preparing to move
there are lots of little details when packing and preparing for the 'big day'. these checklists cover most of the basics when it comes time to prep for your move.
before you move
Get estimates, including in-transit insurance, from moving companies and arrange methods of payment. Be mindful of booking deadlines, as many moving companies may be booking well in advance and may not be available on your preferred move date if you wait too long.
Arrange to have your mail forwarded to your new address and contact any utility companies/ businesses/financial institutions that you still receive paper statements from, acquaintances, subscriptions, credit card companies, etc., and notify them of your address change.
Arrange for insurance coverage on your new home, well before the date set for closing.
Change the address on your Driver’s License/Registration and on record for your Health Card effective for the day of the move.
Arrange for the transfer of school, dental, medical, optical, or prescription records, if applicable.
Arrange for connection of utilities at your new home and disconnection of utilities at your current home.
Arrange for the installation/hook-up of appliances, installation of phone/cable/internet services, etc, at your new home.
Arrange for transportation of pets, perishables, plants, and valuables.
Collect all items from cleaning, repair shops, or storage.
Arrange for storage of excess items that may not fit into your new home (IE: seasonal decor, snow tires, excess furniture, etc).
Repair/fill/paint damage to walls from pictures, window coverings, shelving, etc. and arrange for your current home to be cleaned in consideration of its new owners.
when you pack
Sell, donate, or discard unnecessary belongings.
Arrange for pick-up or removal of large garbage items.
Return all borrowed items and collect any belongings you may have loaned to friends/family/acquaintances.
Get packing paper, markers, boxes or containers, and packing tape. Avoid the use of newspaper as it tends to rub off making for unnecessary clean-up.
Empty gas from lawnmowers, leaf blowers, snowblowers, etc.,
Properly dispose of old paints cans and other environmentally sensitive materials at the proper disposal facilities.
Number and mark boxes/cartons stating contents and desired location. IE: winter coats/basement/storage
Set aside delicate or perishable items that you will transport in your vehicle.
Clearly mark the boxes/cartons you want loaded last so that they will be unloaded first.
Point out and mark FRAGILE and delicate items.
Transport valuables, jewellery, passports/ID cards, sensitive documents, money, etc. in your own vehicle.
Do not overload drawers with packing items in dressers.
Pack liquids in bottles in an upright position to avoid leakage and spilling.
Crate large mirrors, glass table tops, artwork, televisions, and computer monitors.
Pack cleaning supplies separately.