Moving Checklist

Moving can be very exciting, but there are so many things to remember to do! Whether you are doing it on your own, asking friends for help, or hiring professionals, here is a quick guide to help you.

Start early; if you don’t already have a moving company in mind, do some research or ask me for recommendations.

TIP: Weekends and Holidays tend to be the busiest, so if you are able to move during the week, you may even get a discounted rate!

1 Month Before

• Eliminate items you no longer use/want – have a garage sale or make donations to local charitable organizations. Why pay to move it when you don’t need or want it?
• Start getting boxes, tape, bubble wrap, etc… anything you will need to pack up, and make notes of what may need special attention.
• Obtain medical and dental records as well as children’s immunizations if moving out of the area
• Arrange for your children’s school records to be transferred to their new school.
• Make travel plans and reservations.
• Use up food supplies.
• Dispose of hazardous goods.

2 – 4 Weeks Before

• Start packing and begin with items in your home you do NOT use on a regular basis.
• Be sure to clearly label or number your boxes to make unpacking and finding items easier.
• As you pack, make notes of items of significant value (LCD/plasma TVs, stereos, computers, etc.) as you may need to declare items of value if they are lost or damaged during the move.
• Look to change some important information online.
• Go on line to www.canadapost.ca  to fill out a change of address form with your new address
• Remember to contact the following places to notify your change of address: banks, cable/phone providers, insurance companies, utility companies, credit card companies, doctor/dentist/vet offices, investment companies.

1 Week Before

• Confirm your reservations with your movers or truck company.  Make sure they have your mobile number and know exactly where they are going.
• Cancel or transfer your newspaper delivery service.
• Finish all of your packing.
• Have your car serviced if driving a long distance.
• Arrange shipment of pets if necessary.
• Arrange utility service disconnects (disconnect after moving day and connect prior to or on delivery day)
• Start dismantling furniture if you are moving yourself.
• Pack a travel bag with items you may need on moving day such as toothbrushes, clothes, medications, toiletries.
• Set aside items to take in the car, including jewelry and passports.

Moving Day

• Make a note of all utility meter readings (both at the old home and the new home).
• Be there when the truck is being loaded and unloaded in case your movers have questions.
• Before the movers leave, check your belongings and make a note on their paperwork and yours if there are any damaged items.