What to Expect on Moving Day

Saying good-bye to one neighbourhood and discovering a new one is an exciting adventure. But let's face it, at the end of your home-buying process you may find yourself exhausted. After all, the other obligations in your life have not paused.
What's more, now there's another cost -- moving. Whether you hire professionals or strong-arm friends into helping, be prepared for the cost of the move. Here are some suggestions on how to reduce the cost of your move, but let's first look at how to prepare for the big day.
You will have noticed that your possessions expand to fill the space allotted. Guess what, if you're moving into a larger home, you'll be gathering more stuff, so start out right.

• Don't take it all. Before you pack it all into boxes and cart it to a new location, take a good look at everything and find out what you can live without. This is a great time to have a garage sale and what doesn't sell, you can give away to charity.
• Have all of your change of address cards filled out months in advance. You'll want to notify friends, family, businesses, organizations you're a member of, etc. Have the cards ready to mail once the deal is closed. Redecorate before the move. Sometimes it isn't possible, but if you have the chance to work without the obstructions of furniture, you'll find that you can get twice the work done in half the time.
• Put the utilities in your name. Hydro, water, gas are the first companies to call. But don't forget to coordinate your telephone and cable service. Of course, you'll want to let the companies servicing your old home know when to disconnect service there.

Get Packing ^^

You'll want to ensure that each item you own is well packed to minimize damage during travel. Whether you're moving around the corner, across town or across the country, the moving process is always the same.

To Hire Movers or Not to Hire Movers ^^

If you hire movers to pack for you, they'll descend on your home with a crew of experienced packers who will seal, pad and itemize everything you own in a day or two.

During the move, you'll want to make sure you're insured while your belongings are in transition. Many moving companies also offer additional insurance.

On moving day, go through the house with the crew supervisor and have him take note of any special instructions. If there are items you will need first in your new home (like a crib) make sure they put it in the moving van last. The movers will also make note of the condition of your goods on a master list. It is your responsibility to make sure it's accurate.

After the van is unloaded and your goods are unpacked, inspect everything and make note of any damage. While movers do unpack, they don't put dishes or linens away.

If you are undertaking the packing process by yourself, it will take time. Pack well in advance, and take note of what you can really live without. You'll have items that need special attention and other items that need to be disassembled. Label each box in detail and, if you know where it will go in your new home, put the destination on the box.

• Pack what you need most last!
• Label each box carefully!
• Designate a destination!

You'll also want to pack a box of essentials. These are items you're likely to use once you arrive in your new home. Include items like:

• toilet paper
• soap
• toothbrushes and toothpaste
• paper towels
• garbage bags (a lot of them!)
• paper plates, cups and plastic utensils
• can opener
• hammer, screwdrivers, pliers
• a flashlight
• some light bulbs
• snacks and drinks
• a radio

^^

Moving TIPS ^^

Packing guide:

Packing all your own items will save you money. It can also be quite stressful, so we came up with some simple techniques to make it easier. Use the proper packing materials. Sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts can all be purchased at local moving or shipping companies. Wardrobe boxes plus other specialty boxes can also be found there.

You can’t move that! Here is a partial list of common household items movers will NOT ship:

You gotta have tools ^^

Here is a list of tools and materials to make your packing go more smoothly:

• Razor, knife and/or Scissors
• Dark, water resistant marker
• Packing tape
• Styrofoam peanuts
• One room at a time…… It’’s more efficient and less stressful if you pack one room at a time. Be sure and label each box appropriately (on top and side) with a description of its contents. Boxes containing breakable or sentimental items should always be labeled as ““Fragile””. Keep a detailed list of what items are packed in each box to make unpacking easier. Empty your drawers…… Empty all drawers of breakable or spillable items. Also, it’’s a good idea to put all furniture knobs, feet, screws, etc. in one container so they won't get lost or damaged. Flammable goods…… Do not pack flammable goods or heat-sensitive items like candles, records, audio and video tapes, computer disks, propane tanks, aerosol cans, oil based paints, and certain cleaning fluids. A little TLC…… Wrap each item individually and always place a layer of crushed paper in the bottom of the box or carton for cushioning. Fill empty spaces with additional crushed paper. Will you be storing anything? If so, make sure your boxes are firmly packed with the heavier items on bottom. It’’s a smart idea to pack according to the season(s) which your things will be in storage and mark the boxes appropriately. A note from the chiropractor…… Put heavy items in small boxes so that they're easier to carry. When packing the truck…… Make sure the items you need first are loaded last (i.e. kitchen items, telephone and radio). Use common sense, keep in mind the size, sturdiness, and weight of your boxes. It pays to plan ahead…… Pack a separate bag with toiletries, a change of clothes, etc. for the first couple of days after your move. Sometimes the weekends aren’t so great…… If possible, plan your move to occur on a weekday when banks, utilities, and government offices are open

First night survival kit: ^^

• If your shipment hasn't arrived or you're simply too weary to unpack everything, set aside some essential items you'll need for the first night in your new place.

