Student life in Canada already comes with enough deadlines, exams and paperwork before you even add moving to the list. From first-year students moving into residence in a new uni town across the country to mature students renting off-campus, packing smart can make everything feel a lot less chaotic. With weather swings and tight move-in slots, having a simple plan in place really helps.
Use this student packing and moving checklist to work through your pre-move admin, booking a moving company, documents, personal essentials, study setup and household basics step by step so you arrive with what you actually need instead of scrambling to replace things later.
Pre-move admin: set yourself up before the boxes
Before you touch a single box, take care of the “paperwork” side of your move. Getting these tasks done early means fewer surprises when you arrive.
Confirm your housing details
- Double-check your lease or residence agreement start and end dates.
- Confirm move-in day and time, plus any key collection instructions.
- Ask about parking or elevator bookings if you’re moving into an apartment.
Book your moving company
Compare student-friendly moving options for your route (local movers, long-distance, or small-load specialists).
- Book your student moving company as soon as your lease or residence dates are confirmed.
- Share essential details with your movers, including your delivery time window, full address, parking options, elevator bookings, floor level and any tight access points.
- Make sure you’re available when they arrive and give them space to work so they can get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Money and deposits
- Pay your damage/security deposit and keep proof of payment.
- Note when rent is due each month and how to pay (e-transfer, online portal, etc.).
- Take photos or screenshots of any payment confirmations.
Utilities and services
Depending on your housing, some of this may already be included in your rent. If not, add these to your pre-move to-do list:
- Set up or transfer electricity, gas and water accounts.
- Arrange Wi-Fi/internet for your new address (slots can book up quickly in student areas).
- Consider tenant insurance for your belongings, especially if you have a laptop and tech.
- Update your mailing address for any subscriptions or important services.
Essential documents: don’t pack these in a random box
Keep your documents in a folder or zip pouch that stays with you during the move, not in the moving truck.
Identification and study documents
- Government-issued photo ID (driver’s licence, provincial ID, passport).
- Study permit or immigration documents (for international students).
- University or college acceptance letter and any registration confirmations.
- Student ID card, if you already have it, or the documents you’ll need to collect it.
Health and insurance
- Health card (provincial health card or private insurance card).
- Details of any prescription coverage or benefits.
- Emergency contact list (family, close friends, doctor).
Money and communication
- Bank cards and basic banking info (account numbers, branch details).
- Documents for opening a Canadian bank account, if you haven’t yet.
- Phone plan details and account login so you can update your address
Keep digital backups of everything in secure cloud storage as well, just in case.
Personal essentials: small items, big headaches if forgotten
These are the things you’ll want on day one, not buried at the bottom of a box.
Health & personal care
- Medication (with enough supply for at least a month).
- Copies of prescriptions in case you need refills.
- Any medical equipment you use regularly (inhalers, braces, glucose monitors, etc.)
Every day, personal items
- Toiletries for the first week (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, skincare).
- Glasses and/or contact lenses, plus solution and cases.
- Jewellery and small valuables to store securely
Pack a small ‘first night’ bag with these essentials and important documents, so you’re not hunting through boxes after a long move. Keep it with you on moving day, not in the moving truck.
Clothing for Canada’s seasons
Canada is known for its changing weather, and your student wardrobe must be able to cope with lectures, social events and everything in between.
Basics to cover most situations
- Everyday clothes for classes (jeans, shirts, hoodies, comfortable tops).
- A few smart-casual outfits for presentations, events or part-time work.
- Activewear for the gym or outdoor activities.
- Enough underwear and socks to last between laundry days
Seasonal clothing
- A warm winter coat, hat, gloves and scarf (especially if you’re in colder provinces).
- Layering pieces like long-sleeve tops, thermals and sweaters.
- Waterproof shoes or boots and comfortable everyday footwear.
- Rain jacket or umbrella for those wet shoulder seasons
You don’t have to bring everything at once. Start with the basics and add more once you’ve settled in and know what your campus and city climate are really like.
5. Study setup: your mini home office
Your study space doesn’t need to be fancy, but it does need to function. Think about what you use regularly instead of packing your entire childhood desk.
Tech essentials
- Laptop or tablet (plus any accessories you rely on).
- Chargers for all your devices.
- Extension cord or power bar for tight residence rooms.
- Headphones for video lectures, calls and shared spaces.
Study supplies
- A few notebooks or binders.
- Pens, highlighters, sticky notes and basic stationery.
- Planner or calendar, digital or paper, to track deadlines and exams.
Household basics for your new place
You don’t have to show up with a fully stocked home. Focus on the items that help you sleep, shower and eat comfortably from day one.
Bedding
- Pillows and pillowcases.
- Sheets (check your bed size for residence or apartment).
- Duvet, comforter or blankets.
Bathroom and laundry
- Bath towel, hand towel and face cloth.
- Everyday toiletries, if you didn’t already pack them in your essentials bag.
- Laundry basket or bag.
- Laundry detergent and fabric softener (or plan to buy this when you arrive).
Kitchen basics
If you’re in a residence, check what’s already provided. For shared apartments, start small:
- 1–2 plates, bowls and mugs.
- A basic set of cutlery.
- 1–2 sharp knives and a cutting board.
- A frying pan and a medium pot.
- Reusable water bottle and/or travel mug.
- Basic food storage containers or zip bags.
You can always add more once you know your cooking habits and storage space.
Treat this list as a starting point, not a rulebook. Mark what you already own, what you’ll buy second-hand, and what makes more sense to pick up once you arrive. With a bit of planning, packing for your move as a student in Canada feels far less overwhelming and a lot more manageable.
