Purchasing a new home is exciting. To help save you time, stress, and money, we’ve created this handy Moving Checklist. It provides you with a detailed overview of what you need to do in the weeks prior to your move.
FOUR WEEKS BEFORE MOVING…
- Decide what you want to take to your new home, what you want to throw out, and what you want to donate to charity or sell
- Start using up frozen food and staples. Don’t buy any more than is necessary before moving
- Decide how your furniture and belongings will be moved
- Store any of your stuff for the move, arrange for storage space. Often your moving company can provide temporary storage
- Arrange for moving insurance
- Contact the utility companies and advise them you are moving to avoid penalties or confusion
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THREE WEEKS BEFORE MOVING…
- Get back any items you have lent or borrowed
- Pick up any items that are being repaired
- Dispose of flammable items such as paint, aerosol cans and cleaning fluids
- Send change-of-address information
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TWO WEEKS BEFORE MOVING…
- Schedule a date for a service firm to disconnect and prepare the appliances you are moving
- Create an inventory list
- Order packing supplies – Paper, Tape, Markers & Boxes
- Start packing non-essential items and valuables
- Label everything clearly
- Arrange for any services for your new home such as painting, carpet-cleaning, floor or wood cleaning
- Draw a floor plan for your new home and start planning your furniture arrangement (it makes moving in twice as easy)
ONE WEEK BEFORE MOVING…
- Make sure valuable documents, currency and jewelery are safe and accessible
- Identify fragile and valuable items you are taking with you
- Wash linens and clothes
- Drain garden hoses, lawn mowers, and other machinery
- Defrost and dry the fridge and freezer; don’t forget to empty the defrost water pan
- Dismantle large power tools or equipment
- Pack items to be taken in the car and label “Car – Do Not Move”
- Pack suitcase with all essential items
- Confirm your new address and delivery date with movers
MOVING-OUT DAY…
- Plan to stay home until the moving van has left
- Tour the house with the van operator during inventory; sign the bill of lading
- Do a final check for overlooked items: make sure windows and doors are locked, lights are turned off
- Check closets/cupboards
MOVING-IN DAY…
- Check new home for existing damage, contact your realtor with any issues
- When the mover arrives, check items unloaded against the inventory
THINGS TO NOTE…
- Update driver’s license and health card within 6 days of move-in date
