Helpful Moving Tips and Information

Moving can be stressful at the best of times. Here's a quick little checklist to help you along with the process:
 
Two months prior to Moving Day

  * If you will use a mover, get a few estimates from moving companies.

  * If you will move yourself, get costs from at least two truck rental companies. Depending on the time of year, truck availability can vary so don't wait until the last minute.

  * Create a floor plan of your new home for furniture and appliance placement so you can direct friends, family or movers exactly where you want everything to go.

  * Make an inventory of your household goods and begin to remove clutter (start with the basement, attic, garage, and other storage areas). It's easier to get rid of stuff now then having to move it!

  * Start a file for all your moving paperwork (estimates, receipts, etc.).

  * Arrange to transfer school records if you are moving to a new district.

  * Choose a mover (or truck rental company).

Six weeks prior to Moving Day

  * Obtain and fill out post office change-of-address cards.
  * Subscribe to the paper in your new hometown to learn more about your new community Make arrangements for storage if necessary.
  * Locate a new doctor and dentist, and obtain all medical records for transfer.
  * Have antiques, pieces of art, and other valuables appraised incase of damage.
  * Clean all closets and drawers.
  * Start using foods and cleaning supplies that cannot be moved.

Four weeks prior to Moving Day

  * Schedule disconnection of all utility services at your old home, and connection of them at your new one. Be sure to disconnect the day after you leave and connect the day before you arrive. If you have "last month" deposits with services, such as the telephone company, request your refund.

  * If you are moving yourself, reserve a rental truck.

  * If you are packing yourself, obtain packing materials and start packing items you won't need until after you arrive at your new house.

  * Arrange for cleaning and repair of furniture, drapes, and carpeting. Nice to do this before moving into your new home.

  * Arrange for special transportation of your pets and plants if necessary. Someone to look after the children during the move would not be a bad idea either.

  * Check with your insurance company to see how your possessions are covered during transit.

  * Make any travel plans necessary for your move.

  * Plan your moving sale. Remember to check with local authorities about restrictions.

  * Collect your important records -- Gather personal and family records, including medical and dental, veterinary and school records; legal and financial documents; birth certificates, passports and insurance documents. Keep these in a special place where you know exactly where they are and will not get put into a moving box lost forever!

Three weeks prior to Moving Day

  * Properly dispose of items that cannot be moved, such as flammable liquids.

  * Prepare auto registration for transfer (if moving from another Province or Country).

  * If you are moving out of an apartment, arrange for use of the elevator.

  * Confirm child-care arrangements for moving day.

  * Hold your moving sale.

Two weeks prior to Moving Day

  * Arrange for disposal of anything not sold at your moving sale.

  * Service your car in preparation for the move.

  * Return any borrowed items (including library books) and retrieve any loaned items.

  * Cancel newspaper delivery.

  * Notify any creditors (loans, credit cards companies) of your move.

  * Transfer prescriptions and be sure you have an adequate supply of medications on hand.

  * Assemble a file folder of information to leave for the new owner of your home.

  * Change your address - One week before your move, send change-of-address cards to everyone who will need to contact you. Forms available at the Post Office.

  * Pick up laundry / drycleaning -- Laundry tickets are easy to misplace, so ask for your things by name and not just by the receipts you have.

  * Pack a travel kit: Put aside critical items like a checkbook, credit cards, personal phone book, ID, flashlight, keys, toiletries, tools, paper plates, cups, towels, travel alarm clock, aspirin, bandages and games for the kids. Also, pack a suitcase with clothing and other personal items.

One day prior to Moving Day 

  * Transfer your bank accounts.

  * Close and empty your safe-deposit box.

  * Settle any bills with local businesses.

  * Drain power equipment of oil and gas. Drain water hoses.

  * Find new homes for plants that will not be moved.

  * Confirm any travel reservations.

  * Defrost refrigerator and freezer, propping doors open.

  * Let movers pack your belongings (unless it's a do-it-yourself move).

  * Disconnect and prepare major appliances for move.

  * Set aside anything that will travel in your car so it will not be loaded on the truck.

  * Pack a box of items that will be needed first at the new house. Clearly mark this box "Load Last."

  * Obtain cash or checks for the trip and to pay the movers.

  * Confirm arrival time of your moving van/truck.

  * If moving yourself, dismantle beds and other large furniture.

Moving Day

  * If using a mover, be sure someone is at the old house to answer questions.

  * Note all utility meter readings.

  * Read your bill of lading and inventory carefully from the movers before signing. Keep this paperwork in a safe place.

  * Delivery Day - Again, be on hand to answer any questions.

  * Check your belongings carefully and note on the inventory paperwork any damaged items.

  * Supervise unloading and unpacking.

  * Be prepared to pay your mover with cash, certified check, or traveler's checks unless other arrangements have been made in advance.

NEW Model to view on Acker St., in Guelph's East End. Come check out the benefits of a brand new home for yourself.

Model Home 519-831-9288 or email: sales@biltmorehomes.on.ca 

Location: 4 Acker St., Guelph, Ontario
(Watson Road and Eastview Road Area)

 

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Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m.