Advanced Planning is the Key
8 Weeks Before
- Create a Moving File to keep track of all estimates, receipts and other important information.
- Make an inventory of your household goods – inside and out. Begin to remove clutter (start in the attic, basement & other storage areas). Decide what should be given to charity, thrown out or considered for a garage sale.
- Begin preparations for Garage Sale for week 3.
6 Weeks Before
- Have antiques, pieces of art, musical instruments and other belongings appraised.
- Begin using cleaning supplies that cannot be transported.
- Make a list of friends, relatives and businesses to notify of your move.
4 Weeks Before
- Check with your insurance company to confirm your possessions are covered during transit.
- Cancel home insurance. Make sure it is cancelled effective the day following the closing date.
- Cancel any contract services: alarm system, newspapers, magazines, snow removal, gardener…
- Notify Post Office to forward any mail to your new address as of…
- Arrange for disconnection (and connection at your new home) of utilities (hydro, gas, oil, telephone, cable TV, internet, insurance). Many companies require written notification well in advance. Check with the local service and your contracts.
- Purchase locks for your new home and arrange installation or have a Locksmith change the locks at your new home.
- Obtain moving estimates and book movers or do-it-yourself moving truck.
- Start collecting boxes, packing tape, bubble paper etc. or contact Movingboxes.ca
- Make travel reservations for the trip – airline, hotel, rental car – don’t forget arrangements for your pets.
- Gather personal and family records (legal, financial, birth certificates, passports, insurance, veterinary documents).
Keep this close at hand. Arrange transfer of legal, school, medical, dental, prescription and optical records. - Collect all items from cleaning, repair or storage, e.g., fur coats, dry cleaning, carpets, drapes…
- Start packing. Label boxes so they are placed in the correct room when you arrive at your new home!
3 Weeks Before
- Hold your Garage Sale Saturday morning – see Betty’s check list for Garage Sale tips.
- Return library books, etc.
- Collect items you have lent to friends and return everything you have borrowed.
- Dispose of flammables – paint, matches, pressure cans, cleaning fluids, etc. (check with Moving Company for details).
- Send out/e-mail the complimentary personalized Change of Address Cards to family, friends and business contacts.
- Assemble a file folder with information to leave for the new owner (manuals, special instructions, including alarm codes…)
- Order new cheques, so they are ready by moving day and transfer Safety Deposit Boxes.
- Cancel pre-authorized cheques. Transfer bank accounts (safe deposit box).
2 Weeks Before
- Book a service firm to prepare appliances for moving (if applicable).
- Arrange to have your meters read on the day you leave. You must provide your forwarding address for the final billing.
- Cancel any social, athletic, civic, religious or business affiliations and memberships.
- Change all billing addresses for credit cards and personal banking.
- Determine your mortgage payout figures. Inquire with your Bank as to what penalties, administration fees, discharge fees, etc. will be charged. Your lawyer will obtain figures of any outstanding amounts of your mortgage and arrange for payments of real estate commission fees (if you are a Seller), legal fees and disbursements from the sale proceeds.
- Make childcare arrangement for moving day – and don’t forget your pets.
- Register children in new school.
- Confirm with your moving company the date, time of arrival and method of payment.
1 Week Before
- Your lawyer will call to arrange a meeting (a couple of days before closing), to review your file and sign your final documents. At this time, you can give a set of keys for the property and a VOID cheque if you would like the sale proceeds automatically deposited in to your bank account. Note: this deposit may only be effective the following business day, depending on when your lawyer receives the funds. If a Seller and you want to pick up the sale proceeds personally, the lawyer’s office will call you when the cheque is available.
- Finish packing all suitcases and basic essentials for car.
- Drain water from garden hose and oil/fuel from power mower and other machinery.
- Dismantle large power tools, such as lathes, saws, etc.
- Plan for transporting pets.
- Let close friend/relative know your travel plans (including overnight stops). Use them as message HQ.
- Defrost and clean fridge and freezer at least 24 hours before moving day
- Be sure to contact your Realtor and Lawyer before moving day (your phone may be disconnected and they might need to reach you).
- Pack a box of items that you will need right away at your new home and label it “load last”. Place it in your car, so it is easy to find.
Day Before Moving
- Carry enough cash or travellers cheques to cover cost of moving expenses, services, until you make new banking connections.
- Vacuum and make arrangements for disposing of any remaining trash.
- Disconnect and prepare major appliances.
- Check every room, cabinet, closet and attic one last time before deciding everything is loaded.
Moving Day
- Carry jewellery, currency and important documents with you.
- Lock doors and windows and turn off lights.
- Leave extra keys in the house. If applicable, please ensure that all extra keys, garage door openers, security alarm codes, warranties, manuals and any other useful information is left in a convenient, visible location for the new owners.
- Leave a note for the new owners with your contact information, so they can forward any items left behind and any stray mail.
- Pick up keys from your Lawyer’s office.
At Your New Home
- Keep your Moving File on hand.
- Organize your things so that they end up in the right rooms.
- Check on service of telephone, electricity, water.
- Have appliances checked.
- Don’t forget to change the address on your Driver’s Licence & Health Card.
- Arrange for medical services: doctor, dentist, veterinarian, etc.
Try to Relax.