THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU MOVE

INTRODUCTION Most people move at least a few times during their adult

life, and if there is one thing that seems to remain a constant it is stress. And it’s not that living in a new home is necessarily stressful. It is the multitude of tasks that you have to accomplish before the big day.

PODS, a company specializing in moving and storage containers, break the ‘things to do’ list into time increments so you’ll always be right on schedule.

TWO MONTHS AWAY

Starting early is a key to getting everything done before moving day arrives. The earlier you can start getting things done, the easier it will be later on.

About two months before moving, you should:

Contact a moving company, or arrange for a moving container if using a company like PODS.

Contact your new municipality if moving out of town and request new resident information.

Make a file for all moving-related receipts, contracts, etc.

TWO MONTHS AWAY Start working on a floor plan for your new home. This will

help you decide if you need to purge any items.

Make an inventory of all your possessions and start de-cluttering your present home.

Start planning a moving sale for around three weeks before moving day to help lighten the load.

Ask your accountant or the government if you should save certain receipts for tax time.

SIX WEEKS AWAY Get your home branch of your bank transferred, or open a

new account if your new town doesn’t have branches of your bank.

Visit your doctor and ask for your medical records if you’re moving far enough away that you’ll need a new doctor.

Ask for a referral to a new doctor in your new community.

Make a list of all the different people you want to notify that you’re moving. This may include friends, business clients, church members, etc.

ONE-MONTH AWAY

When you hit the one-month mark, you know the big moving day is getting close.

When you’re a month away:

Get your moving boxes and supplies and start packing your non-essentials. You can start earlier or later, but a month gives you ample time to go through everything at a leisurely pace.

Confirm the date and time with movers or schedule the delivery time for your moving container.

Contact your insurance company to make sure all your possessions are covered for the move.

ONE-MONTH AWAY Schedule the disconnection of your utilities for your old

house, and the connection of the uyilities in your new house.

Change your address through Canada Post. There is a fee, but it saves you having to change the address at each place that may send you mail.

Make your travel plans if you are moving a long distance.

THREE WEEKS AWAY Cancel delivery of your newspaper if you get one.

Hold your garage sale or list items online if you prefer to do it that way.

Arrange for a charity to pick up items you weren’t able to sell.

Safely dispose of any chemicals and other dangerous items you may have around the house.

TWO WEEKS AWAY

When you are just two weeks away:

Have your car serviced if you’re driving it a long distance for the move.

Transfer your prescriptions to a new pharmacy closer to your new home.

Order new cheques with your new address.

Return anything you’ve borrowed and retrieve what you’ve lent out.

ONE-WEEK AWAY Arrange for childcare for moving day, if necessary.

Begin loading up your moving container with boxes, if you’ve had it delivered early.

Pack a kit with car games for kids, bottled water, your ID, toiletries and similar items.

ONE-DAY AWAY

The day before your move:

Double-check the house to ensure everything is packed.

Confirm any travel reservations you may have.

Ensure you have a suitable padlock if you’re using a moving container.

Pack up a cooler with snacks and drinks if you’re driving a longer distance.

Pack up your car with anything you want to move personally.

Get rid of any remaining garbage and prepare for your last night in your old home.