Moving from one house or office to another seems stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. If you take a planned approach towards moving, then the move should go off without a hitch. Nonetheless, we’ve decided to give you an easy to follow 10 Things To Do Before Moving.
1. Plan your packing attack
With packing, it’s important you have a plan. The most common approach is go room by room (start with least used room, ie. guest bedroom). Make sure to label all of your boxes so when you move into your new place you will know where to start unpacking. Also, make sure you have a plan for fragile items; put “FRAGILE” on the outside of the box so you and your movers take extra care when moving that particular box.
2. Get rid of the junk
Moving is the perfect time to cut your clutter. Make two piles while moving: (i) for everything you don’t want/need and wish to donate and (ii) for everything you want to get rid of. Use the 12-month-rule when deciding what goes where. Look at the item and ask yourself if it has been used in the last calendar year, if the answer is no then it’s time for it to go.
3. Consult three moving companies
It’s a shame, but the moving industry is full of untrustworthy companies. Make sure you contact at least three reputable moving companies for quotes on your move. Every company you contact should have good standing with the BBB and be a member of CAM. Doing a little research can go a long way with regards to your move.
4. Utilities
This is important for both your current place and new home that you have your utilities handled properly. Inform your hydro provider that you will be moving and make sure to contact your new provider so your place is properly heated when you arrive.
5. Meet the Neighbours
If you’re moving locally, head over to your new community and meet the neighbours. Your moving truck may need to take up a large amount of parking space on moving day so giving them a heads up will be much appreciated. Plus, your new neighbours will be able to introduce you to your new community and give you the heads up on good restaurants, grocery stores, etc.
6. Check the weather
Check the weather for moving day, if a snow storm is scheduled to hit, it may be smarter to push your move-out-date a few days. If you cannot move out, chances are no one can move in. Do this well in advance so you, your moving company and the people moving into your place are well prepared.
7. Change address
Well before moving, make sure to officially change your address. You should go to your local post office and have them forward all new mail to your new address for at least 6 months. You don’t want to miss any important mail!
8. Arrange travel for your family
If you’re moving locally, chances are your family can just take the car to your new house. However, if you’re moving long distance
9. Feel out your new community
Find out where the kids will be going to school (and register them), where the movies are, grocery stores, parks, etc. This will give you an idea of what to do when you get to your new place!
10. Review Your Final Agreement
Once you have picked a moving company make sure you completely understand your final agreement before you sign it. You don’t want to end up having to pay a bunch of hidden fees come moving day. This is one of the most important things to do before moving day. Just ask your mover to go over the full agreement with you, if you don’t understand an element, then get them to explain it in layman’s terms.
