Keeping in mind that you will be run off your feet as the move gets closer, we thought you might appreciate a few tips on organization from people who have seen virtually all of the things that can possibly go wrong.

More than a month before the move

1. Start a moving expense book. Some of your expenses may be tax deductible, so be sure to save your receipts.
2. Get written estimates from at least two moving companies and make sure the movers know all the items which are to be included. Do not include jewellery or other small valuables.
3. Don’t be misled by rates-inquire about additional charges and methods used to compute time.
4. If furniture is to be stored, what does the insurance policy cover?
5. Hire a mover
6. Assure you have adequate insurance for goods in transit.
7. Get a written commitment from the moving company confirming the date of the move and the time of arrival.
8. Get moving company appraisals of items for future claims.
9. Ask for references from the movers.
10. Contact provincial heath insurance authorities for the province you are moving out of, and the one that you are moving into. If it’s is within the same province, notify them of your change of address.
11. Order cheques with the new address.
12. Register your change of address with the post office & obtain a supply of change of address cards.
13. Begin mailing change of address cards. Keep a list of cards sent, don’t forget to notify all credit card companies.
14. Gather together all important documents. Don’t forget your pet’s documents.
15. Resign from any clubs or organizations that are not active in your new community.
16. Cancel newspaper subscriptions or change delivery address.
17. Collect and send out all items to be cleaned or repaired before the move.
18. Cancel cleaning service, pool maintenance, window cleaners, snow removal, etc.
19. Get school records for transfer to new school.
20. Take a good look at what is worth taking and what is not. Be ruthless!
21. Have a garage sale. Get rid of all the junk you don’t need to take.
22. Go to canadian tire and buy a small plastic tool box. Fill your tool box with a utility knife, scissors, tape measure, and one of every screwdriver. You will love this tool box it will keep your basic tool requirements handy and organized. Trust me, you ll need it.

Packing and storage

1. It s never too early to start packing.
2. Get packing paper, pad for inventory, and marking pens. Large inexpensive plastic painters drop sheet will protect your floors/carpets.
3. Boxes or containers for packing, heavy twine or masking tape. Purchase sturdy boxes, less likelihood of incurring damage to your articles.
4. You need wide box sealing tape and follow red green s lead, have an oversupply of duct tape.
5. Empty gasoline from lawnmowers, outboard motors, etc.
6. Remove batteries from toys, and appliances.
7. Number all of the boxes, keep an inventory list. Mark the contents of each of the boxes. Make two copies of the contents list for each box. Keep one with your inventory list, put the other inside each appropriate box just before you close it up. Seal boxes well. Properly sealed boxes stack better.
8. Mark clearly cartons you want loaded last, unloaded first.
9. Take a telephone book with you.
10. Tie or tape mops, brooms, curtain rods in bundles.
11. Point out and mark especially fragile or delicate items. Be bold.
12. Do not overload drawers when packing items in dressers.
13. Liquids in bottles should have tops secured. A good way to seal liquids containers is to unscrew top, place small piece of plastic wrap over the top then screw top back on over plastic wrap. This method works on cleaning supplies, food, even liquor.
14. Cd s, records, cassettes and videotapes should be packed in an upright position on their edges, not flat.
15. Large mirrors, glass tabletops and valuable pictures can be crated.
16. Books should be packed on edge in small boxes.
17. Carton weight should not exceed 60 pounds.
18. Pack lampshades in boxes by themselves.
19. Do not use newspaper to pack anything; the ink rubs off.
20. Do not leave shelves loose in refrigerator or stove. Use your duct tape!
21. Small appliances should be wrapped and packed in the bottom of boxes.
22. Do not pack cleaning products in the same box as food.
23. Table lamps should be packed.
24. Place heavy china items at bottom of box.
25. Small items should be packed in a small box inside a larger one.
26. Move clothes in wardrobes supplied by mover.
27. Drapes can be moved in wardrobes as well.
28. Do not roll mattresses or rugs; leave do not wrap articles of furniture or tie the ropes.
29. Large power tools should be dismantled for moving.
30. Take down any fixtures fastened to wall.
31. Clean rugs and drapes.
32. Protect delicate furniture with a coat of wax.

2 Weeks before the move

1. Clean out club and school lockers.
2. Arrange for the changeover of utilities, including telephone.
3. Book freight elevator if you are moving into or out of an apartment.
4. Make a floor plan of the new house and plan where everything will go. Don’t guess-take measurements. Your movers will love you and your move in will go quicker
5. Return all items that you have borrowed, get back what you have loaned. Good luck on this one!
6. Dispose of flammable items.

1 Week before the move

1. Prepare a list of all items you want to take with you personally. Include all jewellery and valuable items which should not be entrusted to movers. Don’t forget that the queen travels with her jewels in a box right beside her. You should too.
2. Dismantle and/or fasten anything that requires it.
3. Prepare a list of everything else that is left.
4. Confirm the bookings for the freight elevaor (out and in).
5. Confirm the booking with the moving company.
6. Defrost and air dry the deep freezer.
7. Use up perishible food.

2 Days before the move

1. This is your last day to pack.
2. Do your last laundry. Disconnect and drain the washing machine.
3. Disconnect, defrost and air dry the fridge.
4. Double check that all valuables have been accounted for.

1 Day before the move

1. Meet with your movers and be nice to them, buy them coffee and muffins. This is probably the most important hint in this checklist!
2. Lead packers around the house and make sure they understand all of your instructions
3. Make sure you have gathered together all the keys for the new owners (don’t forget garage and shed keys!)
4. If you have a security system, why not change the code to something simple like 1-2-3-4-5 so you can feel free to use your regular code at the new house.
5. Pack all of the items that you will take with you personally. Mark them “do not load – for car”. It would be better if these were out of the house before the movers come in. If you are moving within the city take these times to a friend for safekeeping. If not, probably the safest place would be locked up in your car’s trunk.

Moving out

1. Lay down plastic sheets to minimize dirt in the house.
2. Lead the packers around the house again and make sure they understand all of your instructions.
3. We have yet to find a mover who doesn’t like an egg mcmuffin!
4. Do a final check for forgotten items.
5. Check inventory for number of boxes – break down by room.
6. Check movers bill of lading against your inventory.
7. Clearly label and leave all the spare keys, and the code for the security systems if you have one, inside the house unless other arrangements have been arranged.

Moving in

1. Get to the house before the movers. Arrange to take milk, bread, coffee, tea etc. With you. It will be a long day. Also buy a couple dozen premium donuts and give them to the movers before they start moving your furnishings in. We hope you’re enjoying this checklist.
2. Verify that the utilities have been turned on.
3. Lay down plastic sheets to minimize dirt in the house.
4. Find your floor plan and give copies to the movers. When your goods arrive look at each item carefully as it is put in place and check off your inventory.
5. Note any damage. You won’t be able to check goods which have not been unpacked so above your signature on the bill of lading write “subject to loss or hidden damage”.
6. First priorities will be the children’s rooms, tv or radio, and a basic kitchen.
7. Hang up curtains if possible
8. Seeing as you have not yet unpacked, go out and have a nice dinner. Buy some champagne. You deserve it!