Moving Hints

The secret to a successful move, with minimum stress, requires organization and taking things one step at a time. "TIME COSTS MONEY”. The less the mover has to handle, the better packed and prepared you are, the less expensive your moving bill will be.

Step 1

As soon as you know your moving date, get cracking! Arrange for your mover or truck rental and friends. Get two or three estimates from moving companies well in advance of your move. Check with your moving company concerning insurance coverage, labour costs of packing and unpacking, transportation costs, method and time of payment. Reserve a moving date and time.

Step 2

Decide what you want to take with you and what you can live without. Dispose of unnecessary items now. Keep in mind it costs money to move each item. Having a garage sale can make real dollars and sense.

Step 3

Roll up loose carpets and send them to be cleaned, then delivered to your new home. Do the same with curtains if they fit into your new home. Recovering chairs, sofas or refinishing furniture? Send them out now, have them delivered to your new home and save the cost of moving.

Step 4

Now that you have the basics cleared away, take another look around your home. If there is anything of special value you are worried about moving, call your insurer and let them advise you on additional coverage.

Step 5

If you have children, you have the bonus of additional help. Whatever their age, get them involved with the move. This is a busy time for you, keep them busy too. They can help in their own rooms, advise on the decorating of their new room, pack their special toys, take charge of the pets. Older children can help with packing. If you are moving during the school year, take heart. Psychologists agree that children adapt more easily when they move during the school year. They are immediately thrust into the life of the new school, which enables them to meet new friends and new neighbours quickly.

Step 6

Before you get into the nitty gritty of your move, go through your address book and notify all pertinent people of your new address, i.e. friends, doctors, lawyers, etc. Have any records transferred that need to be, i.e. school, telephone, hydro, credit cards, medical, dental, etc.

Step 7

Now you come to the most difficult part of your move...the packing. All kinds of challenges can crop up. How does one move plants, fish or that special mirror, not to mention your crystal and china. Perhaps the most important thing to do for an orderly move is to number each box and to write the number on at least three sides and the top of each box with a marker pen. Make a master list, with box numbers and a detailed list for each box. This master list can eliminate the panic of trying to find whatever you may need at the spur of the moment and also provide an inventory check for your move.

Step 8

The last box to go should be your overnight kit, take the kit with you. You will find it invaluable if you include items such as light bulbs, toilet tissue, pajamas, toothbrushes, medication, can opener, rags and whatever additional clothing you require. You may consider including fresh sheets, pillows and blankets, so you can spend the first night in your new home in comfort. Never leave valuables in your drawers. Take them personally to your new home or make arrangements for a secure transfer to your new location.

Step 9

When you arrive at your new home, make sure you are there when the movers arrive. Again, check the walls and woodwork with the driver and make a note of existing damage. If you have wall to wall broadloom, make provisions for runners to be laid before the move. As the van is unloaded, refer to your check list, making sure all your boxes and furniture are unloaded. After the move, check your home for damage, which may have been caused by the move. Make note of any damage, be it to walls, or furniture, etc. and alert the driver. When the hustle and bustle of the move is over, Celebrate! The weeks of turmoil are over and you’re finally in your new home! Get a good night’s sleep and start your unpacking fresh, the next day.

 

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