Eight weeks before the move
▣ Get estimates from moving companies if you will use a mover
▣ Get costs from at least two truck rental companies if you will move yourself
▣ Create a floor plan of your new home for furniture and appliance placement
▣ Make an inventory of your household goods and begin to remove clutter (basement, attic, garage, closets, toy boxes and other storage areas, discard anything you don’t want or need)
▣ Start a file for all your moving paperwork (estimates, receipts, etc.)
▣ Choose a mover or truck rental company
▣ Check to see if you need any moving permits
Four to six weeks before the move
▣ Make arrangements for storage if necessary
▣ Consider having a tag or garage sale
▣ Donate unwanted items to charitable organizations
▣ Arrange to collect any advance deposits or security deposits on utilities or rentals
▣ Evaluate whether you should ship your appliances, consider the age, size and color. Consider selling them if they don’t fit/match your new home.
▣ Make a complete inventory of all items to be moved
▣ Decide if you will move all your plants or just your favourites
▣ Use up your frozen foods, they CANNOT be safely shipped. It is also advisable to reduce your supply of canned goods
▣ Notify the security company, lawn or snow-removal services or any other regular services of your vacating date
▣ Notify your post office, publications, and correspondents of your change of address and date of move, send out change of address cards
▣ Check your savings and checking accounts, plan for transfer of deposits so you won’t lose interest. Your bank/credit union can be used as a credit reference
▣ Check your homeowners insurance, be sure to contact a new insurance company in your new province/city, see how your possessions are covered during transit
▣ Check on club membership fees, the money may be refunded or, if allowed, you might consider transferring/selling the membership to a friend
▣ Check with your veterinarian regarding any travel preparation needed for your pets
▣ Register children for school; transfer all necessary school records
▣ Plan shipment date to occur after closing on your new home
▣ If you are moving out of an apartment, arrange for use of the elevator
At least two weeks before the move
▣ If you are packing yourself, obtain packing materials and start packing items you won’t need until after you arrive at the new house
▣ Contact telephone, electric, gas and water companies to confirm specific date on which to discontinue services, verify this date with your realtor/landlord
▣ Advise utility companies in your new location when to start new services (waiting for service to begin can often result in costly hotel and meal expenses)
▣ Advise dairy, laundry, newspaper carrier and sanitation service to discontinue services
▣ Be sure to clean out school or gymnasium lockers
▣ Return any borrowed items (including library books) and retrieve any loaned items
▣ Ask your present physician(s) and dentist for referrals in the new location. Transfer medical records and get copies of prescriptions, if members of the family have any ongoing medical or dental treatment programs, arrange for the payments to be prorated with the professional in your new area
▣ Arrange for the transfer of valuables, check contents of your safe-deposit box. DO NOT SHIP any valuables (such as jewellery, insurance policies, legal documents, currency, stamp and coin collections) with the moving company, either carry them with you or send by insured or certified mail
▣ DO NOT SHIP combustible or flammable items. These include oil-base paints, bleach, cleaning and lighting fluids, matches and ammunition, all aerosol cans (including hairsprays, shaving creams, deodorants, and household cleaners)
▣ Clean rugs and clothing and have them wrapped for moving
▣ Order cheques with your new address and phone number
One week before the move
▣ Keep a detailed record and receipts of your moving expenses for income-tax purposes; this includes transportation, lodging, meals, etc
▣ Drain gas and oil from lawn mowers, chain saws, snow blowers, etc. Gas grills and kerosene heaters must be empty, cars and motorcycles should only have ¼ tank of gas
▣ Remove snow and ice from sidewalks, driveways and steps
▣ Check to make sure you didn’t leave anything at the dry cleaners
▣ Put linens and pillows in dresser drawers to have handy for making up your beds the first night in your new home
▣ Place draperies lengthwise on hangers and hang in a closet, the movers will place them in wardrobe cartons
▣ Prepare a “ready box” for last-on and first-off the van, this might include essentials from your kitchen and bathroom. Include items like a hammer, pliers, screwdrivers and nails
▣ Prepare a “ready box” with necessary medications and first aid supplies
▣ Prepare your children for the move and trip by providing them with a “ready box” with their own special treasures; include toys, games and snacks for your trip
▣ Defrost and clean your refrigerator and freezer at least 24 hours in advance of the move
▣ Keep your telephone connected through your moving day
▣ Place plants in a black plastic bag, along with bug/pest strip, conventional flea collar or bug powder. Close the bag and place in a cool area overnight to kill pests on plant or in soil
▣ Clean your home or arrange for a cleaning service
▣ Confirm delivery address, phone number and delivery date with the movers
Day before the move
▣ The packing crew usually arrives the day before the van is loaded, be sure someone is on site to supervise the packing
▣ Pack all valuables that you want to take with you
▣ Make sure fragile items receive special attention, clearly label each carton with the contents and location in the new home
▣ Gather keys to the house and arrange to leave them with the new owners, your real estate agent, landlord or a trusted neighbour
▣ Notify police if your home will be unoccupied after you leave
▣ Notify a close friend or relative of your itinerary in case of emergency
▣ Place the plants in cardboard containers, hold them in place with dampened newspaper or packing paper. Use paper to cushion the leaves and place a final layer of wet paper on top to keep them moist. If you must leave your plants behind, them take cuttings; put them in a plastic bag with wet paper towels around them
▣ Wash and dry all dishes and place them in cupboards, dispose of the garbage. If you will be spending the night elsewhere, strip beds but leave all furniture assembled
▣ Take pets to a transportation agency or boarding kennel. If you are taking them by car, pack their food, water, dishes, leashes, motion sickness pills, etc
Day of move out
▣ Check the mover’s inventory to be sure you agree with the mover’s judgement on the condition of your household goods, take photographs if there is a dispute\
▣ Make sure you get a copy of the inventory
▣ Load items you are taking with you on the trip, including luggage
▣ Search every room before the van leaves
▣ Check the bill of lading for completeness before you sign it; retain a copy for your records
▣ Record the van driver’s name and give him contact numbers at the destination, confirm directions to the new residence with your driver
▣ Turn off the water heater, set the thermostat at 15 degrees
▣ Set the plant boxes aside and mark “DO NOT LOAD” so they won’t be taken on the moving van, close the boxes and punch air holes in the top before loading into your car (when moving park your car in a shaded area in the summer and sunny spot in the winter)
Day of move in
▣ Get to your new home before the movers, there could be a waiting charge if you are late
▣ Contact utility companies to verify start dates
▣ Check appliances, furnace and hot-water heater, contact a repair service if something is not working
▣ Check the condition of each carton and house hold item as it is unloaded; list all missing or damaged items on the inventory form
▣ Since you will probably do some unpacking after the movers leave, make a note on the inventory form “subject to inspection for loss or concealed damage”
▣ Be prepared to pay your mover with cash, certified cheque or traveler’s cheques, unless other arrangements have been made in advance
▣ Ask Canada Post carrier if he or she is holding any mail for your arrival
After you’re settled
▣ Obtain necessary licenses, driver’s, dog, etc
▣ Register car at new address (most provinces have 90 days grace period)
▣ Contact newspapers, dairy, etc. for home delivery
▣ Register to vote
▣ In the new phone book, record emergency numbers, locate government agencies and local services
▣ Take the children to their new school and meet the principal and teachers
HomeLife Welcomes You and Sends BEST WISHES to You in Your New Home!
from Dana, Hanna, Joanna & Barb!
Real Estate Specialists
HomeLife Real Estate Professionals Ltd.
#200, 12907 - 97 Street
Edmonton, AB T5E 4C2