Making moving manageable
For most of us, moving ranks among our least preferable activities. There
are many other things we would rather be doing. However, the work and
effort involved in moving all your belongings to your new home is well
worth the effort. In fact, with some advance planning, you can make your
move more manageable.
It is never too early to start planning for a move. The more time
you spend organizing your belongings, the less stress and load you will
carry on that day, and for months to come. Moreover, as the weeks roll
by, and you get closer to moving day, the following checklist will go
a long way to reliving some of your anxiety.
8 to 12 weeks before
- If you are hiring a mover, call around for estimates. Hourly
rates vary. Also book your day as soon as you can. Spots fill up quickly.
- Check with your accountant regarding moving expenses. Depending upon
the type of move and location, costs may be tax deductible. If your
employer is covering your move, ensure you keep a record of the move.
- Now is a great time for a garage sale. Clear items from the basement,
attic, storage shed, etc. Conduct an inventory of your items. For items
you have not used in the past year, consider taking them to a local
charity. If you have many items to donate, many organizations have a
free pickup service.
- Seek out information about your new community. Investigate schools,
shopping facilities, medical facilities and other items you will
need.
- Gather your personal records: medical, dental, school reports, motor
vehicle insurance, banking documents, credit card statements, mortgage
documents, magazine subscriptions. Prepare and mail change of address
cards.
- Safely dispose hazardous and flammable products such as paints,
gas bottles, cleaning fluids and oils.
- Begin to use up items you will not be moving, like frozen foods,
cleaning supplies and gardening items.
- Contact trades people to make arrangements for any work that needs
to be done, such as repairs, removing light fixtures, house cleaning
services, dismantling waterbeds, dismantling of satellite equipment.
4 to 7 weeks before
- Consider the transportation of pets and plants. If necessary, consult
with a veterinarian to ensure your pet is safety and comfort.
- Contact utility companies at your old and new address. Keep your
phone and utilities connected at your current home throughout moving
day.
- Update your home, auto, renter’s, medical and life insurance
to reflect your move.
- If you are moving yourself, purchase boxes or begin collecting
them from friends and local businesses. Begin packing items you do not
use on a regular basis. When packing, be sure to mark the contents of
the box, and location. you will save much time unpacking and the
movers can easily carry the boxes to their appropriate locations.
- Confirm your moving date with your mover.
- Close accounts in your local bank and open accounts in your new branch.
2 to 3 weeks before
- Clean outdoor equipment and toys. Drain any fuel from your lawn mower
and other machinery and ensure that water is drained from hoses.
- Defrost fridge and freezer. To avoid mildew, ensure they are completely
dry before moving.
- Cancel deliveries and services such as newspapers, house maintenance,
milk, pool service, diaper service, etc., and have them redirected to
your new address.
- Withdraw contents of your safety deposit box, pick up any dry cleaning,
return library books and rented video tapes. Consider how you will
transfer your valuable belongings. It is better to keep them with
you during the move.
- Give away plants that are not being moved.
1 week before
- Prepare a survival kit. Keep this in your car, so you will have
all the personal items you need, like toothpaste, pajamas, change of
clothing, papers, etc, handy when you need them.
- Organize and keep the items you are taking separate from those
going in the moving van. This way they will not get loaded in the
van in error.
- Be sure to get plenty of rest the day before your move. Being alert
and well-rested helps to make the move less stressful.
- To keep your children safe and to ensure their comfort, you may
want to have them play at a friend’s house or attend a day care
center on moving day.
- Arrange to have trades arrive at your home to disconnect any appliances
that require professional removal.
Moving day
- Clean out the food from the fridge and freezer.
- Take a final look in rooms, drawers and closets to ensure nothing
has been left behind.
- Before leaving the property, ensure that all windows are secure and that water, gas and electricity supplies are shut off. Place keys and documents in the agreed location.
