#1......... Contact house insurance companies for both ends of the move to end / turn on coverage on specific dates. Please be advised if you require financing to purchase, financial institutions will not provide funding until they receive proof of insurance.
#2......... Contact utility service providers for both ends of the move to end / turn on services on specific dates.
List the things you don't want to move, throw out or give away. Be strict, the fewer items to move, the easier the job.
Get estimates from at least three professional movers. Get a written commitment from the moving company that specifies the date of the move and arrival. If you're planning to do it yourself, get estimates on rental trucks.
Book freight elevator if you are moving to or out of an apartment.
If you're moving to another city, contact the Chamber of Commerce for a New Resident packet, and ask your agent for information.
Complete a change of address form with the post office. For a fee they will forward mail to your new location.
Obtain copies of all your medical, dental, legal, accounting and veterinary records.
Prepare a pet transportation plan.
Contact the provincial health authorities for the province you are moving out of and the one you are moving into. If moving within the same province notify them of your change of address.
If your children are changing schools, arrange to transfer their educational records.
Itemize moving-related costs with your mover, including packing, loading, special charges and insurance.
Try to anticipate problems. Will the move take place around a holiday? Could highway construction delay your plans? Could weather pose a serious threat?
If you're doing the packing, be sure you have enough boxes, packing materials and tape.
Arrange for short or long term storage if needed.
Take measurements of the new house. Make a floor plan and decide where everything will go. Don't guess.
Start to pack, begin packing items you won't need right away or plan to put in storage.
Make sure all boxes are labeled.
Book motel rooms, rental cars, trucks, etc., if necessary.
Make travel arrangements for pets, including medical records, immunizations and medications.
Return all borrowed items and collect what you've loaned
Transfer bank accounts to your new area. Notify credit card and other insurance companies and complete any forms required, for continued coverage.
Make sure any repairs, changes or additions agreed to for the new house are on schedule.
Purchase any prescription medications you'll need for the next few weeks.
Discontinue all unnecessary services such as new paper delivery, laundry, garage collection, etc.
Set date for termination of gas, water, electric and fuel delivery.
Confirm the booking for the freight elevator.
Confirm the booking for the moving company or rentals.
Arrange to have the telephone service stopped on day after you move.
Reconfirm all arrangements at new location.
Call to have water and electric meters read.
Keep a box marked "Last Box Packed/First Box Unpacked" for tools, flashlights, first aid kit and other essentials. This should be the last box loaded on the truck.
Outline the plan for moving day to family and movers. Who will be responsible for what?
Set a schedule and stick to it.
Defrost refrigerator and dry thoroughly to avoid mildew.
If you have a security system consider changing the code to something simple like 12345 so you can use the old code at your new house.
Check mover's bill of lading against your inventory.
Give one key and the security code to the lawyer and leave all spare keys inside the house unless otherwise arranged.
Make a general inspection of your house to determine if you’ve forgotten anything.
The key to a smooth trouble free move is careful planning and preparation. Many steps need to be taken long before the day that the first box is loaded onto the moving van. Taking the time early to write down and organize these decisions and activities that you will need to address, will pay dividends on your moving day.
Other Items for Consideration
You may be eligible for government subsidies and renovation grants, including first time home buyer's land transfer tax exemption program, home buyer's tax credit and the moving expense tax deduction on your personal tax return from Revenue Canada, why not let the Government help finance your move.
Compliments of Ron Klingbyle a full time top producer real estate professional serving Windsor and the surrounding Essex County Community Areas. If you're thinking of Buying or Selling a home, investment or commercial property or relocating to the Windsor / Essex County Area? Contact me I can help, let my consistent, proven accomplishments and lifetime experience in real estate go to work for you.
