moving checklist

Thorough planning is the key to an easy move.  Experience tells us most moves take 8 to 10 weeks from start to finish, so start early.

8 weeks before the move

• Call for estimates from professional movers
• Draw a floorplan of your new home.  Use decorating charts and a grid to place furniture to scale in each room and decide which furniture to move, and which to dispose of replace or add.

6 weeks before the move

• Inventory all possessions.  Decide what to move, sell, replace or donate to charity.
• Complete Canada Post change of address forms, mail to media, stores, organization.
• Obtain copies of all medical, dental, legal, accounting, and veterinarian records.
• Make arrangements for records transfer between schools on both ends of the move.

4 weeks before the move

• Repair, send out for re-upholstery or clean furniture, drapes and carpeting if necessary.
• Advertise garage sale to dispose of unneeded furniture, accessories, clothes etc.
• If professional mover are packing your goods, schedule packing day(s) before move.
• If you move yourself, order adequate boxes, packing materials and tape now.
• Arrange for short-term or long-term storage if you need it.
• Make travel arrangements for pets, including necessary medical records, immunizations, etc.

3 weeks before the move

• Assemble sufficient supply of packing materials and equipment.
• Pack items you don’t use immediately or that will go into storage.
• Contact utilities on both ends of the move, order termination or turn-on for occupancy date.
• Confirm final travel arrangements for family and pets.

2 weeks before the move

• Prepare auto(s) or trip to new home.  Check tires and have car(s) serviced before the move.
• Terminate newspaper and other delivery services
• Confirm new bank accounts by phone and fax.
• Schedule an appliance service firm for moving day to prepare major appliances for the move.

1 week before the move

• Gather important papers, records, valuables or protected shipment to new home or safe deposit box.
• Notify friends and neighbours of new address and phone number if available.
• Make plans for young children to be cared for on moving day.
• Fill any necessary prescriptions, medications needed for the next two weeks.

Day before the move....and moving day

• Defrost refrigerator and freezer.  Give away all food in both units.
• Plan simple meals or moving day (or take out food) to avoid using the refrigerator.
• Pick up cash for your trip and certified check for the mover’s invoice.
• Pack items you need to take with you including valuables, financial records, personal papers.
• Pack signed bill of lading and inventory where they can be easily reached at your destination.
• Carefully mark LAST BOX PACKED - FIRST BOX UNPACKED containing tools, shades, etc.
• Give the mover telephone number and address where you can be reached in your new town.