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All Blogs From Atlas Canada

Managing Employee Relocations Across Canada, the United States and International Destinations

Executive Summary Relocating an employee has never been more complex. What was once viewed primarily as arranging transportation for household goods has evolved into a coordinated business process involving logistics, employee experience, risk management, compliance, communication and family support. Today’s relocation programs must balance organizational priorities with the personal realities employees face […]

Atlas Van Lines Canada moving professionals

At Atlas Van Lines Canada, that coordination is supported by our Trusted Agent Network—carefully selected moving professionals located across Canada who combine local knowledge with national resources and consistent service standards.

Employees benefit from personalized service delivered by people who understand their local communities, while organizations benefit from the strength and reliability of one connected network.

Local expertise.

National strength.

One coordinated relocation experience.

The Modern Relocation Ecosystem

Many organizations underestimate how many moving parts exist behind a successful relocation. A typical employee relocation may involve:

HR and Global Mobility teams
Corporate relocation policy administrators
Household goods specialists
Professional moving crews
Warehousing and storage providers
Vehicle transportation partners
Pet relocation specialists
Destination service providers
Local service partners

While the employee may only see one moving truck, dozens of professionals are coordinating schedules, transportation, communication and logistics to ensure every aspect of the move comes together successfully. The strongest relocation partners don't simply transport belongings. They coordinate the entire relocation journey.

Understanding Three Types of Employee Relocation

Although every relocation is unique, most corporate moves fall into one of three categories.

Domestic Relocation

Domestic relocations require careful coordination around scheduling, access, transportation, storage, seasonal considerations and employee communication.

Typical planning considerations include:

Possession dates
Temporary storage
Long-distance transportation
Building access
Family scheduling
School transitions

North American Relocation

Relocations between Canada and the United States introduce additional planning requirements to help ensure documentation, border requirements and transportation are properly coordinated.

While the underlying objective remains the same—a seamless employee experience—the planning process requires additional attention to documentation, scheduling and logistics.

Because of its complexity, North American employee mobility is explored in greater detail in Atlas Mobility Insights – Volume 2: The Anatomy of a Successful Cross-Border Relocation.

International Relocation

International assignments involve the greatest degree of coordination and long-range planning.

Organizations may need to consider:

International transportation
Destination regulations
Temporary accommodation
Extended transit times
Cultural considerations
International logistics partners

While every destination is unique, successful international relocations share one characteristic: they begin with thoughtful planning.

Why Relocations Experience Delays

When people think about moving challenges, they often picture damaged furniture or severe weather. In reality, most delays occur long before moving day. Common causes include:

Incomplete household inventories
Last-minute scheduling changes
Delayed property closings
Temporary housing availability
Capacity constraints during peak season
Misaligned expectations
Poor communication
Inadequate planning timelines

These challenges are rarely unavoidable. Most are preventable through early planning and coordinated project management. Successful relocations begin with planning—not packing.

The Atlas Relocation Readiness Framework

Every successful relocation follows a process. After supporting thousands of employee relocations, Atlas has developed a structured framework that helps organizations prepare employees, reduce uncertainty and improve relocation outcomes. Rather than viewing relocation as a series of isolated tasks, the Atlas Relocation Readiness Framework provides a repeatable methodology that organizations can apply to every employee move—whether across the province, across North America or internationally.

Phase One

Strategic Planning

Establish the foundation.

Confirm relocation objectives.
Establish timelines.
Review relocation policies.
Define budgets and approvals.
Identify potential risks.
Understand family requirements.

Phase Two

Employee Readiness

Prepare employees with confidence.

Professional household survey
Inventory review
Vehicle planning
Temporary accommodation planning
Employee communication
Specialized relocation requirements

For employees relocating with pets, Atlas Canada's Paws en route program recognizes that pets are family members. Planning ahead helps reduce stress for both employees and their companions while supporting a smoother relocation experience.

Phase Three

Operational Planning

Transform strategy into an executable relocation plan.

Activities include:

Transportation planning
Storage coordination
Delivery scheduling
Shipment visibility
Communication planning
Contingency planning

Phase Four

Execution

Coordinate every stage of the relocation.

Atlas Canada's Trusted Agent Network plays a central role during execution, combining local expertise with national coordination to deliver consistent service standards from origin through destination.

