Get quotations from moving companies. Flat fee is preferable to hourly rate.
Give away, sell, discard any unnecessary belongings.
Advise Post Office and complete change of address cards.
Obtain school records for new transfer.
Check and clear any outstanding realty taxes on your present property.
Transfer or arrange insurance coverage for your new home.
Dispose of Flammable items.
Arrange for shutting off of all utilities and the connection of utilities at your new home.
Telephone cancellation or transfer for the last possible moment of the day.
Organize any work to be completed at your new home.
Have appraisals for any valuable items in case of an insurance claim from the moving company. Pictures are of great benefit here.
Discontinue any services such as cleaning services, pool maintenance, window cleaners, snow removers, landscapers etc.
Ensure adequate insurance for household goods is still in place while goods are in transit or storage.
Notify financial organizations, insurance companies, medical practitioners, credit card companies, etc. of your move.
Storing and Packing
Do's...
Use packing paper, pads for inventory, markers.
Heavy twine, masking tape, boxes and containers for packing.
Empty gas tanks from lawn mowers, outboard motors etc.
Remove all batteries from appliances and toys.
Mark contents of all boxes clearly specifying which room they are to be placed in.
Set aside articles you wish to carry in the car in a carton(s) marked "Do Not Load"
Make sure you keep a telephone book with you.
Tie or tape brooms and mops together and bundle curtain rods.
Make sure all fragile items are indicated.
Carry all jewellery, valuable papers and currency with you.
Ensure tops are secure for all liquids.
All phonograph records should be packed upright on their edges, not flat.
Pack all books on edge in small boxes.
Crate glass table tops, large mirrors and valuable artwork.
Limit carton weight to about 60 pounds.
Tie or tape all boxes securely.
Lamp shades should be placed in boxes by themselves.
Small appliances packed in bottom of boxes.
Heavy china with extra padding at the bottom of the box.
Flat pieces should be placed on edge.
Small items can be packed in a smaller box inside a larger box.
Dismantle large power tools before moving.
Remove fixtures fastened to the wall.
Clothes and drapes should be placed in the wardrobes supplied by the movers.
Don'ts...
overload drawers when packing items in dressers
Try not to use newspapers as the ink will rub off
Do not leave shelves loose in stoves or refrigerators
Do not roll mattresses or rugs. The movers have special cartons
On Moving Day
If possible have friends or relatives take care of small children and pets.
Check each carton for loss or damage.
Prepare a list of damaged or lost articles.
Make sure movers are paid. They usually want cash or certified cheque.
Check supply of heating fuel if oil.
Get all meters read and utilities turned on.
Make arrangements to have appliances hooked up.
Setup bedrooms and kitchen first.
Have a tool kit handy.
Joseph Bitton, B.A.,LL.B., is a Broker with Sutton Group Admiral Realty in Toronto, and has been selling real estate in the Greater Toronto Area since 1987. He also manages investment property as part of his business and has helped numerous clients invest in and profit from property investments in the Greater Toronto Area. Joseph can be reached at: 416-739-7200, Toll Free: 800-818-2343 or by email: bitton@torontorealestate4u.com On the web visit www.torontorealestate4u.com
