One Month Before Moving

Pick up a Change-of-Address Kit from the Post Office and fill out:

Friends and family

Banks

Insurance companies

Credit card companies

Magazines and newspapers - cancel local newspaper delivery

Doctors, dentists and other providers - transfer drug prescriptions

Past employer - for T4 forms

Take a look around the house. Start to think about what you don't want to take with you.

Use up perishable foods

Sell, donate or hold a garage sale for unwanted items

Prepare a list of what you want to move.

Large appliances?

Outside furniture?

For full service moves:

Get written estimates from several moving companies

Will the movers pack for you?

What items won't they move?

Get appraisals of high-value items in case of future claims

Get confirmation in writing!

For do-it-yourself moves, make arrangements for truck rental and moving help, and buy packing supplies:

Boxes

Packing and masking tape

Markers

Newspapers

Twine

Start packing boxes. Mark boxes clearly as to contents and room to be placed in. Mark "Open First" clearly on boxes containing important items to be unpacked first:

Dishes

Pots and pans

Alarm clock

Bedding

Special toys

Towels

Lightbulbs

Plates

Tools - hammer, pliers, wrench

Stop by and make arrangements for picking up your important records:

Legal

Birth

Doctor

Dentist

Optician, optometrist

School - make sure you get one with a raised seal

Veterinarian

Close out your bank accounts:

Chequing

Savings

Safe Deposit Box

Start a new bank account in your new town.

Transfer account from current bank?

Contact your child's new school and notify them of your upcoming move to their area.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce in your new town. Request a relocation package.

Contact locale branch of Welcome Wagon they have valuable information and discounts for local businesses.

Two Weeks Before Moving

Pack your vital documents in one place:

Passports

Military records

Mortgage records

Marriage license

Birth certificates

Vehicle titles

Stock certificates

Insurance papers

Bank records

School records

Medical records

Tax records

Make arrangements to disconnect your utilities. Get refunds for any deposits made. Have meters read. Give new address for them to send their final bill:

Cable/Satellite - return box/dish if necessary

Electric

Gas

Internet access

Security System

Telephone

Water

Make arrangements to connect utilities at your new residence.

Make arrangements for cleaning

Inquire about your new province's auto licensing procedure and auto insurance rates.

Check with your insurance company about transferring coverage to your new home.

Arrange to have a sitter watch your children at their house on moving day.

One Week Before Moving

Dispose or drain any flammable items:

Lawn mower gas

Snow blower gas

Paint

Aerosol cans

Plan what goes in the car with you:

Toys and games for kids

Special breakable items or collections

Important documents and records

Change of clothes and toiletries for your first day

Vacuum cleaner - if you want to clean right away

Toilet paper

First aid kit

Food kit with bottled water, cereal, bananas

Make travel arrangements for your pets and plants.

Purchase moving insurance if you have valuable antiques and collections.

Have your car tuned up.

See your Lawyer as arranged.

The Day Before Moving

Defrost, clean and air out your refrigerator.

Clean your stove.

Make sure you have payment ready for the mover - they will not unpack without a cheque. Check your moving company's payment policies.

Purchase traveler's cheques for other possible expenses.

Pack your former town's phone book for future correspondence.

Get a simple breakfast ready for the next morning.

Pick up ice and beverages for moving day.

Take down curtains and curtain rods.

Get a good night's sleep!

Moving Day!

Strip your beds.

Moving company - will they disassemble?

Show movers around. Make sure your possessions to be moved are inventoried with them.

Write "subject to further inspection for concealed loss or damage" on contract when you sign to protect yourself should you find damage while unpacking.

Visit Lawyers office if necessary

Get all keys together. Put in a safe spot.

Make sure moving van driver has correct address, phone number and directions. Confirm delivery date with him.

Check all rooms one last time. Remember closets and cupboards, basement and garage! Make sure all windows and doors are locked.