Phase Five

Arrival & Transition

A successful move doesn't end with delivery.

Organizations that invest in the arrival experience help employees become productive sooner while improving overall relocation satisfaction.

Best practices include:

Delivery confirmation
Employee follow-up
Issue resolution
Continuous improvement
Experience measurement

Because successful relocations aren't measured by delivery dates alone.

They're measured by successful transitions.

Relocation Is About More Than Moving

Every relocation represents an important milestone. A family beginning a new chapter.A professional accepting a new opportunity.An organization investing in talent. At Atlas Van Lines Canada, we believe every relocation has the opportunity to create a positive impact beyond the move itself. That philosophy is reflected in Every Move Matters, an initiative supporting Tree Canada and Food Banks Canada while reinforcing our commitment to strengthening the communities we serve. Because while logistics move belongings... Thoughtful planning moves people forward.

Atlas Resource Spotlight

Relocation planning doesn't end with this guide. Atlas offers a growing collection of practical resources designed to help HR professionals and employees navigate every stage of the relocation journey. Explore:

The Move Journey – a step-by-step guide from consultation to post-move support, supported by short educational videos.
Destination City Guides – practical information to help employees settle into their new community.
Paws en route – planning resources for employees relocating with pets.
Moving Checklists & Planning Timelines – practical tools to keep relocations on track.
Trusted Agent Network – local expertise backed by one of Canada's most experienced long-distance moving networks.

Together, these resources provide organizations and employees with practical guidance before, during and after every move.

Summary

Corporate relocation has evolved. Today, it is a strategic business function that supports talent acquisition, employee experience and organizational growth. The organizations that consistently deliver successful relocations understand that moving people is about far more than transporting household goods. It requires experienced professionals, coordinated planning, trusted partnerships and a repeatable process that reduces uncertainty while supporting employees through one of life's biggest transitions. That is the philosophy behind the Atlas Relocation Readiness Framework. It is also the foundation of how Atlas Van Lines Canada approaches every relocation—with Local Expertise. National Strength. And a Trusted Agent Network committed to delivering exceptional experiences wherever the journey begins. Whether moving across the province, across North America or around the world, successful relocations don't happen by accident. They happen by design. -->

Growing More Than Communities—Growing Canada’s Future

Moving is more than getting from one place to another. It’s a new beginning. A fresh start. A chance to build something better. At Atlas Van Lines Canada, we believe every move should make a positive impact—not only for the families we serve, but for the communities and environment we all share. […]

Every Move Matters.

At Atlas Van Lines Canada, we believe every move matters — not just where people are going, but how we show up for the communities we serve. That belief goes beyond moving homes. It’s about moving in ways that make a difference. That’s why every move booked with Atlas helps put meals on […]

Top Bedroom Communities in Canada: Where to Live Near Major Cities

When planning a move, one of the biggest decisions isn’t just what house to buy or rent — it’s where to live. For many Canadians, bedroom communities (suburbs and towns just outside major cities) offer the perfect mix of affordability, lifestyle, and access to big-city opportunities. Whether you’re relocating across provinces or moving […]

10 Things Your Long-Distance Movers Wish You Knew Before Moving Day

Expert Tips from Atlas Van Lines Canada When it comes to long-distance moving, there’s a lot more to think about than just packing boxes. From logistics to timing, coordination to communication, moving long distances requires more planning—and more patience—than your average move. At Atlas Van Lines Canada, we’ve helped thousands of individuals, families, […]

Putting Meals on the Table, One Move at a Time: Atlas Van Lines Supports Food Banks Canada

Food insecurity in Canada has never been as high as it is today. Food Banks Canada HungerCount 2024 report recorded over 2 million visits to food banks in only one month, a sombre milestone that represents an increase of 6% compared to 2023 and 90% compared to 2019. This number represents real people—families, children, seniors, […]

New Frontiers in Workplace Mobility: How Atlas Van Lines Is Adapting to a Changing World of Work

As a Platinum Sponsor of CERC 2025, Atlas Van Lines is proud to support the critical conversations shaping the future of global workforce mobility. This year’s conference theme—New Frontiers—highlights the rapid transformation of how people live and work, and how organizations are evolving to support that movement. For Atlas, these changes aren’t theoretical—they’re driving real, […]

