Keeping in mind that you will be run off your feet as your move gets close, we thought you might appreciate a few tips on organization from people who have seen virtually all of the things that can possibly go wrong!
More Than a Month Before the Move:
- Start a moving expenses book. Some of your expenses may be tax deductible, so be sure to save the receipts.
- 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 jewelry or other small valuables.
- 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 the 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 the movers and check them out.
- Don't be misled by rates - inquire about additional charges and methods used to compute time.
- Contact provincial health insurance authorities for the province you are moving out of and the one that you are moving in to. If it is within the same province, notify them of your change of address.
- Order cheques for your new address.
- Register your change of address with the post office and obtain a supply of change of address cards to send out.
- 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 your pet's documents.
- Resign from any clubs or organizations that are not active in your new community.
- Cancel newspaper subscriptions or change the delivery address.
- 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.
- Clean out club and school lockers.
- Arrange for the changeover of utilities, including telephone.
- Book freight elevator if you are moving in or out of an apartment.
- Make a floor plan of the new house 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 content 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 the boxes.
- Return all items that you have borrowed; get back what you have loaned.
- Prepare a list of all items you want to take with you personally. Include all jewelry and valuable items which should not be entrusted to the movers.
- Dismantle and/or unfasten anything that requires it.
- Prepare a list of everything else that is left.
- Confirm the booking for the freight elevator.
- Confirm the booking for the moving company.
- Defrost and air dry the deep freeze.
- This is your last day to pack.
- Do your last laundry. Disconnect and drain the washer.
- Clean out, disconnect, defrost and air dry the fridge.
- Double check that all valuables have been accounted for.
- Lead packers around the house and make sure they understand all of your instructions.
- Make sure you have gathered together all keys for the house for the new owners - don't forget the garage and shed.
- 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. Make them "Do not load - for car". It would be better if these were out of the house before the movers came.
- Lay down plastic sheets to minimize dirt in the house.
- Lead the packers around the house again and make sure they understand all of your instructions.
- Do a final check for forgotten items.
- Check inventory for number of boxes - break them down by room.
- Clearly label and leave all spare keys and the code for the security system inside the house unless otherwise arranged.
- Leave all manuals and information on appliances.
- Clean.
- Get to the new house before the movers. Arrange to take milk, bread, coffee, etc. with you. It will be a long day!
- Verify that the utilities have been turned on.
- Lay down plastic sheets to minimize dirt in the house.
- Hang curtains/blinds if needed.
- Find your floor plan and give copies to the movers. When your good arrive look at each item carefully as it is put in place and check off your inventory.
- Note any damage. You won't 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 bedrooms and a basic kitchen.
- Seeing as you have not yet unpacked, go out and have a nice dinner - you deserve it!!