Food/Kitchen supplies :

• Snacks, sandwiches
• Bottled water
• Plastic plates, cups, utensils
• Can openers
• Paper towels, napkins
• Garbage bags

Toiletries

• Toothbrushes, toothpaste
• Soap, shampoo
• Toilet paper
• Contact lens case, solution
• Towels
• Hygiene products

Medication

• Prescription medicine
• First aid kit band-aids, peroxide

Tools

• Flashlights
• Candles, matches
• Screwdriver
• Pliers
• Scissors
• Light bulbs

Clothing

• Enough clothing for a few days
• Sleeping bag, blankets

Children's items (if applicable)

• Baby food
• Diapers

Week by week ^^

6-8 weeks before your move:

• What items will make the trip? Now is the time to determine which items you wish to take to your new residence. Items that you don’t need should either be donated to charity or sold at a garage sale. You may consider teaming up with your neighbors who want to sell some of their belongings, and plan a neighborhood "sale".
• Boxes, tape, packing paper…… If you plan on packing your own items, start collecting suitable packing supplies. You can purchase all these materials from any van line agent or a moving supply company. The boxes you purchase should be specially designed for moving household goods to prevent damage to your belongings.
• Everything has a place…… Think about the layout of your new residence and where you'll place the furniture. Create a floor plan that will ease the stress of making decisions once the furniture arrives.
• What’s it like where you are moving to? Get familiar with your new community. Request information on schools, community programs, parks and recreation from the local City Hall or school board.
• Will you be needing any travel arrangements? Now is the best time to make your travel arrangements (hotel, flights, car rental, etc.). Try to keep your travel plans flexible to accommodate any last-minute changes or delays.
• Save your receipts…… Keep all receipts for moving related expenses in a designated moving folder. Many moving expenses are tax deductible.
• Don’t forget your records…… Insurance, medical and dental records should be placed in a safe, accessible place. Also include prescription, and vaccination records. Plan on taking all vital documents such as: wills, stock certificates, and other one-of-a kind items (jewelry, coin collection, photos etc.) separately.
• Favorite Toys
• Food, treats
• Bottled water

4-5 weeks before your move: ^^

• Apartment or condo…… If you live in an apartment or condo complex, contact your property or building manager and inquire about scheduling your move date and time. Certain buildings may have date and or time restrictions as to when moving can be done.
• Mr. Postman… … Fill out a Postal change of address form.
• Odd and ends…… Close any local charge accounts.
• Notify insurance companies of your move and transfer all insurance on your home and possessions.
• Contact utilities for disconnection or transfer and possible refunds. Since you will want to have your utilities still connected on moving day, arrange to have them disconnected after you are moved out.
• If necessary, arrange for a baby-sitter to watch your children on moving day. You may need someone to keep your children occupied and that they remain safe during the loading process.
• While sorting through your belongings, remember to return anything else you have borrowed.
• Remember to collect items that are being cleaned, stored or repaired.

2-3 weeks before your move: ^^

• Do you have power? Call ahead to have utilities connected at your new home.
• What about packing? Make final packing decisions. Start packing items you don't use often.
• You gotta do windows…… Clean and clear your home, including closets, basements and attics.
• Bank accounts…… Call your bank to find out how to transfer your bank accounts.
• Got any safety deposit boxes lying around? Each year people move without clearing out their safety deposit boxes. Don't be another statistic.
• Secret hiding spots…… If you've hidden any valuables around the house, be sure to collect them before leaving.
• A reminder about moving plants…… Some provincial laws prohibit moving house plants. Consider giving your plants to a friend or local charity.
• Miscellaneous stuff……
• Plan meals that will use up the food in your refrigerator and freezer.
• Have your automobile serviced if you're traveling by car.
• Transfer all current prescriptions to a drugstore in your new town.
• Dispose of flammable items such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, paint, ammunition and poisons such as weed killer.
• Drain all the oil and gasoline from your lawn mower and power tools to ensure safe transportation. Refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions.

1 week from your move: ^^

• Loose ends…… This is the time to tie up any loose ends. Check through this guide to make sure you haven't missed anything.
• Labels…… Your moving company should have provided you with various labels for your goods. These can include "Do Not Load", "Load First", "Load Last", and "Fragile". Take special care to label your goods appropriately.
• Confirm travel arrangements…… Pack your suitcases and confirm your familys travel arrangements (flights, hotel, rental cars, etc.). Try to keep your plans as flexible as possible in the event of a change of schedule.