Workforce Mobility in 2025: Moving People in a Changing World

This fall, the Canadian Employee Relocation Council (CERC) hosted its annual conference in Calgary, bringing together leaders to discuss the future of workforce mobility. At Atlas, we see firsthand how global trends translate into practical moving challenges. Here are four of the most pressing issues shaping workforce mobility today — and how they come to […]

The Smartest Way to Start Your Move: Try Our AI Virtual Survey Tool

Accurate estimates. Zero stress. All from your phone. Planning a long-distance move in Canada? Then you know how important it is to get an accurate quote and a clear understanding of what your move will involve—before movers arrive. At Atlas Van Lines Canada, we’ve made the pre-move process easier than ever with our […]

Moving Costs Demystified: How to Compare Quotes and Get the Best Value

Planning a long-distance move? If you’ve started gathering quotes, you may have already noticed that the associated costs can vary widely. So, how do you know which mover offers the best value? The key lies in doing an apples-to-apples comparison—and understanding exactly what you’re paying for. At Atlas Van Lines Canada, we believe transparency […]

Relocating for Work? Your Complete Guide to Making the Move Easier

Thinking about relocating for work? You’re not alone. Each year, thousands of professionals move across cities, provinces, or even international borders in pursuit of new opportunities. But moving for a job means more than just changing your workplace—it’s a life shift that affects your finances, your family, and your future. This guide explores the […]

Choosing the Right Neighbourhood: A Guide for Long Distance Moves

When you’re planning a long-distance move, it’s easy to focus on the big things—what city you’re headed to, your new job, or the size of your home. But there’s one piece of the puzzle that often gets overlooked and can make all the difference in your daily life: choosing the right neighbourhood. At Atlas […]

How to Choose the Right Mover for Your Long-Distance Move

Planning a long-distance move? Whether you’re heading across the province or across the country, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is: Who should I trust to move my stuff? And with so many options out there—from national van lines to local independents to DIY container moves—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. At Atlas Van […]

The Psychology of Moving: Why It’s More Than Just Packing, Boxes and Trucks

It’s easy to think of moving as just a seemingly never-ending list of tasks: packing boxes, scheduling logistics, organizing timelines. But if you’ve ever moved—you know it’s so much more than that. Whether you’re relocating for work, welcoming a new family member, downsizing after retirement, or starting fresh in a new city, a move […]

Coast-to-Coast Excellence: How Atlas’s Agent Network Supports Your Move Across Canada and the US

When planning a long-distance move, the right moving partner makes all the difference. With Atlas Van Lines Canada, you’re not just hiring a moving company—you’re gaining access to a nationwide network of trusted agents who provide expert support every step of the way. From the shores of Newfoundland to the mountains of British Columbia, and […]

Your Journey with Atlas Canada

Planning a long-distance move? Congratulations on your exciting new adventure! We know that moving can be overwhelming, which is why Atlas Canada is here to make the process easier for you. When you choose Atlas Canada to handle your move, you can count on our skilled and experienced professionals to treat your belongings with the […]

Business Moving Made Easy with Connect Logistics & Orbit Moving

When it comes to commercial and international moves, every detail matters. Whether relocating an office, expanding a business, or moving equipment across borders, you need a seamless, reliable, and experienced team to handle logistics, customs, and transportation. That’s where Atlas Van Lines Canada, Connect Logistics, and Orbit Brokers come in—delivering a streamlined, stress-free moving […]

Moving with Purpose: How Atlas Supports Trees Canada & Food Banks Canada

At Atlas Van Lines Canada, we believe that every move should have a lasting impact—not just for our customers, but for the communities we serve. That’s why, in 2025, we’re proud to partner with Trees Canada and Food Banks Canada to turn each move into a force for good. With every move booked, we’re […]

Moving Your Vehicle: A Convenient Solution for Long-Distance Relocations

A long-distance move often requires more planning than a short one, and deciding how to transport your vehicle is a prime example. While driving your car yourself might seem like the simplest option, it can quickly become complicated with longer distances and the additional costs involved. Fortunately, auto transport services, like those offered by reputable […]

How to Safely Move Antiques and Collectibles During a Long-Distance Move

When you’re planning a long-distance move, not all items are created equal. Antiques, fine art, and family heirlooms hold more than just monetary value—they’re pieces of your history. At Atlas Van Lines Canada, we understand how important it is to move these treasured items safely. That’s why our experienced team handles them with the highest […]

