Prepare For Your Move

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Preparing For Your Move

Before your move:

Create a Moving Journal:

A looseleaf binder with several tabbed sections. You can write each page on your computer but, come moving day, your computer even notebook, is inconvenient. Hard copy is still best.

Section One: Index and To-Do list

An Index to guide where each sub-entry is.

Section Two: Services that need canceling or changed to new address.

You will need to inform utility companies, electricity, cable vision, telephone, insurance companies, your drivers license, your bank, etc. Your Employer as well.

You should also file a redirection of mail notice at the post office.

At the top of your page write in your old address with postal code and telephone numbers, followed by your new address with postal code and telephone numbers. It is very easy to forget information while filling out forms etc.

List each service and leave room for dates notified and comments.

As you notify each service, make note of the date. For reference later if needed.

If you require other accommodation during your move, book early and note their addresses and phone numbers. You may want to leave these with a friend or relative or the mover so that you can always be in touch. Provide phone numbers including motels, new home, cell phone and work.

Within 10 days of moving, verify date and time with the moving company or truck rental. Ask the name of the person verifying the information.

If renting, inform the landlord of your truck arrival time and of the time you should/will be ready for final inspection and inform the new landlord of approximate arrival time with your moving truck. They may reserve your loading/unloading time with loading zone or elevators so as not to have two units moving at the same times.

Make arrangements for cleaning after you move including carpets, windows and drapery, fridge stove, etc. If you are renting it is your responsibility and could be claimed against your security deposit if not cleaned. Don't forget the TV receiver dish.

Do not transfer your land phone till after the move. You often may need it.

Do not have the electrical service discontinued till the end of the day. It's hard to move in the dark.

Take a reading of the electric/gas meter on the day you move and note it in your journal.

Make sure that the former landlord has your new address so that he/she can forward your deposit refund.

Section Three: Rooms and Areas of the House

Create a page and list of all the rooms and areas of your home; Kitchen, Dining, Living, Den, Bedroom 1, Bedroom 2, bedroom 3, En suite, Bath 1, Bath 2, Attic, Basement, Crawl Space, Closets, Garage, Garden Shed, Locker and any other storage areas.

Create a page for each room and area of your home.

Inventory all the items the movers will move. All the items you will personally move (jewelry, banking and credit info, passports and ID, money, coin collections, etc.). Do not let the movers or even your friends move these.

Make note of items that need special care. Glass table tops, mirrors, crystal ware, etc. If they are being moved overnight the movers may want to crate them for protection.

Now is a good time to get rid of items you don't need or haven't used in several years. Have a lawn sale or pack them and call a local non-profit for pick-up. Diabetes Association or Big Brothers etc.

Get rid of any hazardous materials and spill-ables that are awkward to move.

If you are doing the packing; Purchase a NCR receipt book. For each box packed, itemize the contents in the receipt book and place a copy in each box. Label the box, top and sides, and label each receipt accordingly.

Moving boxes are definitely best. Use smaller boxes that stack better and weigh less. They can also be folded down after use and be returned for refund or sold to another mover.

Mark any boxes that contain fragile items or extra care items, your crystal ware, glasses, lamps, etc. They can be placed on top rather than have boxes on top of them.

Mark heavier boxes with an ‘H’ for heavy, books, tools, etc. They can be loaded before the lighter boxes. Marking them makes for quicker moving.

Moving Day

If loading your own truck, check off each box and item as they are being loaded.

If you hired a mover, before the moving truck departs, ask to see the manifest and check your list against theirs.

Go over each room and area of the house, look in closets and cupboards to see if anything is left behind.

Before moving items into the new residence, Do an inspection and take note of any deficiencies that may be there. If renting, fill in a Move-in inspection report with your landlord before moving in any items. Make sure you receive a signed and dated copy.

Check off each item and box as it enters the residence and look for any box damage.

Transport Canada classifies the following items as dangerous or hazardous goods and cannot be transported by your mover.

Aerosol cans	Fertilizers with Ammonium Nitrate	Kerosene
Ammunition	Firearms	Lighter fluid
Batteries	Firecrackers	Loaded firearms
BBQ tanks	Flammable or corrosive chemicals	Matches
Bleach	Flares	Paints and paint thinner
Cleaning fluids	Food in glass jars	Perishable goods
Explosives	Gasoline	Pressurized tanks

Here's a highly recommended, handy resource Smart Moves From the Federal Government.