Each month, Cleanlist analyzes Canadian households that have signaled intent to move in the near future. These pre-movers represent one of the earliest — and most valuable — opportunities for marketers to engage consumers before major purchase decisions are made.
After January’s rebound from the holiday lull, February confirms that planning activity is now accelerating.
📊 February 2026 Snapshot
In February 2026, Cleanlist identified 45,173 pre-mover households across Canada.
That represents:
▲ 25% increase month-over-month (vs. January 2026: 36,137)
▲ Nearly 54% increase vs. December 2025 (29,380)
A clear shift from early planning to active move preparation
This is where seasonal momentum typically begins to compound. February often marks the transition from “thinking about moving” to “taking steps to move.”
🔍 Provincial Highlights
Pre-mover activity in February remained concentrated in Canada’s largest population centers:
- Ontario: 19,950
- Quebec: 11,329
- British Columbia: 6,712
- Alberta: 4,830
Together, these four provinces accounted for approximately 95% of all identified pre-movers nationwide, reinforcing where national and regional marketers should prioritize early-season acquisition efforts.
Notably, Quebec saw a significant month-over-month increase, contributing materially to the national acceleration.
What Changed from January?
February’s increase reflects:
- Households moving from intention into action
- Early listing preparation and job-related relocations
- Families positioning for spring and summer transitions
- Improved weather enabling housing search activity in many regions
Importantly, this signal still appears well before physical moves occur — which is precisely what gives pre-mover targeting its strategic edge.
Why This Matters for Marketers
February is where competitive advantage starts widening.
Historically:
- Volumes continue rising into March and April
- Many February pre-movers complete purchases in late spring
- Brands engaging now shape vendor consideration lists early
For marketers, this is the moment to:
- Activate before inbox and mailbox competition intensifies
- Position offers during budgeting and vendor evaluation
- Capture demand before listing-driven marketing spikes
Waiting until mover files peak often means paying more to reach consumers who have already narrowed their options.
The Cleanlist Takeaway
February confirms that the 2026 moving season is underway.
Planning activity is no longer rebounding — it’s accelerating. The households surfacing now are entering high-spend decision cycles across home services, furniture, telecom, insurance, financial services, and retail.
Brands that move early don’t just gain reach.
They gain influence.
📊 Leverage Cleanlist’s Pre-Mover Data
Cleanlist’s Pre-Mover dataset identifies households preparing to relocate — often weeks or months before the move occurs. With Cleanlist, you can:
- Target pre-movers by geography and household characteristics
- Reach consumers before competitors ramp up
- Align messaging with early decision-making moments
👉 Cleanlist offers self-service opportunity counts to help you size the market. See our consumer data page to explore available segments and activation options.