Moving Large Items and Equipment? Here’s What You Need to Know

Long-distance moves often involve more than boxes and furniture. Vehicles, gym equipment, pianos, and even backyard playsets require extra care—and sometimes extra planning. That’s where Atlas Van Lines Canada comes in. With decades of experience, a trusted national network, and crews trained to handle specialty items, we help ensure that your large and unique belongings […]

How to Prepare Your Pet for a Long-Distance Move with Atlas Van Lines

Relocating to a new home is exciting, but it can be overwhelming for your pets. To help ease their transition, Atlas Van Lines, in partnership with Paws en route, has compiled a few tips on preparing your pets for a long-distance move. Plan Early: Reach out to us as soon as you know your moving date. […]

What to Expect When Using Atlas Van Lines’ Pet Relocation Services

At Atlas Van Lines, we pride ourselves on making your move as smooth as possible, including providing a seamless experience for your pets. Through our partnership with Paws en route, we ensure that your pets are safe and comfortable every step of the way. What Happens Once You Book? Personalized Travel Plan: Once you book your […]

Simplifying Long-Distance Moves for Your Pets with Atlas Van Lines & Paws en Route

At Atlas Van Lines, we understand that moving can be stressful, especially when it involves your furry family members. Whether you’re moving across the country or to a new city, ensuring the comfort and safety of your pets is a top priority. That’s why we’ve partnered with Paws en route, specialists in pet transportation, to […]

Atlas Transit Protection

Atlas Canada and our agents care about your personal possessions. Our professional packers, skilled agents and modern equipment all contribute to the high standard of quality service our customers can rely on. Sometimes, no matter how careful we try to be, damage may occur on your move. Atlas offers two choices of Transit Protection […]

Atlas General Moving Tips

Make your moving arrangements 6-8 weeks prior to move date. Never plan to move in on your “closing” day as there may be delays. Go through your home before the moving consultant comes to do their survey. Decide what is being moved, donated, or discarded. If you are doing some/all of your own packing, arrange […]

Moving To The United States With Atlas Van Lines

In today’s security-conscious world, moving from Canada to the United States has become a more complex process than ever before. At Atlas, we’ve invested the time, resources, and expertise necessary to stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and procedures to ensure full compliance. Each year, we successfully manage thousands of shipments to the United States, […]

Moving To Canada With Atlas Van Lines

At Atlas, the US/Canada border is more than just a line on a map—it’s an important part of our expertise. As the preferred mover for cross-border relocations, we handle thousands of shipments each year, making us the trusted choice for families moving between the US and Canada. When you move with Atlas, our experienced cross-border […]

Speciality Item Moving Tips and Tools

We understand there are many moving parts when relocating your life. That’s why Atlas offers helpful tips and tools to ensure every step of your move goes as smoothly as possible. Grandfather clocks. Your Atlas mover can call a qualified service provider to prepare your grandfather clock for transport. Piano. When moving a piano, your Atlas […]

Long Distance Moving Companies Checklist

Checklist for a Long Distance Move Most often, the weeks leading up to moving day involve long days and late nights. You’re busy trying as best as you can to get everything and everyone prepared for the move while also handling your already busy everyday work and life schedule. At this rate, by the […]

Long Distance Furniture Moving Companies

When planning a long-distance or international move, protecting your furniture is essential. At Atlas Van Lines Canada, we specialize in secure, cost-effective furniture moving solutions—whether you’re shipping a few key pieces or relocating an entire household. Our expert team provides reliable long-distance and international furniture shipping services across Canada and beyond, ensuring your items arrive […]

How does long distance moving work?

Whether you’re moving for work, school, or for a fresh start with your family, moving, in general, can take a lot of time and effort to complete from beginning to end. This is especially true for those who have never moved previously and who have decided to move long distances to another province or country. […]

Moving Pets Long Distance

Relocating, whether it is for work, school, or a fresh beginning with your family, can take a significant amount of work and time to complete from start to finish. This is particularly true for individuals who have never moved before and have decided to relocate to a different province or country with a pet. Unlike […]

How to Move Long Distance

Moving to another part of the neighbourhood is one thing. But moving to a new city or province? That’s a whole other story. Let’s face it – long-distance moves can be stressful. From the planning and packing to the costs and the time it takes to hire the right moving company, moving is no easy […]

A Better Long-Distance Move Starts Before Moving Day

A long-distance move isn’t simply a local move with more kilometres in between. Your belongings may be in transit for days. You may arrive before your shipment. Closing and possession dates may not line up perfectly. Storage, weather, building access and delivery timing can all become part of the plan. The good news? […]

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ATLAS PRO TIP

Don’t wait for every piece of the puzzle to fall into place before you start planning.

