Moving to a new location is a great chance to organize your life and home! Getting rid of clutter before you relocate can assist you in moving only the items you need – saving you time, money and hassle. Use the following tips and strategies to get your new home functioning at an optimal level, making it a happy home!
Timing and Preparation Are Key
• If possible, arrange to have your new home close before the one you are living in to allow time to get the new property primed and ready for your move
• Check that all walls are properly painted, floors and rugs are shampooed and cleaned, that the bathrooms are ready, the water, electrical and other utilities are working, etc
• If desired, schedule renovations beforehand
• Place some rugs down on the entranceway floors and any high-traffic areas for protection in anticipation of the move
• The most popular times to move are at the beginning and end of the month. Some companies charge a premium at these times. If you choose to move yourself and are renting a van, booking your move away from these times can better guarantee costs and availability of the van
• The same goes for anyone using a moving company. Some moving companies can store your belongings for you at a minimal cost, if necessary
Organization Ensures A Safe and Flawless Move
• Doing a quick review of your belongings beforehand to see what can be kept, donated or tossed, will help you immensely when it comes to packing and shipping
• If in season, garage sales can also be a quick fix to removing the clutter
• If using professional movers, plan to get quotations from at least 3 companies at least 6 weeks before your planned move
• Depending on your service level commitment, movers may provide adequate boxes and packing materials and expect you to pack, or even do the packing for you. Professional movers should be able to carefully prepare and ship everything for you, and will have insurance to cover your move
• Make a list of the utilities and services you currently use in your residence. This will assist you when you start to notify the companies of your move and either cancellation or continuance of services in your new home. This list is also useful to the new purchasers of your home
Packing Tips
• Pack one room at a time
• Move all furniture and large pieces to the corner of the room. Pack one box and clearly label with the room it should appear in when bringing it to your new home
• Roll clothing like a sleeping bag as this can effectively reduce wrinkles and provides you more room to fit other items in each box
• Use newspapers or bubble wrap to wrap “nested” kitchen items. Ensure the boxes are sturdy, as the weight of these items can be cumbersome. A separator between each item and taping the whole bundle closed before packing will reduce breakage
• Vertically packing plates prevents breakage should the box be dropped
• Glassware should be packed with the base of the glass at the bottom of the box
• Electronics should be packed in their original packaging, if available
• Consider the use of a professional with extra-large items
Countdown to the Move:
1 - Four Weeks Prior To Moving:
• Schedule mail forwarding to your new address with Canada Post
• Arrange connection of utilities, phone, cable and internet services at your new address
• Arrange disconnection of utilities, phone, cable and internet services at your old address and the return of cable TV equipment
2 - Three Weeks Prior To Moving:
• Get boxes and moving supplies
• Dispose of unwanted items
• Dispose of hazardous household chemicals by taking them to your local Toxic Waste Centre
• Ensure that insurance, government, club memberships, doctors, dentists, schools, banks, credit card companies, tax offices and Health Cards are notified of your move and change of address
• Make travel arrangements and hotel reservations, if necessary
• Arrange transfer of home insurance and car insurance to your new location
• Register your children at their new schools and notify current schools to transfer school records
• Get copies of medical, dental and veterinary records
3 - Seven Days Prior To Moving:
• Determine what you can bring with you if travelling by car, plane, train, or bus
• Pack a suitcase with the clothes and toiletries that you’ll need the first day in your new home
• Pack a special box with other essentials you’ll need for the first few days and marks this box “Do Not Move”. Suggested items would include a flashlight, light bulbs, toilet paper, cleaning supplies and snacks/drinks to assist you in getting settled into your new home
4 - The Day before Moving:
• Pack your personal belongings
• Empty and defrost refrigerators and freezers, as well as clean the kitchen appliances
• Do a final walkthrough of your property to ensure that packing is complete and all possessions are ready to move to your new home
5 - Moving Day!
• Prepare a booklet of all important paperwork: moving itinerary, maps, insurance, medical records, auto policy, passports, etc
• Store valuables in a safe place
• Prepare an Auto Checklist including a flashlight, first aid kit, maps, GPS, driver’s license, car ownership, insurance and an emergency kit
• Collect all keys; keep them in a safe place
• If using a moving company, walk about with supervisor and sign inventory forms
• If using a moving company, confirm the new address and delivery time with the driver
• Have a safe and relaxing journey: Pack sunglasses, water bottles, medications, wet naps, snacks, pillows and blankets, toys and games for the kids, a camera and travel entertainment for the family
• Have cash and credit cards on hand
6 - Arriving At Your New Home:
• Ensure that all of your household belongings have arrived safely.
• Place a floor plan of your new home near the entrance to aid movers in navigating the new space, ensuring that all boxes will be placed in their labeled rooms.
• Check every level and ensure that an up-to-date smoke detector is installed and works properly.
• Install a carbon dioxide detector near the furnace and gas appliances.
• Contact city and municipal offices to learn about garbage pickup, recycling facilities and local regulations and information.
• Get to know the neighbourhood and schools.
• Check out emergency services in your new area.
• Change your driver’s license and license plates, if required.
• Relax and enjoy!
The information contained herein is accurate at time of printing and is copyright Bruce Witchel 2015.
For further information on real estate matters, please contact Bruce at 416-WITCHEL 416-948-2435 or by email at Bruce @ BruceWitchel.com.
