Best Apps to Streamline Your Move: Inventory, Notes, and Logistics
Moving in Canada can feel like juggling ten tasks at once. Between arranging movers, packing, updating your address, and figuring out utilities, there’s a lot to keep track of. The good news? Technology can be a lifesaver. With the right apps on your phone, you can simplify, organize, and even cut down on moving-day stress.
Whether you’re moving across town in Toronto, into a new condo in Vancouver, or relocating your family across provinces, there are apps designed to help. Here’s a guide to some of the best tools for inventory management, note-taking, and logistics to make your move smoother.
Why Use Apps for Moving?
Sure, you could go old-school with sticky notes and a notepad. But when things get hectic, apps can:
Keep everything in one place (lists, schedules, addresses, reminders).
Reduce stress by sending notifications and updates.
Help you track items in real time.
Provide easy access for family members so everyone’s on the same page.
Think of these apps as digital assistants—always in your pocket and ready when you need them.
Best Apps for Inventory Management
Keeping track of everything you own is one of the toughest parts of a move. These apps help you catalogue, label, and locate items so you don’t lose track of Grandma’s china or your favourite hockey jersey.
1. Sortly
Sortly is a top pick for inventory because it’s visual. You can:
Take photos of your items.
Organize by room, box, or category.
Add notes and barcodes for quick scanning.
Perfect if you’re moving a lot of small items or want a clear picture of what’s packed where.
2. Encircle (Canadian-made)
This app is widely used for home inventory and insurance. It’s especially handy if you’re worried about documenting valuables like electronics, jewellery, or collectibles. Features include:
Photo and video documentation.
Digital records for insurance claims.
Secure cloud storage.
It’s a Canadian app, so it aligns nicely with local insurance practices.
3. MyStuff2 Pro (iOS)
For Apple users, MyStuff2 Pro is customizable and detailed. You can track the condition of items, their value, and even serial numbers. It’s overkill for casual movers, but excellent if you want thorough records.
Best Apps for Notes and Planning
Moving involves endless details—addresses, utility account numbers, donation schedules, and more. A good note-taking app keeps you organized without having to flip through loose papers.
4. Evernote
A classic option for note-taking. With Evernote you can:
Create moving checklists.
Clip articles about moving tips.
Sync across devices, so your spouse or roommate can access info too.
5. Microsoft OneNote
This free app is great for organizing in a notebook-style format. You can create separate sections for packing, logistics, and post-move tasks. It also integrates with Microsoft Office, making it easy to drop in Excel spreadsheets or Word docs.
6. Google Keep
If you like simple and colourful notes, Google Keep is lightweight and straightforward. You can set reminders, make quick lists, or record voice notes on the go—perfect for when you remember something mid-packing.
Best Apps for Logistics and Coordination
Logistics is where many moves get messy—booking movers, tracking trucks, or coordinating with friends and family. These apps help you stay on top of the moving puzzle.
7. MoveAdvisor
MoveAdvisor is designed specifically for moving. It offers:
A moving timeline that breaks tasks into manageable steps.
A home inventory tool (similar to Sortly, but more streamlined).
A moving company directory to help you compare services.
8. TaskRabbit
Not every task needs a moving company. TaskRabbit connects you with local “taskers” who can help assemble furniture, carry boxes, or even clean your old space. It’s available in major Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary.
9. Dolly
Dolly is like Uber for moving help. You can hire someone with a truck to move a few items, perfect if you’re doing a partial DIY move. While not available in every Canadian city, it’s expanding and worth checking.
10. Google Maps
It might seem obvious, but Google Maps is your best friend on moving day. You can:
Plan your route around traffic.
Save multiple addresses (new home, storage unit, donation drop-off).
Share your live location with friends or movers.
Apps for Decluttering and Donating
Part of moving is downsizing. If you want to give items away instead of dragging them along, these apps help.
11. VarageSale (Canadian-founded)
Created by a mom in Toronto, VarageSale is a trusted community buy-and-sell app. It’s safer than some alternatives because members are verified.
12. Facebook Marketplace
Still one of the fastest ways to offload furniture, appliances, or décor. You can schedule pickups right from your phone.
13. Freecycle
For items you don’t want to sell but don’t want to toss either. It connects you with people in your community who’d love your old bookshelves or dishes.
Tips for Making the Most of Moving Apps
Stick to a few apps: Too many tools can become overwhelming. Choose one for inventory, one for notes, and one for logistics.
Share access: Give family members or roommates access so everyone knows what’s happening.
Back up everything: Sync with the cloud so you don’t lose info if your phone dies.
Use notifications: Set reminders for deadlines like utility transfers or donation pickups.
The Canadian Advantage
When moving within Canada, there are some uniquely Canadian considerations apps can help with:
Weather tracking apps (like The Weather Network) keep you updated on snowstorms or heatwaves that may affect moving day.
Banking apps make it easy to send e-transfers to movers, cleaners, or helpers.
Local city apps (like Toronto Waste or Vancouver’s VanConnect) let you check garbage and recycling rules so you don’t leave a mess behind.
Final Thoughts
Moving is stressful, but the right apps can take a lot of the weight off your shoulders. From cataloguing your stuff with Sortly or Encircle, to planning your tasks with Evernote, to hiring help through TaskRabbit, these tools can help you stay in control.
Think of your moving apps as part of your essential moving kit—right up there with packing tape and bubble wrap. With a bit of digital organization, you’ll not only streamline the process but also feel calmer and more prepared on the big day.
So next time you’re planning a move, let your smartphone do some of the heavy lifting.