More lead time generally gives you greater flexibility around moving dates, services and delivery planning.

2. Don’t Build Your Entire Move Around Closing Day

Real estate transactions don’t always happen exactly when expected. Closings can be delayed. Keys may not be available when anticipated. Previous owners may need additional time. New construction can run behind schedule. If everything about your move depends on one perfectly timed closing day, even a small delay can become a much bigger problem.

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ATLAS PRO TIP

Build some breathing room into your moving plan whenever possible.

If there could be a gap between homes, talk to your mover about storage options ahead of time. It’s much easier to incorporate storage into the plan than to find an emergency solution once your belongings are already in transit.

3. Show Your Mover Everything That’s Going

A good moving estimate starts with an accurate understanding of what needs to be moved. When completing your moving survey, remember the places that are easy to overlook: The basement. Garage. Attic. Shed. Closets. Patio. Storage locker. And don’t forget belongings stored somewhere else or items you may have loaned to friends or family. This is also an excellent time to decide what isn’t coming. There’s little benefit in paying to move furniture, clothing or household items you already know you won’t need in your new home.

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ATLAS PRO TIP

Moving is one of the best times to edit what you own.

Before you pack, decide what will move, what can be donated or sold, and what can be responsibly recycled or discarded.

4. Give Special Belongings a Plan of Their Own

Some belongings require more than a box and packing paper. Large televisions, artwork, antiques, marble, grandfather clocks, major appliances and other unusual or high-value belongings may require special preparation, packing or handling. Tell your moving consultant about these items early so they can be properly incorporated into your moving plan.

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ATLAS PRO TIP

Photograph high-value belongings before your move and keep appraisals or supporting documentation with your important moving records.

Where additional protection is required, ask your Atlas moving consultant about specialized packing or custom crating options.

5. Know What Can’t Go on the Moving Truck

There are items professional movers cannot transport for safety reasons, including certain hazardous, flammable and dangerous materials. Some are obvious. Others are everyday products you may have sitting in your garage, basement or shed. Depending on the product, these can include gasoline, propane, paint and solvents, lighter fluid, pool chemicals, pesticides and certain aerosols or cleaning products. Don’t discover this while the moving crew is standing in your driveway.

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ATLAS PRO TIP

Ask your Atlas agent for the current list of non-admissible items before you start packing.

That gives you time to safely use, transport or dispose of anything that cannot travel with your household shipment.

6. Pack for the Journey — Not Just Moving Day

One of the biggest differences between a local and long-distance move is that you and your belongings may not arrive at the same time. Think about what everyone in your household could reasonably need while travelling and during the first few days in your new home. Keep important items with you, including:

identification and important documents
medications
jewellery and valuables
phones, laptops and chargers
clothing and toiletries
children’s essentials
pet supplies
important moving documents
anything you would be seriously inconvenienced by not having

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ATLAS PRO TIP

Think beyond a “first-night box.”

Pack for the time you could be separated from your household shipment and keep those belongings with you rather than on the moving truck.

7. Make Your Boxes Work for You

You don’t need an elaborate packing system. You do need to know what’s in each box and where it belongs.

Pack by room and label boxes clearly.

Instead of:

KITCHEN

Try:

KITCHEN — DAILY DISHES

For belongings you’ll want immediately, make that obvious:

OPEN FIRST — PRIMARY BEDROOM

OPEN FIRST — KITCHEN

PARTS & HARDWARE — DO NOT LOSE

Small decisions while packing can save a surprising amount of time at the other end.

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ATLAS PRO TIP

Use the same room names on your boxes that you’ll use at your new home. It makes it much easier for your moving crew to get boxes to the right place on delivery day.

8. Think About Your New Home Before You Leave the Old One

Where is the sectional going? Will the dining table fit? Can that oversized dresser actually make it up the new staircase? If you have access to measurements or a floor plan, think about where major pieces of furniture will go before moving day. This is especially important if you’re downsizing or moving into a home with a substantially different layout.

