Executive Moving Concierge

Residential moving checklist

Ultimate Moving Checklist Canada - What To Do Prior and on the Day of Your Local Move?

You are probably interested in finding out what is the ultimate moving checklist that leads to a  smooth moving experience. Well, Executive Moving concierge offers a comprehensive step-by-step moving guide that may suggest several points that you probably did not take into consideration, but should. So without any delay, let’s jump right into the Ultimate Moving Checklist Canada.

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Ultimate Moving Checklist Canada: 4 to 8 weeks before you move

1. Create an Inventory list for everything to be moved (recommended, but optional)

Your top priority should be to plan ahead of time to make process as efficient as possible. Check all of your items and make an inventory of anything that needs to go to a new location. Inspect each room in the house and select what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of. This will help to determine the clear picture of the contents situation, that should save time identifying certain necessary arrangements like junk removal, furniture bank donation, packing services, and so on.

2. Get rid of the broken, old, not functional items

The less you have to move, the better — therefore begin the pre-move purging process as soon as possible. It’s never a better time to get rid of old CDs, futons, and books than just before you move. Try holding a garage sale to get rid of unwanted items while earning a few dollars. You can also call your local charities to arrange for a free pick-up of larger furniture. Also, depending on the area that you live, you may be able to leave some bulky items on the curb for city to pick it up and this way save on junk removal fee.

3. Determine a budget for moving

It may seem to be obvious, however, this is a quite substantial task, because when you determine your budget, this will eliminate and leave you with only relevant options. For example if you are on a strict low budget you may have to consider DIY – do it yourself – options for instance when you choose to rent a truck and get help from friends and family to move all the items. On the other hand if you have a reasonable budget, perhaps you will be able to find a good moving company that would provide full packing services as well. 

Bottom line, knowing your budget in advance will help you to identify options that you are able to afford, focus and ultimately choose from. In addition to that, it is important to note that if you are relocating for a job, make sure to check with your company to see if they can cover full or at least part of moving expenses.

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4. Research moving services and confirm the arrangement

So, at least 4 weeks in advance to your move, it is time to contact some moving companies. Looking for moving companies on the search engines like Google or Bing can be a good idea. Always, consider a moving company if your friend or family referred to you, since word of mouth experience is usually accurate.

If that is not the option on the table, then we suggest to read customer reviews, obtain at least three quotes, and make a decision based on the quality as well as your determined budget. Make sure moving company is bonded and has insurance. You do not have to choose one of them immediately, but you should look into the options and make evaluations accordingly.

After all that, you can confirm with the best suitable moving company, and give them enough time for planning, estimating and reserving your moving services.

5. Start arranging moving supplies

If you are getting ready to move for your entire house, now is the time to order all of the necessary moving supplies, such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers, packing paper and so on. These items are essential to ensure that you will be packed and prepared at the day of the move and most importantly your belongings will reach new home safely. 

Now general rule of thumb is 1 to 2 bedroom apartments may start arranging packing materials 1 to 2 weeks prior to the move, while house owners should consider getting packing materials about 3 to 4 weeks prior to the moving day. Remember, you almost always have more items than you anticipating at first.

6. Forward your mail

Another important step is to forward your mail from old address to a new one. You can do that easily by submitting a change of address to your post office ahead of time. The best way to do it either online or at your local Post Office.

7. Rent a storage unit (optional)

Renting a storage unit is a good idea when you plan to move to a new home and do not have a flexible overlapping closing dates. It can also, be an option whether you simply need temporary storage while unpacking or if your old or a new home is under renovations. You may want to consider some of the moving companies that are offering package deals of moving service and storage solutions. This way you can deal with one point of contact for two separate services.

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Ultimate Moving Checklist Canada: 1 to 2 weeks before you move

8. Confirm date and time with a moving company

It is time to start firming things up by calling your moving company and confirming the day and time for your move. Don’t forget to inform them of any other vital details, such as parking and elevator access to your old or new home.

9. Notify related parties of your upcoming move (optional)

You can send out an email or give your friends and family members a quick phone call to notify about your move. Another quick and easy approach to let people know you’re relocating is to make a moving announcement on social media. Also, do not forget to alert your banks, brokerages, subscribed home services, insurance and utility companies the date you are changing addresses.

10. Request time off work for a moving day

Notify your company that you will be supervising the move and will require a day off. Plan to leave on a Friday if at all possible, which gives you the rest of the weekend to organize your items. In Canada, your employer is required to provide you with a day off if you need to relocate. Just make sure to notify them ahead of time.

11. Start packing up your home

Make a packing schedule before you start boxing up your belongings. Pack all of your non-essentials and seasonal items first, such as books, winter coats, home décor items, electronic devices that are not frequently used. Pack the necessities last. Kitchenware, dishes, clothes, toiletries, and any other items you will need in the days leading up to the move are all included. Make sure to pack fragile things carefully by using packing paper or bubble wrap.

Everything that you are planning to bring should be packed in solid boxes with a cover, taped tight, and labeled with the contents name on it. Pack enough essential items like clothes, toiletries, clean underwear, and socks into the suitcase that you can live out of for a few days.

12. Obtain documented evaluation of high ticket items for the value (optional)

When packing, keep a note of the pricing of things of great value, such as antiquities, tv’s, pool tables and so on. These things may be necessary for an additional insurance coverage from your moving company.

13. Check furniture for damages

Before the moving company begins packing and moving your furniture, you should inspect everything for dents and scratches. This will help you identify whether any of the transferred furniture has been dented or scratched during the moving.

14. Clean up your old home

Before you move, don’t forget to tidy your old house. A little more effort might save you money on cleaning fees. Even if you are not attempting to recoup your security deposit, you may make the property more appealing to prospective purchasers.

If you are bringing the fridge with you, remember to clean and defrost it at least 24 hours before moving day. Make sure it to check that it is empty and clean.

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Ultimate Moving Checklist Canada: On the moving day

15. Check all boxes and items in the house

Make sure all kitchen essentials, home decorations, small gadgets have been properly packed in boxes. All valuables such as jewelry, cash, and other high-value items should be placed in a lockbox that is easy to find and ideally you may want to bring such small valuable items or important documents with yourself. Check all of your furniture, closets, cabinets, and appliances to ensure that they are empty and there are no items left inside.

16. Check the inventory list (optional)

Have the inventory list in hands of all your belongings to check what you have and what the movers are hauling this way. Also, double-check your driver’s inventory sheet if available. Make a note of anything that is missing or damaged ahead of time. It’s also a good idea to photograph fragile items like lamps, glass items, or heavy appliances for liability and insurance considerations.

17. Be available to facilitate the moving process

Have your new address as well as your contact information available to the movers. Answer any moving-related questions they might have. Make sure to reach your new home prior to the movers, and guide them to put items in the right places.

18. Tips and benefits for movers

It is a common practice to reward a good service in Canada, thus if you choose to the tip for your movers can be between 12% to 20% of the total cost for large moves, which is quite common, while 5% to 10% for small moves.

Also, it is extremely appreciated by movers if you have water bottles for them especially in summer time. As you may want to make sure everyone stays hydrated.

Looking to move a house, or complete a commercial move, feel free to schedule a FREE virtual onsite estimate with a top-rated moving company agent.

Summary

So this is really it – the Ultimate Moving Checklist Canada – what to do before and on the day of the move. The list may seem to be long, however, the most important thing is to take things easy and with the minimum amount of stress possible. This is really the only way to ensure that you are covering all necessary steps to prepare for your move in order to have a reasonably good moving experience. Executive Moving concierge wishes you the best of luck with your move!

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