Moving Checklist

·         Get quotations from moving companies.

·         Give away, sell, discard any unnecessary belongings.

·         Advise Post Office and complete change of address cards.

·         Obtain school records for new transfer.

·         Check and clear any outstanding realty taxes on your present property.

·         Transfer or arrange insurance coverage for your new home.

·         Dispose of Flammable items.

·         Arrange for shutting off of all utilities and the connection of utilities at your new home.

·         Telephone cancellation or transfer for the last possible moment of the day.

·         Organize any work to be completed at your new home.

·         Have appraisals for any valuable items in case of an insurance claim from the moving company. Pictures are of great benefit here.

·         Discontinue any services such as cleaning services, pool maintenance, window cleaners, snow removers, landscapers etc.

·         Ensure adequate insurance for household goods is still in place while goods are in transit or storage.

·         Notify financial organizations, insurance companies, medical practitioners, credit card companies, etc. of your move.

Storing and Packing

Do's...

·         Use packing paper, pads for inventory, markers.

·         Heavy twine, masking tape, boxes and containers for packing.

·         Empty gas tanks from lawn mowers, outboard motors etc.

·         Remove all batteries from appliances and toys.

·         Mark contents of all boxes clearly specifying which room they are to be placed in.

·         Set aside articles you wish to carry in the car in a carton(s) marked "Do Not Load"

·         Make sure you keep a telephone book with you.

·         Tie or tape brooms and mops together and bundle curtain rods.

·         Make sure all fragile items are indicated.

·         Carry all jewellery, valuable papers and currency with you.

·         Ensure tops are secure for all liquids.

·         All phonograph records should be packed upright on their edges, not flat.

·         Pack all books on edge in small boxes.

·         Crate glass table tops, large mirrors and valuable artwork.

·         Limit carton weight to about 60 pounds.

·         Tie or tape all boxes securely.

·         Lamp shades should be placed in boxes by themselves.

·         Small appliances packed in bottom of boxes.

·         Heavy china with extra padding at the bottom of the box.

·         Flat pieces should be placed on edge.

·         Small items can be packed in a smaller box inside a larger box.

·         Dismantle large power tools before moving.

·         Remove fixtures fastened to the wall.

·         Clothes and drapes should be placed in the wardrobes supplied by the movers.

Don'ts...

·         Avoid overloading drawers when packing items in dressers

·         Try not to use newspapers as the ink will rub off

·         Do not leave shelves loose in stoves or refrigerators

·         Do not roll mattresses or rugs. The movers have special cartons

On Moving Day

·         If possible have friends or relatives take care of small children and pets.

·         Check each carton for loss or damage.

·         Prepare a list of damaged or lost articles.

·         Make sure movers are paid. They usually want cash or certified cheque.

·         Check supply of heating fuel if oil.

·         Get all meters read and utilities turned on.

·         Make arrangements to have appliances hooked up.

·         Setup bedrooms and kitchen first.

·         Have a tool kit handy.