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ATLAS PRO TIP

Measure twice. Move once.

Check large furniture against room dimensions, doorways, elevators and staircases before paying to transport something that won’t work in the new space.

9. Understand Your Protection Options Before Moving Day

Don’t wait until the truck arrives to think about how your belongings are protected. Ask your moving consultant to explain the protection options available for your shipment, what they cover and whether particularly valuable belongings need to be identified separately. The important thing is to understand the protection you have before your belongings leave your home.

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ATLAS PRO TIP

If there’s anything you don’t understand about valuation or protection, ask. Your moving consultant should be able to clearly explain your options before you make a decision.

10. Look Beyond the Price When Choosing a Long-Distance Mover

A long-distance move involves much more than getting your belongings onto a truck. You’re relying on someone to coordinate your household shipment across hundreds or thousands of kilometres and deliver it to your new home.

Before choosing a mover, ask: Who will be my point of contact?Who handles my belongings at origin and destination?How will delivery timing be communicated?What happens if my possession date changes?Can storage be incorporated if I need it?Who do I contact once my shipment is underway? A professional mover should make those questions easy to answer.

11. Prepare Your Home for Moving Day — Not Just Your Boxes

The easiest moving days are the ones where the moving crew can get to work. Before they arrive:

clear hallways and walkways
reserve elevators and loading areas where required
arrange appropriate parking access
keep children and pets safely away from active moving areas
identify anything that is not being moved
point out fragile, unusual or high-value belongings
keep everything travelling with you in a clearly separated area

And before the moving van leaves, do one final walkthrough of your home. Check closets. Cabinets. The garage. Basement. Storage areas. Outside spaces.

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ATLAS PRO TIP

Choose one clearly identified area for everything that stays with you.

Passports, medications, keys, luggage, laptops and your travel bag shouldn’t accidentally become part of your household shipment.

12. Plan for Arrival, Not Just Departure

It’s easy to spend weeks thinking about how you’ll leave your current home and surprisingly little time thinking about the first 24 hours in the new one. Before delivery day, confirm access to the property and make sure essential utilities are working. Know where your major furniture belongs. Keep your moving records available while your shipment is being unloaded. Then tackle the essentials first: Beds.Bathroom.Kitchen basics.Children’s necessities.Pet supplies.

Everything else can wait.

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ATLAS PRO TIP

You don’t need to unpack your home in a day.

Get the things that make the house functional and comfortable in place first. Then take on the rest room by room.

The Most Important Long-Distance Moving Tip?

Have a Plan That Can Handle a Change of Plans.

Weather happens.Traffic happens.Closings change.Construction gets delayed.Life doesn’t always follow the moving-day schedule. A well-planned long-distance move anticipates the things that can be anticipated and builds enough flexibility to deal with the things that can’t. That’s one of the biggest advantages of working with an experienced long-distance mover. You don’t have to know everything that could happen. Your mover should.

Want the Complete Moving Plan?

Get the Atlas Personalized Moving Guide

There’s a lot to remember when you’re moving. You don’t have to keep it all in your head. The Atlas Personalized Moving Guide gives you a practical, week-by-week plan to help you prepare for your move and stay organized from the weeks before moving day through arrival at your new home.

Inside the Guide

What to do four weeks before your move
Three-week, two-week and one-week planning checklists
Packing-day preparation
Moving-out day checklist
Moving-in day checklist
Important records and documents to organize
Utility and address-change reminders
Practical packing and household preparation guidance

Your Move. Your Plan. Our Experience.

Every long-distance move is different. A family moving across the country has different needs than someone relocating to the next province. Downsizing brings different considerations than moving a busy family with children and pets. And a move involving temporary accommodation or storage requires a different plan again. That’s why your Atlas move begins with understanding where you’re going, what you’re moving and what matters to you along the way. For more than 60 years, Atlas Van Lines Canada and our nationwide Trusted Agent Network have helped Canadians plan and complete long-distance moves across provinces, across the country and across the border.

Ready to Start Planning?

Request a free moving estimate and connect with an Atlas moving professional who can help you build a plan for your move. You’ll also receive the Atlas Personal Moving Guide to help you prepare.

