Moving Checklist

You can choose to have your movers pack everything, or just the breakables, or you can pack yourself. It is a good idea to obtain estimates from several different companies and ask for complete references.

If You Own Your Present Home

• Arrange to have your gas, water and hydro meters read on the day you leave and forward the bill to your new address.
• Have the oil tank read and filled before your sale closes (unless stipulated otherwise in the offer.)
• If the water heater or furnace is rented, arrange for a transfer of the rental agreement to the purchaser.
• Disconnect your telephone, cable and water softener.

If You Rent Your Present Home

Give necessary written notice to your landlord and make arrangements for the return of any money you have on deposit.

At Your New Home

Make arrangements for the gas and electric utilities, water softener, phone and cable to be connected on the day the sale closes.

General

• Get change of address cards from the post office and send out well before moving day.
• Have the post office forward your mail to your new address.
• Cancel any contracted services and pre-authorized cheques.
• Inform gardening, dry cleaning, garbage pick-up, newspapers, magazines and other home services. Arrange for transfers for medical, dental, prescription and optical records.
• Change the address on your driver’s licence(s) effective the day of the move.
• Collect all items out for cleaning, repair or storage (e.g. dry cleaning).
• Make special arrangements for the moving of your pets.
• Safely dispose of all flammable liquids, as it is illegal for movers to carry them.

Change of Address

• Relatives and friends
• Landlord (if necessary) - remember you must give 60 days notice.
• Insurance broker
  
• School(s)
  
• Post Office
  
• Phone Company
  
• Hydro Company
  
• Gas (or oil) company
  
• Cable company
  
• Doctor
  
• Dentist
  
• Chiropractor
  
• Lawyer
  
• Veterinarian
  
• Bank
  
• Employer
  
• Tax department
  
• Family allowance department
  
• CPP
  
• Old Age Security
  
• Motor vehicles license
  
• Credit cards
  
• Clubs, associations, charities
  
  • Subscriptions:
    
  • Newspaper
    
  • Magazines
    
• Book, Tape, Video Club
  

Moving Calendar

Two Months Before your Move

• Interview movers (book your truck if you’re not using professionals)
• Start collecting boxes (if they’re not being provided by the movers)
• Sort your belongings into what is coming with you and what’s not

Six Weeks Before Your Move

• Begin writing your moving notices (use the checklist as a guide)
• Plan your garage sale
• Start packing items you don’t use regularly

One Month Before Your Move

• Contact the utilities and make arrangements to transfer services
• Contact phone and cable companies

Two Weeks Before Your Move

• Confirm your movers (either professional or friends)
• Book the elevators (if you’re moving into or out of a high-rise)

One Week Before Your Move

• Call Janice and Larry Hinkley your RE/MAX associates and arrange for a pre-closing inspection
• Make an appointment to see your lawyer and review details
• Contact your lender and ensure that funds are available
• Have all of your valuables gathered and begin packing them in suitcases for personal transport
• A few days before your move, begin defrosting and drying out freezer

On Moving Day

• Keep your moving file on hand
• Organize your belongings so that they end up in the right room
• Begin unpacking any items provided by the movers which will incur daily usage changes after the move
• Try to relax