Planning Your Move

Let’s face it, moving is stressful. But I can make it easier by helping you plan and get organized. So I’ve come up with this handy checklist to get you prepared.

Following these steps will make moving easier and less stressful. Check off each item as it’s completed and you’ll be prepared for a smooth move.

Several weeks before your move:

1. Go through your storage stuff and see what you can sell, donate or throw away.
2. Organize your moving-related documents and keep them handy.
3. Notify magazine subscriptions and credit card companies of your address change.
4. Schedule termination of service with your utility providers.
5. Schedule connection of service with your new utility providers.
6. Pack items used infrequently.
7. Pack heavy items in smaller boxes so they aren’t too heavy to carry.
8. Contact your doctor, dentist and vet to get copies of your records.
9. Make travel arrangements for your trip.
10. Start using up perishable foods and other things that cannot be transported.
11. Get school records or arrange for their transfer to the new school.
12. Go through your things to see what can be sold, donated or thrown away.
13. Hold a yard sale (if moving from a home) and contact a charity such as Goodwill or the Salvation Army to pick up donatable items.
14. Start packing items and labeling contents of boxes.
15. Contact your insurance company to cancel or transfer coverage.
16. Arrange for the transportation of your pets.

One week prior to your move:

1. Cancel or transfer your bank accounts.
2. Transfer your prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new neighbourhood.
3. Cancel newspaper service.
4. Dispose of flammable items that can’t be moved (i.e., batteries and cleaners)

One to two days prior to your move:

1. Set aside items that are going with you and not on the moving truck.
2. Pay your bills and indicate your new address.
3. Confirm delivery schedule with moving company and provide directions to your new condo. Give them a phone number where they can reach you during the move.
4. Gather important documents, jewellery, collectibles, photos and computer data to take with you. Don’t have the movers pack and move these items. Set them aside in a secure area where they won’t accidentally be picked up by the movers.

On moving day:

1. Empty and defrost your refrigerator and freezer.
2. When the movers arrive, review the paperwork and go over the details of where the boxes will be placed in each room.
3. Clean your home or arrange for a cleaning service.

Move in day:

1. Unpack your car.
2. Make sure the utilities have been connected.
3. Keep your pets in a room to keep them from running away.
4. Check the inventory sheets as boxes are unloaded and direct the movers to the rooms in which they belong.

That should take care of everything so you will be organized and less stressed during your move. Good luck and enjoy your move as well as your new condo!

If you’re moving with children, take a look at our article, “Moving With Kids.”