GET A FREE MOVING ESTIMATE FIND YOUR LOCAL ATLAS AGENT

There’s A Better Way. Choose Atlas.

FAQs About Long-Distance Moving

How far in advance should I book a long-distance move?

The earlier you can begin planning, the better, particularly if you’re moving during summer, around a holiday or at the beginning or end of the month. You don’t need every detail finalized before contacting a mover. An Atlas moving consultant can begin with the information you have and adjust the plan as details are confirmed.

What should I keep with me during a long-distance move?

Keep identification, important documents, medications, jewellery and other valuables, electronics and chargers, essential clothing and toiletries, moving records, children’s necessities and pet supplies with you. You should also plan for the possibility that you and your household shipment may arrive at different times.

What items can’t professional movers transport?

Professional movers cannot transport certain hazardous, flammable or dangerous materials. These may include gasoline, propane, certain paints and solvents, lighter fluid, pool chemicals, pesticides and some aerosols or cleaning products. Ask your Atlas agent for the current list of non-admissible items before packing.

What should I look for in a long-distance moving company?

Look beyond price. Ask about experience, who will coordinate your move, how your belongings will be handled at origin and destination, delivery communication, storage options, protection options and who you can contact while your shipment is in transit. A reputable long-distance mover should be able to clearly explain the entire process.

What happens if my new home isn’t ready when my belongings arrive?

Timing gaps are common in long-distance moves. Depending on your move and location, your Atlas agent can discuss storage options and coordinate delivery when your new home is ready. If you think you may need storage, raise it during the planning stage so it can be incorporated into your move.

Do I need to pack everything myself?

No. Depending on your needs, professional packing services can be incorporated into your move. Specialized belongings may also require additional preparation or custom crating. Talk to your Atlas moving consultant about what you would prefer to pack yourself and where professional help would make your move easier.

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How to Transport Your Collection

At Atlas Canada, we understand the significance behind your collection. Whether it’s coins, cards, fine art, or something completely different, it is a personal and financial investment that requires the utmost attention when moving. The last thing anyone wants is their prized possessions getting lost, damaged, or impacted by the moving process. Luckily, there […]

Help For First Time Movers

Moving can be one of the most stressful events in a person’s life, especially when doing it for the first time. Atlas Canada wants to make sure you understand how to make the best decisions to reduce stress and get you on your way. Whether you choose to move by yourself or with the help […]

The Moving Process

Moving can be complicated. In fact, it is one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. There is a lot that goes into moving, especially when travelling longer distances, which is why Atlas Van Lines Canada is here to help every step of the way. What better way to move than to do […]

5 Ways to Adapt Your Move For The Pandemic

Oakville, ON.

Moving during the current pandemic is a lot different than moving has been in the past. There are new precautions, mandatory rules, and behaviours that need to be followed. Our priority throughout this pandemic has always been to keep our customers and our teams’ safe while continuing to provide exceptional quality service. Our […]

Clever Moving Tips To Make Your Move Easier

Oakville, ON.

Moving is an event that everyone can relate to. Whether you are moving to your first home, upsizing, downsizing, or even relocating for work, we all go through the process at some point in our lives.

Advantages Of Moving During Non-Peak Season

Oakville, ON.

This season usually falls between the months of fall and winter when temperatures start to drop. As long as you properly prepare for the weather, moving during these months can save you money and time. Here are a few advantages to moving during non-peak season.

How to Stay Organized for a Summer Move

June, July and August are the busiest months for moving.If you plan to move during peak season, start looking for your mover as soon as possible. It is recommended that you book your move 4-6 weeks in advance to make sure the date you want is available. Once your date is determined you can start to prepare for the big day. Below are some great tips to help you beat the heat and stay organized during your summer move.

Minimize Food Waste Before Moving Day

Even with the best of intentions many people tend to throw away a lot of useful items when they move, especially food. Lack of time and convenience often overrule when deciding whether to make a trip to the local food bank, and as a result a lot of good, sustainable food goes to waste. We understand finding extra time is difficult during the busy weeks and days leading up to a move. But with a little bit of planning and some help from our Atlas Agents, minimizing food waste doesn’t have to be a burden. Here are some tips on how to use or donate the food left in your home before moving day.

Moving in With a Roommate

Oakville, ON.

