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Tips
and Advice from Professional Movers
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Print Version
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- Four to Six
Weeks before the Move
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Clean out your closets, cupboards, toy
chests, shelves, attic, garage and basement.
It is a good idea to discard anything you do
not want or need. A rule of thumb is if you
did not use something in the last year or
two, chances are you do not really need it.
Consider having a garage sale, gift unwanted
items to friends and neighbors or donate
them to charities. You may be able to
collect a tax receipt on the value of your
donation.
Arrange to collect any advance or security
deposits on utilities or rentals. These
could be a nice addition to your tight
relocation budget.
Evaluate whether to ship your appliances and
old furniture. Consider how old they are and
how well they will fit into your new decor.
Make sure you do not bring a gas stove into
an electric home. Also, if your
refrigerator, washer or dryer will not fit
in your new home, consider leaving them
behind.
Make a complete list of items to be moved.
Decide which plants will come with you and
which will stay behind.
Use up your food. Frozen foods can not be
shipped safely. It is likewise unnecessary
to carry a heavy load of canned or packaged
foods with you.
Notify the security company and all other
regular service providers such as lawn or
snow removal companies of your moving date.
Notify your post office, subscription
publications, and other correspondents of
your moving date and provide them with your
new address.
Check your homeowner's insurance and make
arrangements to renew your policy. You
should contact an insurance company at your
destination.
Check the status of your club memberships.
The money you paid in advance may be
refunded or you might consider transferring
the membership to a friend.
Consult your veterinarian regarding your
pet's travel needs and make the necessary
preparations
Collect the items you lent to your friends
such as books and CDs and give back all the
items you borrowed. Do not forget to return
library books and video rentals.
Research schools in your new neighborhood
and register your children. Make
arrangements to transfer all necessary
school records.
Check your checking and savings accounts.
Plan for transfer of deposits so you will
not lose interest. If needed, your bank or
Credit Union can be used as a credit
reference.
Plan your moving date and take into
consideration your travel plans and the
closing date of your new home.
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- Two to Three
Weeks before the Move
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Verify the date of your departure and
contact the telephone, electric, gas and
water companies to confirm the date to
discontinue services. Notify your realtor or
landlord. Make arrangements with utility
companies at your new location to start
services on the date of your arrival.
Absence of vital utility service is very
uncomfortable and often leads to unnecessary
expenses for temporary accommodations and
meals.
Discontinue newspaper delivery, sanitation
and any other regular services.
Make sure to check fitness club, school or
gymnasium lockers for stored belongings.
Ask your friends or your current doctors for
referrals in the new location. Transfer
medical records and get all necessary
prescriptions. If any family members have
ongoing medical or dental treatment
programs, arrange for prorated payments with
professionals in your new area.
Check the contents of your safety-deposit
box. It is advisable to carry all valuables
(such as jewelry, insurance policies, legal
documents and important collections) with
you or send them by insured or certified
mail.
DO NOT SHIP combustible or flammable items
such as oil-base paint, bleach, cleaning and
lighting fluids, matches, ammunition and
aerosol cans, including hair sprays, shaving
creams, deodorants and household cleaners.
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- One Week before
the Move
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Keep detailed records and receipts of all
your moving expenses. In Canada, depending
on your situation, Canada Revenue Agency
allows you to claim these expenses on your
income tax as long as you are moving farther
than 40km.
Drain gas and oil from lawn mowers, chain
saws, snow blowers, gas grills and kerosene
heaters. If you are shipping cars and
motorcycles they should have only a quarter
of a tank of gas.
Prepare a "safety box" for last on and first
off the van. Include all essentials from
your kitchen and bathroom as well as
medications and first-aid supplies. Also,
include a set of tools with a hammer,
pliers, screwdrivers, nails and screws.
Prepare your children for the move by
encouraging them to prepare their own
special treasure box with toys, games and
snacks for the trip.
Defrost and clean your fridge and freezer at
least a day before the move.
Remove snow and ice from sidewalks,
driveways and steps.
Put linens and pillows in dresser drawers to
have handy for making up your beds the first
night. Place draperies lengthwise on hangers
and hang in a closet, the movers will place
them in wardrobe cartons.
Keep your telephone connected throughout
your moving day.
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- Day before the
Move
If you ordered a packing crew, it will
usually arrive the day before loading. Make
sure to stay at home and supervise the
packing. Pack all valuables you want to take
with you by yourself.
Make sure fragile items receive special
attention. Label each box with the contents
and location in the new home.
Collect all house keys and arrange to leave
them with the new owners, your real estate
agent or landlord. You may want to notify
the police if your home will be unoccupied
for some time.
Notify a close friend or relative of your
itinerary in case of an emergency.
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- Day of the Move
Compare the mover's inventory with your
records and make sure you agree on the
condition of your household goods. You may
want to take photographs incase a dispute
arises. Make sure you get a copy of the
inventory list.
Give a last minute check to every room and
closet before the van leaves. Make sure the
water, furnace and air conditioner are shut
off, windows are shut and locked, and the
lights are switched off.
Check the Bill of Lading for accuracy and
completeness before you sign it. Keep a copy
for your records.
Make sure you have the van driver's name and
contact information, and give him contact
numbers at the destination.
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Confirm directions to your new home with
your driver.
Turn off the water heater. Set the
thermostat at 15 degrees.
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- Moving in Day
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Be at your new home before the movers. You
may be charged for waiting if you are late.
Contact utility companies to verify service
start dates.
Check the appliances, furnace and hot-water
heater. Contact a repair service if
something is not working.
Place a floor plan of your new home by the
entrance, so the movers know where to place
each piece of furniture.
Check the condition of each box or household
item as it is unloaded. Make a list of all
missing or damaged items on the mover's copy
of the inventory form. Since you will do
most of the unpacking after the movers
leave, it is a good idea to make a "subject
to inspection for loss or concealed damage"
note on the inventory form. By signing the
inventory sheet, you are acknowledging
receipt of all items listed. Personally
report any loss or damage to your
salesperson or move coordinator.
To prevent possible damage, television sets,
other electronic equipment and major
appliances should not be used before they
have a chance to adjust to room temperature.
Call Canada Post to find out if they are
holding any mail for you and ask the
services to start.
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- After You
Settled
Obtain necessary IDs such as driver's
license, health card, etc.
Register your car at the new address. Most
provinces allow 90 days grace period.
Contact newspapers and other services for
home delivery.
Walk in your neighborhood to get a good idea
what is around and where to find things.
Check opening and closing hours of stores
and service facilities.
Make friends with your neighbors.
Consult an attorney about any local laws
that might be different from your previous
residence. These will affect your family as
soon as your new residence is established.
Register to vote.
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- HomeLife Benchmark
Realty (WR)
- #1 - 1920
152nd Street,
- White
Rock, BC V4A 4N6
- Ph:
604-531-1111
- Fax:
604-531-8114
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