Moving Checklist
4 to 6 weeks before moving out
Start preparing for your move by creating a new folder for all the paperwork related to your moveMake a decision on how are you going to move. Are you going to move by yourself or hire professional movers? Consider all options and choose the one that best suits your needs and financial and physical abilities
Get quotes from moving companies
Calculate and compare your moving cost
Decide your moving method (full moving, self-moving, truck rental, etc...)
Find out about your employer´s moving policy and see if they will cover your moving expenses.
Research on your new area/city
Schedule disconnection of utilities from your old place and connections to your new place
- Phone
- Internet
- Electric
- Cable TV
- Water
- Garbage
- Gas
Arrange moving for your vehicles, pets, plants and valuable objects
Search online for necessary service facilities near your new place (childcare, grocery stores, pharmacies, etc…)and make a note of them
If needed, search for temporary lodging (consider furnished vacation rentals)
Choose a moving company
Plan the décor of your new house using a sketch or floor planner
Get rid of unwanted items by holding a garage sale, selling online or donating. Use worn out towels and sheets for packing up valuables or while painting your new place.
Notify all important contacts about your move:
- Family
- Friends
- Employer
- Accountant
- Others
Schedule packing, pickup and delivery dates with your moving company
Acquire a copy of your personal records from doctors, dentists, lawyers, schools, accountants, etc…
If you haven´t found a new doctor yet, request a referral from your current doctor. After making the selection, arrange to have the medical records transferred. Note that most physicians require you to submit a signed letter before receiving records.
Buy packing materials if you will be packing yourself
Decide your travel method to your new home and arrange a transportation
- Boxes
- Tape
- Padding
- Markers
- Labels
Plan how you will be travelling to your new home, get directions and verify them.
2 to 4 weeks before moving out
Confirm packing, pickup and delivery schedule with your moverSend digital or hard copy moving notification post cards your relatives
Begin packing up items that will not be essential to you in the weeks approaching your move. Label boxes by room and contents
Make sure to separate valuable items to move yourself or arrange special moving-pack items in the order you will unpack and place them.
Transfer your bank or change your branch
If you have small children or pets, find someone to take care of them on the moving date
Make a list of all items in your house, take pictures of your major furniture, make notes of existing damages.
Inform your credit card and insurance companies about your move.
Arrange pet and plant transportation. Accrue veterinary records and licenses.
Make sure not to carry any explosive and flammable materials and drain out all gas and oil from power equipment.
If you will be traveling with your vehicle, take it to service.
Arrange some cash for unexpected expenses before and after your move.
Terminate all your local membership and accounts:
- Newsletter
- Housecleaning
- Sport center
- Water delivery
- Others
Change your address from the post office or online. If Canadian, go to: http://www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/personal/tools/ecoa/pcoa.jsf
Make sure all the legal procedures and paper work for your old place as well as your new place is completed
1 to 5 days before
Reserve parking spot for moving van and get city permission if neededIf there is an elevator in your building, reserve it for the moving day
Dissesemble all your furniture, mark the parts and be sure to keep all small parts in one place
Make sure to have all your paper work for moving and travel (declaration forms, visas etc…)
Schedule your moving day
Clean out the house as you are moving
Clean the freezer and fridge
Keep your tools handy for moving date
Put all the items you are moving into one clear area, as close to the door as possible.
Dispose of any other unwanted items you have come across. Products such as shampoo with a tiny drop left are not worth moving.
Pack and label all items you have needed up to this point, labeling by room and contents.
Moving out day
Show mover around and explain them all the boxes and furniture that they should and should not moveMake sure to leave the house proper for the other tenants
Check mover´s inventory before signing their bill of landing
Confirm your new address with your movers and give them directions if necessary
Check the house again to make sure to take everything needed
Leave your new contact information to new tenant or landlord so that he or she can forward your mail
Turn off all the power of and lock all the doors and windows
Moving in day
Make sure that all your utilities are workingInspect the new house, taking notes and pictures of any damages
Clean the house before movers arrive (if possible)
Show movers where to place items
Inspect each delivered item and take pictures, noting all damages and ensuring nothing is missing.
Unpack your boxes and place their contents in the proper place
Assemble your furniture, starting from your bedroom
1 to 20 days after moving in
If necessary, paint and repair your new placeCheck for damages after unpacking
If there has been any damages to your belongings, claim to the moving company
Verify the security of your new place
Change locks and make at least 2 copies of the key
Verify the smoke alarms
gather local emergency numbers
Confirm your mailing address is updated at all institutions and you are receiving your mails to your new address
Find new doctor, dentist, insurance, etc.
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