The rise of Canadian real estate has been a hot topic this past year. With many Canadian’s unable to buy on their own, they’re led to invest with others for the additional support or rent if that’s not an option.Today, the notion of living with a roommate has become very common not just for those in their early 20s but for adults and families as well. Sharing a space whether it’s with your friend, partner or a stranger can be challenging. We made a list of some important questions to address before moving in with a roommate.

The Unexpected Cost of Moving

There is more to moving then just the move itself. Factor in as many variables as you can when creating your budget as it’s better to be over prepared than under.Although you can never completely anticipate all the unexpected costs of moving, sticking to a budget and leaving extra room for last minute add-ons will make the process less stressful. Here are 4 things to help you prepare for the unexpected on your local or long distance move:

Using a Moving Calendar to Stay Organized

Have you ever uttered the words, I won’t forget or I’ll write it down later? If there’s one piece of advice we can provide you when planning a move, it’s to stay organized.There’s a lot to think about in the weeks and days leading up to a move that you don’t want to worry about whether or not you’ve forgotten something. Keeping everything as organized as possible will help lower your stress levels and make the process much easier. One of the best ways to prioritize and organize your time is with a moving a calendar. Here are 3 reasons why a calendar will help you and your family have a successful move:

Is Corporate Relocation for You?

Making a move for your career can be a scary adjustment; picking up everything you own and moving somewhere you’ve never been. That being said, it can also be a great opportunity and a fresh change in your life. You may be asked to relocate across town, across the country or even overseas. The distance will all depend on the needs of your particular company. When deciding on whether relocating is for you, be sure to do as much research as you can before making the decision, and use all the resources available. Here are a couple ways to discover if a corporate relocation is for you.

How to Save Money on Your Move

Managing all your expenses can be one of the biggest challenges when moving to a new home.The best way to control costs and stay in budget is make a list of all your potential expenses. This will allow you to see which areas are essential to spend in and which areas you can cut down. Below are 4 surefire ways you can cut costs and save money on your move without compromising on quality.

Millennial Home Buying Trends

About one-quarter of Canada’s population are millennials; those born between the early 1980s to the early 2000s. With most of them finished or on the verge of finishing school, many are now taking a more active interest in home ownership. Already we are seeing trends in the way millennials are purchasing real estate and the location they are choosing. These young Canadians are paying close attention to the market and areas where they see growth in employment and affordable real estate. The majority of millennials are looking to purchase a home in the very near future, also taking in the investment opportunity that comes with purchasing real estate.

3 Smart Things to Set-Up Before Moving into Your Home

There is a lot going on when moving into a new home from relocating, to unpacking, to cleaning and everything in between. Now imagine having to juggle all that without lights, in the freezing cold and unable to find the paperwork for your utilities company. That’s a scary thought! To avoid these types of scenarios and make the transition a little easier on you, we’ve put together a list of 3 important tasks to complete before your move in date.

6 Must Dos When Moving into a New Home

Change the Locks Being handed the keys to your new home is a very exciting time! However, don’t forget these keys once belonged to someone else. The previous homeowner may have given a spare key to family, friends or neighbours. The best way to feel safe and secure in your new home is to replace […]

How to Feel at Home in a New City

Meet the Neighbours The next time you see your neighbours, don’t be shy just say hi! All it takes is one friendly face to make a new setting feel more comfortable. Find out how long your neighbours have lived in the area and what they like or don’t like about it. Do they have […]

Pack Like a Pro

Packing up the entire contents of your home can be quite overwhelming. You might be thinking to yourself, “Where do I start?”The best way to tackle the anxiety of such a large project is to begin as soon as possible, stay organized and remember to take on one task at a time. To help make the process easier on you, we’ve created a start-to-finish guide on how to pack like a pro.

5 Ws – A Guide to Moving Children

There are many emotions that can surface during the process of relocating your family; excitement, stress, joy, anxiety, and relief, to name a few.Processing all these emotions can be difficult, especially on children. After all, leaving friends, family and familiar surroundings behind isn’t easy at any age! While there are many steps you can take to help your children cope with the ups and downs of moving, the key is in communicating using the five W’s.

8 Important Questions to Ask Every Moving Company

Choosing a trustworthy moving company is essential for a successful move. Rogue movers are on the rise which is why doing your research and asking these important questions are critical before hiring a mover.

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