Need a checklist of what to do before the move?

1. MOVING CHECKLIST
UTILITIES
• Gas
• Electric & Water
• Telephone Land & Cell
• Long Distance Carrier
• Cable/Internet/Satellite
INSURANCE
• Life
• Accident
• Property
• Business
• Vehicles
PEOPLE/ORGANIZATIONS
• Friends
• Relatives
• Church
• Business
Associates
• Athletic Health
Club
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
• Doctor
• Dentist
• Lawyer
• Broker
• Accountant
• Specialists
• Forward New Email
GOVERNMENT
OFFICES
• Schools,Library
• OHIP
• Vehicle
Registration
• Post Office
• Income Tax
• Old Age Security
• Canada Pension
Plan
PRE-CLOSING DATE
• Sent Down
Payment
• Telephone Installed
• Meet With
Mortgagor
• Lawyer
Appointment
• Booked Movers
• Final Visit New
Home
• Keep List Close!
BUSINESS ACCOUNTS
• Banks
• Credit Card
• Department Stores
• Dry Cleaner
• Drug Store
PUBLICATIONS
• Newspaper
• Magazines
• Mail Orders
• Movies
• Online Pay
Sources
MOVING DAY
• Drop off Keys
• All Meters Read
• Telephones
Disconnect
• Windows Locked
• Pick Up New Keys
• Obtain kids school transfer documents
• Register kids in new school
• Inquire when trash and recycle day is at new residence for movers
• Have a recent photo of pet handy for use if pet gets lost
• Get a pet I.D. tag with new address and phone number
• Arrange elevator and parking reservation
• Collect your lent out items from neighbors

2. CHOOSING A MOVER
Trained professionals work in uniforms
Relocation can be one of the most exciting endeavors you may experience in life. The challenge of
pioneering your family to a new home, community, and job opportunity can be full of rewards if you take
the time to make the moving process easier. It is not without reason that moving is cited as one of the
most psychologically harrowing experiences, but it doesn't have to be. If you do some planning in
advance, a little homework to find the best moving professionals, and learn about the process you will
find much of the tension of moving is relieved.
Finding the best mover for your particular needs and at the right price involves a simple evaluation of
your needs ...
Choose your mover at least four to six weeks in advance of your moving date.
Try to avoid booking long weekends. That is the highest rate time period.
When you compare price and service estimates from several moving companies, you will find that
estimates are based on the weight of your household items; the distance they will be moved, and the
amount of packing and other services you will require. Be sure to show the estimator every single item
that will be moved.
Find out their payment policy.
Negotiations with your mover should include a clear understanding of rates and charges that will apply,
the movers liability for your belongings, pick-up & delivery schedules, and claims protection. For
example, if you decide to pack some of your own things, your mover may not be liable.
Make arrangements for moving your plants. Moving companies do not typically assume responsibility for
them.

3. Keep an eye out for....
Clean trucks with proper moving pads & equipment
Insured & bonded service
Reasonably priced boxes and packing supplies
Courteous movers and staff
Free, no obligation estimates
TIPS TRICKS & TOOLS
You can speak with the manager of your local grocery store to provide
you with various sized boxes. Liquor stores are useful for smaller fragile treasures. An economical way to
transfer hung clothing from closets is to tie a plastic twist around a group of hangers. Then cover with a
large green bag, cutting a hole in the top for hangers. Label bags for placement order in new closets with
masking tape.
Along With these items, wardrobe boxes & other specialty boxes can be purchased at the local moving
or shipping companies.
Use proper packing materials. It will pay off in the long run!

4. SPECIALTY BOXES
Wardrobe Carton; Large carton with hanger bar for clothes from closetsDish Pack; Extra Sturdy
corrugated carton of double-wall construction for all breakables - china, dishes, crystal etc. Cellular
dividers available.
Book Carton; 2 cubic feet; A small easy to handle carton designed for heavy items
Medium Box 4 cubic feet; pots & pans, toys
Large Square 5 cubic feet; Bulk items, lamp shades, linens
Mirror Carton; Telescoping cartons fit almost any picture, mirror or glass
Mattress Carton; Available in king, queen, double, single (twin) and crib. You need one for every box
spring and every mattress.
PACKING TIPS
Agreat way to save time is to use a system of coloured labels. Buy large office labels in 6 to 8 colours
to denote different parts of the house. (Eg; Yellow for kitchen etc). Colour coding can be a quick visual
reference for all helpers!
Pack from least - to - most important
Collect valuables to be taken on your person. (ie:. jewelry, documents)
Pack one room at a time, labeling each box (on top and side) with a description of it's contents and which
room the box belongs in.
Label boxes with breakables or sentimental items "fragile"
Always pack heaviest objects on bottom and work up to those lighter or breakable.
Packing dishes can be the most time consuming part of preparing for your move. Wrap them with
inexpensive paper towels. Newspaper is a mess! When you unpack, you can re-use the paper towels for
cleaning.
Pack plates on edge, not flat.
Make sure the movers will have a clear path to all furniture throughout the home. Stack boxes against
walls. Make sure any items which you will be taking yourself are clearly marked and set aside.
Secure drawers & cabinet doors! Masking tape holds well and removes well
Always pack lamp shades in boxes. Remove light bulbs from all lamps
Do not pack unnecessary liquids. Pack all liquids in 1 or 2 boxes and clearly label them LIQUIDS and
THIS WAY UP to avoid spillage.
Tape long items like garden tools or hockey sticks in bundles.
Disconnect computers & stereo systems labeling the wires with masking tape to make re-connection
easier. ***Back up your email address book. You never know. *** Remove CD's from player.
Involve all family members. Not only does it lessen the work load, but it involves them and gives input
into their new life.
Wrap plants well for cold - weather moving. (layers of dry cleaning bags are great) In hot weather keep
them away from windows and exterior walls of vans.

5. FOR THE CAR "JUST IN CASE!"
Whether you are moving across town or across the country, it's a good idea to pack a box of basic
necessities and if possible transport the box with you to your new home rather than putting it in a moving
truck. In case of any unforseen delays in the arrival of your belongings you wont be completely
inconvenienced. This also means you wont have to dig through stacks of boxes to find these items.
SOME MUST HAVES ARE:
• Bottled Water
• Prescription Medicines, Tylenol!!
• Coffee Mugs, Tea, Instant Coffee, Coffee Maker
• Shampoo
• Soap, Wash Clothes & Towels, Toothbrush and Paste
• Shower Curtain
• Paper Plates, Plastic Utensils
• Pens & Paper
• Paper Towels, J-Clothes, Dishwash Detergent
• Hand Tools
• Cell Phones & Chargers, Land Line Phone
• Remote Controls
• Bathroom Tissue
• Trash Bags, Scissors
• Kids Video Games!!!
MARK THIS BOX "DO NOT MOVE!"

6. DONT FORGET!
Drain fuel and oil from all motorized tools - lawn mower etc. Leave fuel cap off until moving day.
Drain and remove water hoses
Remove propane tank & charcoal from barbecue.
Defrost & clean fridges and freezers. Charcoal inside will control odors. Fridges and freezers will need to
remain unplugged for a minimum one hour after they have been moved.
Water plants. They should be moist but not wet for moving day.
Remove curtains and hardware. Use masking tape & baggies to secure screws to rods for ease.
Make sure that everything your are going to take with you is in the car before movers arrive.
Leave all available manuals from home appliances - furnace - pool - etc. on kitchen counter for new
owners.
Exchange cell phone numbers with moving truck driver.
HAPPY MOVING DAY !