Moving Tips

MOVING HINTS
The secret to a successful move with minimum stress: organization. “Time costs money”. The better packed and prepared you are, the less your mover has to handle, the less expensive you moving bill will be. Ask us for a free “Helpful Moving Hints” brochure.
CHOOSE YOUR MOVER
As soon as you know your moving date, get cracking! Get 2 or 3 estimates from moving companies. Ask about insurance coverage, labour costs of packing and unpacking, transportation costs, and methods and time of payment. Book the mover, or a rental truck and your friends, well in advance of the moving day.
MOVE IT
It costs money to move everything. Take a careful look at everything you own and decide if you can live without some of these things. You could donate unwanted items to a registered charity, or have a garage sale.
BETTER THAN SPRING CLEANING
Want to re-cover, re-finish, or buy some furniture or appliances? Do it now! And get area rugs and curtains professionally cleaned as well. Have these things delivered to your new home, and save moving costs.
YOUR SPECIAL TREASURES
If you own things of special value – antique, art, fine china or crystal, for example – call your insurer and let them advise you on additional coverage for the move. Never leave valuables in any drawer, take them personally to your new home.
KIDS MOVE TOO!
Children want and need to get involved in the move. Let them pack and unpack their own treasures, help you decorate their new room, and take charge or any pets. If you are moving during the school year, take heart. Physcologists agree that children adapt more easily when they move during the school year. They are immediately thrust into the life of the new school , which enables them to make friends quickly.
THE NEW ADDRESS
Let everyone know well in advance of your move and what the new address will be. Remember to have all required records – medical, dental, school, etc., transferred. And don’t forget to notify any banks, credit cards, or clubs and organizations.
PACK WELL, UNPACK BETTER
Now the most difficult part of your move: packing. All kinds of challenges can crop up. How does one move plants, fish, or that special mirror, not to mention your crystal or china? One of the most important things to do for an orderly move is to number each box on all sides and top, using a marker. Create a master list for each box. This will make finding what you need much easier when unpacking, and will also provide an inventory check for your move.
MOVING DAY
If you are using a moving company, you must be there. With the driver, go through the house and make note of any existing damage. Check not only what’s being moved, but also the walls, woodwork, etc. As your furniture and boxes are loaded into the van, go through the house. Look for any forgotten items, and for any damage. Consult with the driver if any is found.
LAST STEP
Pack an overnight kit to take with you. This box will be invaluable to you at your destination if you include items such as toilet tissue, light bulbs, cleaning supplies, can opener, medication, hand soap, band-aids, toothpaspe and toothbrush.
MOVING IN
Be at your new home when the mover arrives. Before unloading starts, check the walls and woodwork with the driver and make a note of existing damage. Protect your floor with runners. Use the master list to make sure all boxes and furniture are unloaded. Once everything is inside, check for damage that may have been caused by the move. Make note of anything you find and alert the driver. When the hustle and bustle of the move is over, celebrate! You’re finally in you new home!