MOVING CHECKLIST

Moving can be a hectic and stressful time. Here are a few tips to help make your move a smooth transition. Check them off as you complete each task.

MORE THAN A MONTH BEFORE YOU MOVE

__ Start a moving expense book. Some expenses may be tax deductible (keep all receipts).
__ Get written estimates from at least two companies.
__ Be sure to ask about any hidden or extra charges and get a written commitment confirming the moving date and time of arrival.
__ Insurance is important! Check with the moving company on what they will cover regarding lost or damaged goods. Be sure to check with your own company for coverage during the move and to review your policy for your new home. Also if storage is necessary, does your insurance cover your possessions?
__ If you’re not using a moving company be sure to collect lots of sturdy boxes, paper, tape and markers. Marking the boxes clearly as you pack them will save you lots of time and energy as you move and unpack. Include the contents of the box as well as what room you would like it taken to at the new home.
__ Notify your provincial heath insurance of your new address.
__ Set up a file for all your important papers (you may need these for your lawyer, etc.)
__ Arrange for a changeover of all utilities, telephone, cable and water tank rental.
__ Union Gas 1-888-774-3111 __ Bell Canada 310-2355
__ Union Energy 1-888-718-6466 __ Rogers Cable TV 1-800-738-7892
__ St Thomas Energy 631-5550 __ Erie Thames Power 1-877-850-3128
__ London Hydro 661-5503 __ Strathroy PUC 245-2010
__ Notify the post office of your change of address. Make sure you get some free “change of address cards” to mail to all your companies, friends and relatives.


Also advise:
__ Bank (re: new cheques, transfer accounts, personal loans etc.)
__ Insurance companies: Home ____________ Car ____________ Life ____________
__ Credit card companies __ Employers
__ Doctors __ Dentist
__ Newspapers and magazines __ School records should be transferred.
__ Library __ Drivers License

TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE

__ Take a good look at what is really worth moving and what is not. Be ruthless! Hold a garage sale or donate things to Goodwill or the Canadian Diabetes Association.
__ Remind the kids to clean out their school locker. Anything at the dry cleaners?
__ Return all items you have borrowed and get back what you have loaned.
__ You should be able to have a lot of things packed, but remember to keep some essentials unpacked.

ONE WEEK BEFORE THE MOVE

__ Prepare a list of all the items you want to take with you personally. Including jewelry and items you would not entrust to the movers.
__ Dismantle and/or unfasten anything that requires it.
__ Confirm the booking (date and time) for the moving company.
__ Defrost and air dry the deep freezer.
__ Your Lawyer will be calling to setup an appointment for you to sign all necessary papers.

TWO DAYS BEFORE THE MOVE

__ Call Earl or Nancy at 633-5570 if you want to do a “Final Inspection” of your new home
__ Do your last laundry then disconnect and drain the washer.
__ Double check that all valuables have been accounted for.

ONE DAY BEFORE THE MOVE

__ Disconnect, defrost and air dry the refrigerator.
__ Lead packers around the house and make sure they understand all your instructions.
__ Gather all the keys for your house, garage and sheds and mark them well for the new owners. Leave them in a kitchen cupboard or somewhere where they will be easily found.
__ If you have a security system change the code to something simple like 1-2-3-4-5 that way you can use your old code at the new home.
__ Pack all items you want to take with you personally and mark them clearly not to be loaded on the truck.
__ If you are doing your own move, make sure everything is packed but the necessities. Don’t forget to keep your breakfast essentials for tomorrow morning.
__ Make sure all pets are looked after, this is a trying time for them as well.

MOVING OUT

__ Lay down plastic sheets to minimize dirt tracking in the house.
__ Lead packers through the house reiterating your instructions.
__ Do a final check for forgotten items.

MOVING IN

__ Get to the house before the movers, don’t forget to pick up some basics for snacks and lunch, it could be a long day.
__ Verify that the utilities and phone have been activated.
__ Lay down plastic to minimize dirt tracking in the house.
__ Note any damage. You won’t be able to check everything so when asked to sign off for the movers also write “subject to any hidden loss or damage.”
__ First priorities will be beds and a basic kitchen.
__ Order out for dinner you deserve it!

 

COURTESY OF: EARL & NANCY TAYLOR
Phone: 633-5570
Coldwell Banker at Success Realty
www.RealEstateinStThomas.com

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