RE/MAX TRENT VALLEY - MOVING COUNTDOWN________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Planning and preparing will make your move run smoothly. Following this schedule to keep you on track. 8 WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE - MOVING LOGISTICSIf you are using a professional mover, get estimates from different moving companies and choose the one that is best suited to your needs. If you are moving yourself, get estimates from truck rental companies. - Reserve vehicles in advance.
- Draw a floor plan of your new house. This will help you decide what furniture stays and what furniture will go.
- Use up things that can’t be moved – (e.g., food in the freezer, etc).
- Contact the chamber of commerce in your future location and start gathering information about your new hometown.
6 WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE - INVENTORY, PAPERWORK - Discuss costs, insurance, packing, loading, delivery, and the claims procedure with your mover.
- Inventory all of your possessions now. Decide what can be sold and what can be donated for a tax deduction to charity.
- Get copies of your records from doctors, dentists, lawyers, and accountants. Arrange to transfer your children’s school records.
- Go to the post office and obtain a change of address kit and start filling out the cards. Don’t forget about changing the address on magazine subscriptions, catalogues, creditors, etc.
- Find out from your accountant or Revenue Canada about tax-deductible moving expenses. Keep accurate records.
4 WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE - STORAGE CONCERNS, CLEANING & REPAIRS - If you have contracted to have the mover do all the packing for you, arrange to have this task completed a day or two before loading the truck.
- If you need it, arrange for storage.
- Clean or repair any furniture, curtains, or carpets that need it.
- Have a garage sale. Use the cash to splurge a little on your new place.
3 WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE - ASSEMBLE PACKING MATERIALS
- Furniture Pads
- Crumpled newspapers
- Hand truck
- Dolly
- Scissors
- Utility knife
- Packing tape
- Large self-stick labels
- Bubble wrap
- Felt-tip markers
- Styrofoam “peanuts”
- Boxes, boxes, boxes
- Nylon packing string and rope
- Begin packing items that you won’t need.
- Arrange to cancel utilities and services at your old home and have them installed at your new home.
- Make travel and hotel reservations.
- Get car license, registration, and insurance in order, as necessary.
2 WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE - SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS, PETS, CANCELLATIONS - Arrange to transfer all of your bank accounts to new branch locations.
- Make special arrangements to move pets, (e.g., purchasing airline reservations, traveling containers). Ask your veterinarian about how to make moving easier for your pet.
- Have your car checked and serviced for the trip. Make sure tires are in good shape and all fluids are at adequate levels.
- Reassign any direct deposit or automatic payment arrangements on bank accounts you are closing.
- Cancel delivery services.
1 WEEK BEFORE THE MOVE - Transfer all medical prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new location.
- If you will need a babysitter, arrange for moving day service.
- Return library books and videotapes.
2 OR 3 DAYS BEFORE THE MOVE - Defrost your refrigerator and freezer.
- Have the movers pack your shipment.
- Arrange to have cash, a certified cheque, or money order ready to pay the driver on delivery day.
- Set aside valuables and legal documents to go with you, not on the van.
- Pack clothing and toiletries to go with you; take extra clothes in case of a delay.
- Pack your first-day handy items box (see “Delivery Day”) to go with you.
JUST BEFORE THE MOVE - Do-it-yourself movers pick up truck early.
- Make a list of every item and box loaded onto the truck.
- Let the mover know where you can be reached.
- Before you sign it, read the bill of lading. Keep it in a safe place until your goods are delivered, charges are paid, and any claims are settled.
- Check your old home to make sure you’ve turned off water and that no leave-behind appliances are running.
- Inspect basement, attic, and garage.
- Lock up all doors and windows.
- Be on hand to answer questions and give directions to the mover.
MOVING DAY - Check off all boxes and items as they come off the truck.
- Install new locks.
- Make sure the utilities are hooked up.
- Unpack kids’ toys.
- Be on hand to answer questions, pay the driver, give direction, and examine your goods.
FIRST-DAY HANDY ITEMS - Scissors
- Soap
- Utility knife
- Pencils and paper
- Coffee cups
- Local phone book
- Tea kettle
- Masking tape
- Paper plates
- Bath towels
- Paper towels
- Trash bags
- Toilet paper
- Toiletries kit
- Coffee, soft drinks
- Shelf liner
*Information taken from various sources
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