House-moving calls for planning
You’ve purchased a home and now its time to get organized for your move. Moving can be a hectic experience at the best of times. But with planning and preparation, you can avoid many headaches. Planning for your move should begin a couple of months in advance if possible. Be sure to
confirm your closing date with your realtor before setting the moving date.
Send change of address cards to magazine publishers and any newspapers you subscribe to. Most magazines request four to six weeks advance notice, although many publications now allow you to change your address online to save time.
Change of address notices should also be sent to the post office, automobile licensing bureau, insurance companies, financial institutions, service suppliers, doctor and dentist, friends and relatives. If you are moving to a different city, collect important records from schools, doctors, dentists, lawyers and safe deposit box.
It is also a good idea to get a head start on one of the toughest aspects of moving – deciding what must go with you. This may be the perfect time for a serious cleaning of the basement and closets.
It can be expensive and time consuming to move things you don't need. In addition, there’s the risk that you won’t be able to find room for these unnecessary items in your new home.
If you are disposing of a large number of items, consider holding a moving sale to offset some of your moving expenses. Be sure to request a receipt for income tax purposes if you're donating any larger items to charitable organizations.
This also is a good time to request the help you may need with packing and moving. If you are moving yourself, you may need to book a moving truck well in advance of your moving date. You may also need to find some volunteers who are willing to lend a helping hand during your move. Plan to have food and beverages on hand during the move for everyone who has helped out.
If you are thinking about using the services of a professional mover, get a couple of estimates and ask each company for details of what is included in their service.
Pay attention to the details when contracting for the various services a mover may offer. Make sure that everything is clearly written into the contract. Find out whether the mover's insurance covers your furnishings while in transit. If not, check your own coverage. If you live in an apartment building, reserve the elevator for the day and time of your move.
Two weeks before you move, contact local utility companies to tell them when to disconnect you service. Arrange for utility service in your new home. Clear up outstanding accounts, particularly if you are leaving the area.
Begin packing early – particularly those items that don’t get used very often. If you have a hired a moving company, request boxes and packing paper from them. A local grocery store is also a good source for boxes. Have plenty of packing supplies handy. Save old newspapers for packing material. For delicate items, you may want to purchase special packing boxes to materials to ensure safe moving.
Be creative in your packing. For example, glasses and other breakable items can be wrapped in bath towels or dishtowels to add extra protection. Move mattresses with old sheets on them to protect them from dirt. Make sure all boxes are clearly labelled with their contents. This will allow you to move the boxes to the right room when they arrive at your new home.
It’s also a good idea to pack a box or two separately that contains any items you might need for the first couple of days in your new home.
When the moving day has finally arrived, make sure someone is home to meet the mover and point out items to be loaded onto the truck.
If you are handling your own move, organize loading to maximize space in the truck and to ensure that the heavy items are not placed on top of breakables.
Before leaving, make a final check of all rooms, closet shelves and other spots where items may have been overlooked. Have an empty box handy for those "found items", or items which didn't seem to fit in anywhere else. Turn off all lights and close and lock all windows and doors. Leave your keys with the REALTOR® or new owner.
Make sure you are there to meet the movers to avoid possible additional charges. Don't try to unpack everything at once. Try to unpack carefully and in an organized manner, keeping in mind which boxes can be stored as they are. This will save you a lot of time in the long run.
Finally, keep all receipts related to your move. You may be able to claim them as a deduction on your income tax if you are moving at least 40 km closer to your place of work than your previous home.