items.

Choose Experienced Moving Support

Moving day comes with tight timelines, heavy items, and plenty of logistics to manage. Working with reputable Ottawa moving companies means your furniture is handled properly, access points are planned for in advance, and transport runs efficiently. With professionals managing the heavy lifting and coordination, you can concentrate on final paperwork, setting up services, and getting comfortable in your new home.

Unpack Carefully

Once you’re in your new home, unpack gradually and thoughtfully. Start with essentials, then work room by room. Using your inventory to confirm everything arrived safely helps avoid last-minute surprises and allows your new space to feel settled sooner.

Quick-Grab Packing Checklist

To stay organized, keep these essentials ready:

  • Sturdy cardboard boxes (various sizes)
  • Packing tape and dispenser
  • Permanent markers for labelling
  • Bubble wrap and packing paper
  • Furniture blankets or moving pads
  • Plastic stretch wrap
  • Ziplock bags (for screws/bolts)
  • Utility knife or scissors
  • Mattress and sofa covers
  • Labels or stickers (for room sorting)

Moving into a new home is more than a physical transition, it’s the culmination of careful planning, financial decisions, and countless milestones along the way. When your belongings arrive safely and your space starts to feel like home, that’s when the real excitement begins.

If you’re preparing to purchase, refinance, or move into your next home, I am here to guide you through every step of the mortgage journey, from approvals and closing day to life beyond the move. With the right support, your transition can be as confident and well-organized as the financing that made it possible.