Moving Checklist

Moving can be a hectic and stressful time. Here are a few tips to help make your move a smooth transition. Check them off as you complete each task. 

MORE THAN A MONTH BEFORE YOUR MOVE: 

□  Start a moving expense book. Some expenses may be tax deductible (keep all receipts). 

□  Get written estimates from at least two moving companies. Be sure to ask about any hidden or extra charges and get a written commitment confirming the moving date and time of arrival. If you are moving yourself call a rental company and book a truck. 

□  Insurance is important! Check with the moving company on what they will cover regarding lost or damaged goods. Be sure to check with your own company for coverage during the move and to review your policy for your new home. Also, if storage is necessary, does your insurance cover your possessions? 

□  If you are not using a moving company be sure to collect lots of sturdy boxes, paper, tape and markers. Marking the boxes clearly as you pack them will save you lots of time and energy as you move and unpack. Include the contents of the box as well as what room you would like it taken to at the new home. 

□  Notify your provincial health insurance and your doctor of your new address. 

□  Set up a file for all your important papers, you may need these for your lawyer, etc. 

□  Arrange for the changeover of all utilities, telephone, cable and hot water tank rental 

__ Union Gas 1-888-774-311 __ Central Elgin Water 519-631-4860 

__ Reliance (HWT) 1-866-735-4262 __ Port Stanley Post Office 519-782-3271 

__ St Thomas Energy 519-631-5550 __ Erie Thames Power 1-877-850-3128 

__ Bell Canada 310-2355 __ Natural Resource Gas 519-773-5321 

__ Rogers Cable TV 1-800-738-7892 __ Strathroy PUC 519-245-2010 

__ Amtelecom  519-774-844        __ London Hydro 519-661-5503 

□  Notify the post office of your change of address. Make sure you get some free “change of address cards” to mail to all your companies, friends and relatives. 

Also advise: 

__ Bank (re: new cheques, transfer accounts, personal loans, etc.) 

__ Insurance companies: Home ___    Car ___     Life ___ 

__ Credit card companies       __ Employers 

__ Doctors               __ Dentist 

__ Newspaper and Magazines               __ School records should be transferred 

__ Library                       __ Drivers License 

TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVE: 

□  Take a good look at what is really worth moving and what is not. Be ruthless! Hold a garage sale or donate things to Goodwill or the Canadian Diabetes Association. 

□  Remind the kids to clean out their school locker. Anything at the dry cleaners? 

□  Return all items you have borrowed and get back what you have loaned. 

□  You should have a lot of things packed, but remember to keep some essentials unpacked. 

□  Order and have a garbage bin delivered to your driveway if you have a lot of stuff to dispose of. Please don’t leave garbage and unwanted items for the new owners! 

ONE WEEK BEFORE YOUR MOVE: 

□  Prepare a list of all the items you want to take with you personally, including jewelry and items you would not entrust to the movers. 

□  Dismantle and / or unfasten anything that requires it. 

□  Confirm the booking (date and time) for the moving company or your truck rental 

□  Defrost and air dry the deep freezer. 

□  Your Lawyer will be calling to setup an appointment for you to sign all necessary papers. 

□  Garbage day is very important this week! Get rid of all last minute garbage. 

TWO DAYS BEFORE YOUR MOVE: 

□  Call Earl at 519-670-9223 if you want to do a “final walk-through” of your new home. 

□  Do your last laundry then disconnect and drain the washer. 

□  Double check that all valuables have been accounted for. 

ONE DAY BEFORE YOUR MOVE: 

□  Disconnect, defrost and air dry the refrigerator. 

□  Lead packers around the house and make sure they understand all your instructions. 

□  Gather all the keys for your house, garage and sheds and mark them well for the new owners. Leave them in a kitchen cupboard or somewhere where they will be easily found. 

□  If you have a security system, change the code to something simple like 1-2-3-4 and leave a note for the new owners, that way you can use your old code at the new home. 

□  Pack all items you want to take with you personally and mark them clearly not to be loaded on the truck. 

□  If you are doing your own move, make sure everything is packed but the necessities. Don’t forget to keep your breakfast essentials for tomorrow morning. 

□  Make sure all pets are looked after, this is a trying time for them as well. 

MOVING OUT: 

□  Your deal may not close until 3 - 4 pm today but try to be loaded and ready to go by 12 pm 

□  Lay down plastic sheets to minimize dirt tracking into the house. 

□  Lead packers through the house reiterating your instructions. 

□  Do a final cleanup and check for forgotten items. 

MOVING IN: 

□  Your Lawyer will call for you to pick up the keys to your new home. Get to the house before the movers, pick up some basics for snacks and lunch, it could be a long day. 

□  Verify that the utilities and phone have been activated. 

□  Lay down plastic to minimize dirt tracking into the house. 

□  Note any damage. You won’t be able to check everything so when asked to sign off for the movers also write “subject to any hidden loss or damage.” 

□  First priorities will be beds and a basic kitchen. 

□  Order out for dinner, you deserve it! Welcome to your new home! 

This “Moving Checklist” is courtesy of: 

Earl Taylor - Broker Call or Text 519-670-9223 

Coldwell Banker Star Real Estate, Brokerage

earl-taylor@coldwellbanker.ca

www.RealEstateinStThomas.ca