Moving Checklist

• Get quotations from moving companies. Flat fee is preferable to hourly rate.
• Give away, sell, discard any unnecessary belongings.
• Advise Post Office and complete change of address cards.
• Obtain school records for new transfer.
• Check and clear any outstanding realty taxes on your present property.
• Transfer or arrange insurance coverage for your new home.
• Dispose of Flammable items.
• Arrange for shutting off of all utilities and the connection of utilities at your new home.
• Telephone cancellation or transfer for the last possible moment of the day.
• Organize any work to be completed at your new home.
• Have appraisals for any valuable items in case of an insurance claim from the moving company. Pictures are of great benefit here.
• Discontinue any services such as cleaning services, pool maintenance, window cleaners, snow removers, landscapers etc.
• Ensure adequate insurance for household goods is still in place while goods are in transit or storage.
• Notify financial organizations, insurance companies, medical practitioners, credit card companies, etc. of your move.
  

Storing and Packing

Do's...

• Use packing paper, pads for inventory, markers.
• Heavy twine, masking tape, boxes and containers for packing.
• Empty gas tanks from lawn mowers, outboard motors etc.
• Remove all batteries from appliances and toys.
• Mark contents of all boxes clearly specifying which room they are to be placed in.
• Set aside articles you wish to carry in the car in a carton(s) marked "Do Not Load"
• Make sure you keep a telephone book with you.
• Tie or tape brooms and mops together and bundle curtain rods.
• Make sure all fragile items are indicated.
• Carry all jewellery, valuable papers and currency with you.
• Ensure tops are secure for all liquids.
• All phonograph records should be packed upright on their edges, not flat.
• Pack all books on edge in small boxes.
• Crate glass table tops, large mirrors and valuable artwork.
• Limit carton weight to about 60 pounds.
• Tie or tape all boxes securely.
• Lamp shades should be placed in boxes by themselves.
• Small appliances packed in bottom of boxes.
• Heavy china with extra padding at the bottom of the box.
• Flat pieces should be placed on edge.
• Small items can be packed in a smaller box inside a larger box.
• Dismantle large power tools before moving.
• Remove fixtures fastened to the wall.
• Clothes and drapes should be placed in the wardrobes supplied by the movers.
  

Don'ts...

• overload drawers when packing items in dressers
• Try not to use newspapers as the ink will rub off
• Do not leave shelves loose in stoves or refrigerators
• Do not roll mattresses or rugs. The movers have special cartons
  

On Moving Day

• If possible have friends or relatives take care of small children and pets.
• Check each carton for loss or damage.
• Prepare a list of damaged or lost articles.
• Make sure movers are paid. They usually want cash or certified cheque.
• Check supply of heating fuel if oil.
• Get all meters read and utilities turned on.
• Make arrangements to have appliances hooked up.
• Setup bedrooms and kitchen first.
• Have a tool kit handy.