Move day: ^^

• Bedding…… Strip your beds, and make sure the bedding goes into a "Load Last" box.
• Are they here yet? Make sure you are on hand when the movers arrive. It's important to have an adult be authorized to take your place if you are unable to be present at any time while the movers are there. Let the agent know to whom you have given this authority.
• Spend time with the movers…… Always try to spend as much time with the mover as possible. If you have special instructions make sure it is explained to your mover. Communicate well with the movers.
• They’ve arrived!!! Once the van operator arrives, review all details and paperwork. Accompany the driver as he or she inspects and tags each piece of furniture with an identifying number. These numbers, along with a detailed description of your goods and their condition at the time of loading, will appear on the inventory.
• Are they done yet? It is your responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until loading is completed. To insure that nothing gets left behind always do a final inspection of the premises. Do not sign any releases without completing this inspection.
• Where is a vacuum when you need it? Since you'll probably want to clean before the furniture is unloaded, make sure your vacuum is packed last, so it can be unloaded first.
• After your move:
• You got power and a connection? Check to make sure the utilities and phone have been connected, and follow up on any delays. Ideally, the phone company should hook it up the day before "move-in day."
• Note: To prevent possible damage, televisions, stereos, computers, other electronic equipment and major appliances should not be used for 24 hours after delivery, allowing them time to adjust.to room temperature.

1. Book the Movers
• You can choose to have your movers pack everything, or just the breakables, or you can pack yourself. It is a good idea to obtain estimates from several different companies and ask for complete references.
2. If You Own Your Present Home
• Arrange to have your gas, water and hydro meters read on the day you leave and forward the bill to your new address.
• Have the oil tank read and filled before your sale closes (unless stipulated otherwise in the offer).
• If the water heater or furnace is rented, arrange for a transfer of the rental agreement to the purchaser.
• Disconnect your telephone, cable and water softener.
3. If You Rent Your Present Home
• Give necessary written notice to your landlord and make arrangements for the return of any money you have on deposit.
4. At Your New Home
• Make arrangements for the gas and electric utilities, water softener, telephone and cable to be connected on the day the sale closes.
5. General
   • Get change of address cards from the post office and send out well before moving day.
   • Have the post office forward your mail to your new address.
   • Cancel any contracted services and pre-authorized cheques.
   • Inform gardening, dry cleaning, garbage pick-up, newspapers, magazines and other home services. Arrange for service at your new address.
   • Cancel or transfer social, athletic, civic, religious or business affiliations and memberships.
   • Arrange for transfer of medical, dental, prescription and optical records.
   • Change the address on your driver's licence(s) effective the day of the move.
   • Collect all items out for cleaning, repair or storage (e.g. dry cleaning).
   • Make special arrangements for the moving of your pets

Change of Address ^^

There are many people you'll want to inform about your new location. Use this worksheet as a guide.

• Relatives and friends
• Landlord (if necessary) - remember you must give two months' notice.
• Insurance broker
• School(s)
• Post office
• Phone company
• Hydro company
• Gas (or oil) company
• Cable company
• Doctor
• Dentist
• Lawyer
• Veterinarian
• Bank
• Employer
• Tax dept.
• Family allowance dept.
• CPP/QPP
• Old age security
• Motor vehicles license
• Credit cards
• Clubs, associations, charities
• Subscriptions: - Newspaper - Magazines - Book, Tape, Video Club
• Other

Moving Calendar ^^

Moving can be an overwhelming experience. You may already be cringing at the thought just looking around at your current home. Use the following chart to help you plan a successful, stress-free move.

Two Months Before Your Move

• Interview movers (book your truck if you're not using professionals)
• Start collecting boxes (if they're not being provided by the mover)
• Sort your belongings into what is coming with you and what's not

Six Weeks Before Your Move

• Begin writing your moving notices (use the checklist as a guide)
• Plan your garage sale
• Start packing items you don't use regularly

One Month Before Your Move

• Contact the utilities and make arrangements to transfer services
• Contact phone and cable companies
• Two Weeks Before Your Move
• Confirm your movers (either professionals or friends)
• Book the elevators (if you're moving into or out of a high-rise)

One Week Before Your Move

• Make an appointment to see your lawyer and review details
• Contact your lender and ensure that funds are available
• Have all of your valuables gathered and begin packing them in suitcases for personal transport
• A few days before your move, begin defrosting and drying out the freezer

On Moving Day

• Keep your moving file on hand
• Organize your belongings so that they end up in the right room
• Begin unpacking any items provided by the movers which will incur daily usage charges after the move
• Try to relax

^^