Your Moving Checklist

We have put together a helpful moving checklist for up to a month before your big move! There are plenty of steps you can take leading up to your move to make it as smooth as possible. There are also a lot of things that go into a move that you might not think about. Even if you have moved before, this checklist will help keep you on track for a successful move!

 

One Month or more Before the Move: __________________

 

• Arrange for the transportation of your goods.  If you are hiring professional movers, obtain estimates from at least two moving companies.  Do a quick check with the Better Business Bureau to ensure they are a reputable company.  If you will be renting a van to move your goods yourself, don’t forget to ask the company if the rental is “guaranteed”, or “subject to availability”.  You don’t want to go to pick up the van on moving day and find out there isn’t one there for you!

 

•  Keep track of all moving expenses.  Keep your receipts as some items and expenses are tax deductible. We have enclosed a Moving Budget Form for your convenience, but for more information on tax deductibles, visit Canada Revenue Agency’s website at: www.cra-arc.gc.ca

 

•  Clean out your closets, storage areas, garage and basement.  Have a garage sale or donate your items to charity.  A good rule of thumb when cleaning out your closets is, “If you haven’t used it in 9-12 months, it’s not worth the space.”

 

•  It may be a good idea to start packing items that you don’t use every day (like holiday decorations, seasonal clothing etc.).  For packing tips, see page 6.

 

• Start using up your food.  Try to only purchase whatever food is necessary, especially canned goods (they’re heavy!) and frozen food.

 

• If you rent your current home, see if you can obtain a checklist from your landlord of what is expected of you for your move-out.  Review this list and start working on what you can to eliminate surprises.

 

• You will require the assistance of a legal professional to handle your real estate transactions.  When you choose a lawyer, ensure they are experienced in Real Estate Law.  Once you have selected a legal representative, our office will need to know the name of the lawyer that you have chosen as soon as possible.

 

 Have the following supplies on hand:

• Cleaning supplies, paper towel and sponges
• Trash bags
• Hammer
• Putty and putty knife
• Napkins, paper plates and plastic utensils
• Light bulbs
• Packing tape
• Boxes
• Packing paper, old newspapers or bubble wrap
• Markers
• First-aid kit

 

 

Two Weeks Before the Move: __________________

 

• Have your mail redirected to your new address.  You can do this at the post office or online at www.canadapost.ca   Don’t forget to notify your friends and family of your new location.

 

• If you have pets and will have a few days “in limbo” between homes, make sure to make suitable arrangements for your pets if you are unable to bring them with you during transition.

 

• If you live in, or are moving into a building that has an elevator, call to reserve it for your moving day.

 

• Order cheques with your new address.

 

•      Confirm move with movers or moving van rental.  Ask them to confirm the address, arrival time and how many hours you have reserved.

 

• Whether you are currently renting, or you own your current home, you should arrange to have your carpets cleaned.  If you have pets, it’s a good idea and courteous to have your vents cleaned as well.  To save time and stress, you could also arrange to have your house cleaned rather than doing it yourself.

 

• Obtain the garbage and recycling schedule for your new neighbourhood from the city.

 

• Create a lay-out of your new home to illustrate how furniture will be placed.

 

• If necessary, start puttying nail holes in the walls.  Carry the putty with you when you take down pictures so you can fill the holes at the same time. If you dab a small amount and wipe the excess with a Q-tip it will be barely visible.

 

• Do a final walk-through of your property to verify that any agreed upon repairs have been completed.

 

Arrange for transfer/disconnection of:

• Gas/oil
• Cable/satellite
• Telephone
• Internet
• Security
• Water
• Hydro
• Newspaper, magazine subscriptions and other home deliveries

*Note: Do not have hydro and water disconnected before closing day.

 

Notify the following of your move:

• Your financial institutions and credit card companies
• Automobile and life insurance companies
• Trades people (gardener, house keeper, pool maintainer etc)
• Medical services and professionals (doctors, dentists, healthcare)
• Veterinarian, city (for dog license)
• Schools and daycares
• Motor Vehicles Branch
• Your employer or social/pension/employment assistance provider
• Canada Revenue Agency
• Frequent flyer plans
• Memberships to church, fitness facilities, and community groups
• Professional associations

 

Lawyer / Notary Appointment: ____________________

(Date)

Buyer’s Only – Obtain a bank draft payable to the Lawyer or Notary for closing.  You should already have been given the amount required by them.

Don’t forget to bring photo identification to closing.  This is required to have documents notarized.

 

Still looking for that perfect home?

Click here for a list of all of our available properties!

or give us a call at 250-751-HOME (4663)