MOVING TIPS

 

Two to Four Weeks Before You Move

¨   Purchase packing supplies.

¨   Start packing boxes.

¨   Sell or donate unwanted items.

¨   Send "change of address" cards to: friends and relatives, magazines, credit and gas cards, insurance company, lawyer, accountant, etc. Apply through the post office.

¨   Make arrangements to transfer automobile and drivers' licences, medical/dental/school/pet records, eye prescriptions.

¨   Settle all local tax bills.

¨   Arrange for shipment of pets.

¨Make a detailed list of what and how much must be stored.

¨Measure the largest item (length, width, height) to determine the smallest possible unit needed.

¨Inspect your storage unit, and make a list of all packing supplies you will need, such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, mattress and sofa covers, marking pens, labels, etc.

 

One to Two Weeks Before You Move

¨   Notify utilities, telephone and cable companies at both the old and new addresses.

¨   Set dates for disconnection and hookup.

¨   Pick up loaned items, return borrowed items.

¨   Pick up clothing items at dry-cleaners, tailor.

¨   Close and transfer bank accounts and safety deposit boxes.

¨   Check on items at repair shops.

¨   Arrange a baby-sitter for moving day.

Two to Seven Days Before You Move

¨   Arrange for inspection and servicing of cars.

¨   Drain gas from lawn mowers, etc., and discard all flammables such as paint and gasoline.

¨   Buy travellers cheques.

¨   Finish packing, except those items needed for moving day.

¨   Empty and defrost refrigerator and freezer.

One Day Before You Move

¨   Prepare box lunches, ice and beverages for moving day.

¨   Pack a personal suitcase containing items you need for moving day, as well as those items you'll need first thing in your new home.

 

STORAGE TIPS

 

¨   Place those items that you need to get to often, in the front. If possible, allow for an internal walkway inside your locker during extended storage.

¨   Make an inventory of your stored items and keep it in a safe place, such as at home or at work.

¨   It is vital that you drain all remaining gas from lawn mowers, power tools, etc. Moving and storage of any combustibles such as solvents, gas, paints, etc. is strictly prohibited.

¨   Use uniform-size boxes for easy stacking. Stack lighter boxes and boxes marked "Fragile" on top of the heavier boxes.

¨   Stack pictures and mirrors on end.

¨   Dismantle tables to save space.

¨   Store sofas and love seats on end to save floor space. Place a protective cover under the sofa end at the floor. Wrap cushions in plastic and place on top.

¨   Cover exposed belongings to protect against dust.

¨   Prop mattresses "on end" so they stand straight, otherwise they may bend out of shape or become lumpy.

¨   Keep a small box of tools handy for dismantling and re-assembly of furniture.


Check with your insurance agent if you have extended coverage for those items stored away from home. Attics can help you with additional insurance coverage.