MOVING TIPS

Moving can be a taxing and emotional time for you and your family. However, with some smart planning, your moving experience can go from stressful to smooth sailing. Follow these tips to help make for a touble-free relocation:

Plan Ahead

At least four to six weeks before your move:

• Edit your belongings: Hold a garage sale or call a charity to pick up items in good condition that you no longer want. If you are relocating out-of-province, compare the cost of moving your possessions to the cost of replacing them after the move.
• Obtain estimates from several reputable moving companies; book a packing date (if necessary) and a moving date.
• Arrange to have utilities disconnected at your old residence (after your move-out date) and connected at the new location.
• Cancel or transfer memberships to fitness clubs or other organizations to which you and your family members belong.
• Arrange for pet transportation if necessary.
• Notify friends and relatives of your move. Submit a change-of-address form to the post office. Notify newspapers and magazines you subscribe to.

Ready Steady

Two weeks before your move:

• Begin using up or giving away food stored in your kitchen pantry, cupboards and freezer.
• Gather all essential and current personal, medical, insurance, school and real estate documents in one accessible folder that will not be packed away.
• Transfer bank accounts to a local branch in your new neighbourhood; transfer medical prescriptions to a pharmacy near your new home or office.
• Safely dispose of household hazardous waste such as old paints and solvents, oil, gas and other toxic materials.
• If you’ll be packing yourself, now’s the time to begin. Packing room by room will keep your possessions organized making for a speedier unpacking process. Make a point of keeping remote controls with pertinent electronics.
• Make arrangements to have children and pets stay with friends or family on load-out day.
• Collect all extra spare keys from neighbours, friends or relatives. Also, be sure to leave any garage door openers for the new owners.
• Send out rugs and drapes to be professionally cleaned.

Final Touches

The week of your move:

• Pick up items out for repair or cleaning.
• Clean all appliances, including the oven. Defrost the freezer.
• Before the moving van leaves for your destination, give the driver a phone number where you can be reached at all times.
• Check all closets, cupboards and storage areas for items you may have missed.
• Pack a box with essential items you’ll take with you in the car to use upon arrival at your new home: some cutlery, a few dishes, glasses, snacks, drinks, toilet paper and a few cleaning supplies.