Your Moving Checklist!
One Month before...
Should it stay or should it go? Ask yourself... Has it been used in the last year?
- Clean out your closets, basement and garage.
- Donate unused items to your favorite charity or have a garage sale.
- Get packing supplies; tape, boxes, tissue paper, bubble wrap, markers.
I let go of more "stuff" when I realized "the next person can get some of the use out of these things" when I donate them!
Big Move?
- Pack what you are not using right now, ie. photo albums, books, seasonal decorations.
Headed for Storage?
- It is easier at the other end if you make itemized lists of each box and its contents.
Movers?
- Find a reputable and professional mover. Get quotes from at least 2 moving companies.
- Ask for (and check) references.
- Include their written commitment of pickup and delivery dates and time.
- Check the limits of insurance they offer (does it cover replacement costs?).
- Purchase additional insurance if you need it.
Insurance
- Arrange to transfer your household insurance to your new home.
- Advise any regular tradespeople (gardener, housecleaner, pool service) when you are moving.
Two Weeks Before Your Move
- Arrange for disconnection or transfer of your BC Hydro, BC Gas, Cable, telephone and internet service.
- Get a new phone number (if required) and let everyone know.
- Contact the Post Office to change your address and have mail forwarded.
- Arrange to transfer/close bank accounts. Order new checks with your new address.
- Transfer newspaper and other home deliveries.
One Week Before Your Move
- Clean! Or arrange for a cleaning service for your home.
- Confirm delivery address, phone number and delivery date with the movers.
- Clean out and defrost the freezer.
- If you’re moving to another city, pick up dry cleaning and prescriptions.
- Return library books.
A Few Days Before Your Move
- Complete packing of all household goods for the move.
- Make sure boxes are clearly marked with the room they will go in, as well as "Fragile" if necessary.
- Place important documents in a safe box that you will carry.
- Include home purchase/sale papers, will, financial records, passports, birth certificates.
- Mark "Do Not Move" on the box; move this box yourself.
Prepare an "open first" box.
- This could include: towels, bedding, basic kitchen and bathroom supplies.
- Toys or games for your children, tools (hammer, screwdriver) to set up furniture.
- Label all keys for new occupants.
Place all appliance manuals & warrantees, etc in one place for the new occupants.
MOVING DAY!
- Keep phone connected or have a cell phone in case you need to contact your movers, etc.
- Carefully supervise the move.
- Make sure your instructions are understood, and that boxes are delivered to the right rooms.
- Check all the rooms and closets to make sure you haven’t left anything behind.
- Turn down the thermostat.
- Lock up and leave labeled keys with the landlord, new owners or real estate agent.
- Arrive at your new home before the movers. Show the movers where to put boxes and furniture.
- Check that you've been given keys to every lock in your new home.
- Carefully review the movers’ bill of lading before signing. Check for damaged items.
- At your new home, make sure the utilities are on and working properly.
- Unpack your "open first" box. Set up your bed; unpack the kitchen and bathroom to help you feel at home.
- Relax, order dinner in...and take a long hot bath!
After your Move...
- Unpack, then donate or flatten and recycle boxes.
- Change the address on your driver’s license and car insurance.
- Plan your housewarming party!
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Moving out of town . . . Remember these few extra steps!
One Month Before Moving
- Make travel arrangements, if necessary, with airlines, buses, car rental agencies and hotels.
- Obtain medical and dental records, x-rays and prescription histories.
- Ask doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions.
- Set up a checking account in your new city.
- Check into the laws and requirements of your new city regarding home-based businesses.
- Check into the professional tests, business licenses and any special laws that might be applicable to you.
- Take inventory of your belongings before they're packed.
- In the event you need to file an insurance claim later.
- If possible, take pictures or video tape your belongings.
- Record serial numbers of expensive electronics.
- Make arrangements for transporting pets.
- Start using up food items (less to pack).
- Reserve elevator if moving from an apartment (call the property management company).
One To Two Weeks Before Moving...
- Switch utility services to new address.
- Inform electric, disposal, water, newspaper, telephone and cable companies of your move.
- Arrange for help on moving day.
- Confirm travel reservations.
- Have appliances serviced for moving.
- Clean rugs and clothing and have them wrapped for moving.
- Plan ahead for special needs of any children or older folks.
- Close bank accounts and have your funds wired to your new bank.
- Before closing, be sure there are no outstanding checks or automatic payments that haven't been processed.
- Collect valuables from safe-deposit box.
- Make copies of any important documents before mailing or hand carry them to your new address.
- Check with your insurance agent to ensure you'll be covered through your homeowner's or renter's policy during the move.
- Defrost freezer and refrigerator. Place baking soda inside to neutralize odours.
- Give your travel route and schedule to a close friend or relative so you may be reached if needed.
MOVING DAY!
- Double check closets, drawers, shelves, attic and garage to be sure they are empty.
- Carry important documents, currency and jewelry yourself, or use registered mail.
- Carry travelers checks for quick, available funds.
After Arriving At Your New Home
- Renew your driver's license, auto registration and tags.
- Shop around for new insurance policies, especially auto coverage.
- Revise your will and other legal papers to avoid longer probate and higher legal fees.
- Locate the hospitals, police stations, veterinarian and fire stations near your home.
Moving Companies
Consumer complaints against moving companies have been rising. The following are some tips that can help your move go smoothly.
- Get a binding estimate from the moving company. Make sure the amount is written in the contract.
- Inquire about their on-time record.
- See if complaints were made with the local Better Business Bureau or consumer complaints department.
- Movers are limited by law regarding what they can give you for lost or damaged goods.
- To cover potential damage, check existing homeowner's or renter's policy.
- Ask about expected gratuities and write into contract.
- Have the contract include a guarantee of how many hours the job will take.
- Allow an overrun of no more than 10%.
- Be sure all charges are listed on contract.
- Inform the moving company of how many stairs are at your new home.
- Watch loading and unloading and examine all items carefully before signing a receipt.
- Document an inventory of your belongings before you pack.
Last Minute Thoughts...
- Keep a log of moving expenses and keep all your move-related receipts.