| A) More Than a Month Before
the Move
[ ] If you are moving into (or
out of) a high-rise condominium apartment, contact the property manager
to book the use of the moving elevator. A security deposit is often required.
[ ] Start a moving expenses book.
Some of your expenses may be tax deductible, so be sure to save the receipts
and consult your accountant.
[ ] Get written estimates
from at least two moving companies and make sure the movers know all the
items which are to be included. Do not include jewellery or other small
valuables which you should move yourself.
[ ] Movers' Insurance is usually
minimal. Check that the movers' insurance will pay replacement cost of
goods which are lost. You may need to purchase additional coverage. Notify
your own insurance company of the move and ask for the policy to be reviewed.
[ ] If furniture is to be stored,
what does the insurance policy cover?
[ ] Get a written commitment
from the moving company confirming the date of the move and the time of
arrival.
[ ]
Ask for references from movers.
[ ] Don't be misled by rates
- inquire about additional charges and methods used (especially if the
moving might extend beyond 5 p.m.). Most movers charge a flat rate for
one hour for transport time to the pick-up location and from the delivery
location back to the truck's home base.
[ ] Contact provincial health
insurance authorities for the province you are moving out of, and the
one that you are moving into. If it is within the same province, notify
them of your change of address.
[ ] Contact your bank manager.
Arrange for the transfer of all bank accounts, personal loans, etc., if
required.
[ ] Order cheques for new address.
[ ] Register your change of address
with the post office and obtain a supply of change of address cards.
[ ] Begin mailing change of address
cards. Keep a list of cards sent. Don't forget to notify all credit card
companies.
[ ] Gather together all important
documents. Don't forget the pet's documents.
[ ] Resign from any clubs or
organizations that are not active in your new community.
[ ] Cancel newspaper subscriptions
or change delivery address.
[ ] As you pack, consider numbering
all cartons and noting their room destination (e.g. kitchen).
B) Two (2) Weeks Before the Move
[ ] Take a good look at what
is worth taking and what is not. Be ruthless.
[ ] Have a garage sale. Get rid
of all the junk you don't need to take.
[ ] Clean out club and school
lockers.
[ ] Arrange for the changeover
of utilities, including telephone.
[ ] Reconfirm the booking of
a freight elevator if you are moving into or out of an apartment.
[ ] Make a floor plan of the
new home (if you have access to it prior to closing) and plan where everything
will go. Don't guess - take measurements.
[ ] Start packing.
[ ] Number all of the boxes. Keep an
inventory list. Mark the contents on each of the boxes. Make two copies
of the contents list for each box. Keep one with your inventory lists,
put the other inside each appropriate box just before you close them all
up. Seal boxes.
[ ] Return all items that you
have borrowed, get back what you have loaned.
C) One (1) Week Before the Move
[ ] Prepare a list of all items
you want to take with you personally. Include all jewellery and valuable
items which should not be entrusted to movers.
[ ] Dismantle and/or unfasten
anything that requires it.
[ ] Prepare a list of everything
else that is left.
[ ] Reconfirm the booking for
any freight elevator.
[ ] Reconfirm the booking for
the moving company.
[ ] Defrost and air dry the deep
freezer.
[ ] Arrange for any furniture
not being moved to be removed (including any items to be reupholstered).
D) Two (2) Days Before the Move
[ ] This is your last day to
pack
[ ] Do your last laundry. Disconnect
and drain the washing machine.
[ ] Disconnect, defrost and air
dry the fridge.
[ ] Protect delicate furniture
with a thick coat of wax.
[ ] Double check that all valuables
have been accounted for.
E) One(1) Day Before the Move
[ ] Make sure you have gathered
together all keys for the house for the new owners (don't forget garage
and shed keys).
[ ] If you have a security system,
why not change the code to something simple like 1-2-3-4-5 so you can
feel free to use your old code at the new house.
[ ] Pack all of the items that
you will take with you personally. Mark them "Do not load - for Car".
It would be better if these were out of the house before the movers came
in.
F) Moving Out
[ ] Lay down plastic sheets to
minimize dirt in the house.
[ ] Lead the movers around the
house and make sure they understand all of your instructions. Consider
instructing movers to place items regarding beds last on the truck so
they can be unloaded first so that some family members have a place
to sleep at a reasonable time.
[ ]) Do a final check for forgotten
items.
[ ] Check inventory for number of boxes
- break down by room.
[ ] Check movers Bill of Lading
against your inventory.
[ ] Clearly label and leave all
the spare keys, and the code for the security system if you have one,
inside the house unless otherwise arranged.
[ ] Do not forget to leave the
garage door opener for the buyer (as well as any mail box key, etc.).
G) Moving In
[ ] Get to the house before the
movers. Arrange to take milk, bread, coffee, tea, etc. with you. It will
be a long day.
[ ] Verify that the utilities
have been turned on and meters have been read.
[ ] Lay down plastic sheets to
minimize dirt in the house.
[ ] Hang up curtains if possible.
[ ] Find your floor plan and
give copies to the movers. When your goods arrive look at each item carefully
as it is put in place and check off your inventory.
[ ] Note any damage. You will
not be able to check goods which have not been unpacked so above your
signature on the Bill of Lading write: "Subject to loss or hidden damage".
[ ] First priorities will be
the children's rooms, TV or radio, and a basic kitchen.
[ ] Seeing as you have not yet
unpacked, go out and have a nice dinner. You deserve it!
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