Moving Checklist:

Four To Six Weeks Before Your Move

• Clean out your closets, attic, basement, cupboards, toy chests and bookshelves. Discard anything you don’t want or need.
• Consider having a tag or garage sale.
• Donate unwanted items to charitable organizations
• Arrange to collect any advance deposits or security deposits on utilities or rentals.
• Evaluate whether to ship your appliances. Consider age,size and color. If your stove, refrigerator,washer or dryer won’t match or fit in your new home, consider selling them.
• Make a complete inventory of items to be moved.
• Decide if you will move all your plants or just your favorites
• Use up your frozen foods. They CANNOT be safely shipped. It is also advisable to reduce your supply of canned goods.
• Notify the security company, lawn or snow-removal services or any other regular services of your vacating date.
• Notify your post office, publications, and correspondents of your change of address and date of move.
• Check your savings and checking accounts. Plan for transfer of
• deposits so you won’t lose interest. Your bank/Credit Union can be used as a credit reference.
• Check your homeowners insurance.Be sure to contact new insurance company in your new province/City.
• Check on club membership fees. The money may be refunded or, if allowed, you might consider transferring/selling the membership to a friend.
• Check with your veterinarian regarding any travel preparation needed for your pets.
• Register children for school; transfer all necessary school records.
• Plan shipment date to occur after closing on your new home.

At Least Two Weeks Before The Move

One Week Before The Move

• Keep a detailed record and receipts of your moving expenses
• for income-tax purposes. This includes transportation, lodging,
• meals, etc.
• Drain gas and oil from lawn mowers, chain saws, snow
• blowers, etc. Gas grills and kerosene heaters must be empty.
• Cars and motorcycles should have only 1/4 tank of gas.
• Remove snow and ice from sidewalks, driveways and steps.
• Check to make sure you didn’t leave anything at the dry cleaner.
• Put linens and pillows in dresser drawers to have handy for
• making up your beds the first night in your new home.
• Place draperies lengthwise on hangers and hang in a closet.
• The movers will place them in wardrobe cartons.
• Prepare a “ready box” for last-on and first-off the van. This might include essentials from your kitchen and bathroom. You may wish to include a hammer, pliers, screwdrivers and nails.
• Prepare a “ready box” with necessary medications and first-aid supplies.
• Prepare your children for the move and trip by providing them with a “ready box” with their own special treasures. Include toys and games and snacks for your trip.
• Defrost and clean your refrigerator and freezer at least 24 hours in
• advance of the move.
• Keep your telephone connected through your moving day.

Day Before The Move

• The packing crew usually arrives the day before the van is loaded. Be sure someone is on site to supervise the packing.
• Pack all Valuables you want to take with you.
• Make sure fragile items receive special attention. Label each carton with the contents and location in the new home.
• Gather keys to the house and arrange to leave them with the new owners, your real estate sales representative, landlord or a trusted neighbor.
• Notify police if your home will be unoccupied after you leave.
• Notify a close friend or relative of your itinerary in case of emergency.

Day Of Move-Out

• Check the mover’s inventory to be sure you agree with the mover’s judgment on the condition of your household goods. Take photographs if there is a dispute.
• Make sure you get a copy of the inventory.
• Load items you are taking with you on the trip, including luggage.
• Search every room before the van leaves.
• Check the Bill of Lading for completeness before you sign it. Retain a copy for your records.
• Record the van driver’s name and give him contact numbers at the destination. Confirm directions to the new residence with your driver.
• Turn off the water heater. Set the thermostat at 15 degrees.

Day Of Move In

• Get to your new home before the movers. There could be a waiting charge if you are late.
• Contact utility companies to verify start dates.
• Check appliances, furnace and hot-water heater. Contact a repair service if something is not working.
• Check the condition of each carton and household item as it is unloaded. List all missing or damaged items on the inventory form.
• Since you will probably do some unpacking after the movers leave, make a note on the inventory form “subject to inspection for loss or concealed damage.”
• Ask Canada Post carrier if they are holding any mail for your arrival.

After You’re Settled

• Obtain necessary licenses: driver’s, dog, etc.
• Register car at new address (Most Provinces have 90 days grace period).
• Contact newspapers, dairy, etc. for home delivery.
• Register to vote.

NOTES:

Copyright 2006, Canadian Relocation Systems

http://relocatecanada.com

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