When buying a new home moving can be a very exciting but it can also be very stressful as there are so many things to remember to do! Don’t despair, whether you are doing it on your own, asking friends for some help, or hiring professionals, here is a quick guide to help you get through it.

Start early, if you don’t already have a moving company in mind, do some research or ask Kari who she recommends. They can come in and do an estimate first and, if you are happy with their estimate, you should book them soon.

Weekends and holiday weekends tend to be the busiest so if you are able to do it during the week you may even get a discounted rate!
1 MONTH BEFORE
  • Eliminate items you no longer use/want-have a garage sale or make donations to local charitable organizations, why pay to move it when you don’t need or want it?
  • Start getting boxes, tape, bubble wrap, etc. anything you will need to pack up and make notes of what may need special attention
  • Keep track of who is sending you mail on a monthly basis and change your address with them directly
  • Obtain medical and dental records if moving out of the area
  • Arrange for your children’s school records to be transferred to their new school
  • Make travel plans and reservations
  • Use up food supplies
  • Dispose of hazardous goods
2-4 WEEKS BEFORE
  • Start packing and begin with items in your home you do NOT use on a regular basis
  • Be sure to clearly label or number your boxes to make unpacking easier and to find items
  • As you pack, make notes of items of significant value (lcd/plasma tvs, stereos, computers, etc.) as you may need to declare items of value if they are lost or damaged during the move
  • Go online and change your address with your post office
  • If you haven’t already, don’t forget to contact the following places to notify of change of address; banks, cable/phone providers, insurance companies, utility companies, credit card companies, doctor/dentist offices, investment companies, etc.
1 WEEK BEFORE
  • Confirm your reservations with your movers or truck company if you haven’t already done so
  • If required, cancel or transfer your newspaper delivery service
  • Finish all of your packing
  • Have your car serviced if driving a long distance
  • Close charge accounts
  • Arrange shipment of pets if necessary
  • Arrange utility service disconnects (disconnect after moving day and connect prior to or on delivery day)
A FEW DAYS BEFORE
  • Reconfirm arrival time of your movers and make sure they know exactly where they are going and have your mobile number just in case
  • Start dismantling furniture if you are moving yourself
  • Pack a travel bag with items you may need on moving day such as toothbrushes, clothes, medications, toiletries, etc.
  • Set aside items to take in the car including jewelry and passports
MOVING DAY
  • Make a note of all utility metre readings (both at the old home and the new home)
  • Be there when the truck is being loaded and unloaded just in case your movers have questions
  • Before the movers leave, check your belongings and make a note on their paperwork and yours if there are any damaged item