MOVING TIPS

You’ve bought your home and now the excitement of moving day looms. Here is a list of things that will help you get ready. Remember, a little bit of planning and effort will save a lot of stress!

4 WEEKS BEFORE
- Book Movers. Get a written estimate.
- Notify Canada Post of your address change https://www.canadapost.ca/smartmoves

- Send change of address notification to:
o Friends and relatives, church, schools, organizations
o Banks and Financial Institutions – order new cheques
o Magazine subscriptions
o Credit Card companies
o Doctor, dentist, optometrist, veterinarian
o Insurance companies

3 WEEKS BEFORE
o Change address on Drivers License at Motor Vehicle Branch
o Organize your possessions. What items can be packed together? Clear out a space in the garage or the least used room in your home to begin storing boxes. Gather boxes that are similar in size, and purchase packing supplies – tape, markers, and labels.
o Decide what to move and what to discard – Some clean and useable items could be donated to local charity.
o Begin packing! Be sure to label boxes on the top and sides, indicating contents and the room that they are destined for in your new home.
o Notify Utilities and Service providers of disconnect and reconnect dates.
o BC Hydro www.bchydro.com
o Terasen Gas www.terasengas.com
o Telus www.telus.com
o Cable TV
o Internet Provider
o Mobility Telephone
o Landscaper, Pool and Spa Maintenance
o Security System Monitoring

2 WEEKS BEFORE
o Recruit moving day help – from looking after kids to minding the pets
o Arrange for cleaning help after you move out
o Get your “ducks in a row” – return things borrowed from neighbors, library books
o Have a garage sale to lighten the move.
o Reserve elevator if moving to or from an apartment. Deposit sometimes required.

1 WEEK BEFORE
o Packing should be nearly complete. Dressers can be left filled with light clothes and linens. It is time to pack the pantry and kitchen.
o Attend lawyers office to sign documents
o Attend insurance brokers office to sign documents
o Arrange to have house and mailbox keys available on moving day

MOVING DAY
o Eat a good breakfast! Have a cooler with snacks and beverages available for your helpers.
o Final check of the dishwasher and clothes dryer.
o Final check of refrigerator, stove, toilets
o DO NOT PACK watches, jewelry, money and important documents. Take these articles with you
o DO NOT PACK cleaning supplies, vacuum, mops. You’ll need these for the final clean-up. Leave your home as clean as possible.
o SAVE TIME. Move smaller items from the basement or upstairs on to the main floor. Move back yard items to the front so they can be easily loaded.
o PREPARE YOUR HOME by removing doors, if necessary – fastening gates and screen doors. Lift up small carpets. Have a screw driver, hammer and measuring tape handy.
o Be available to direct movers where your belongings are to go at your new home.
o If possible, have a cleaning crew do the final tidy up of the home you are leaving. Be sure all garbage and debris has been removed.
o Enjoy the day! Keep your sense of humor.