Relocating can be a daunting task. In addition to having to deal with all of the logistical details and
potentially stressful situations, you are also facing the uncertainty of a new environment. To relieve your
anxiety we put together this simple step-by-step timeline guide. Now you can check the items off the list
and move into your new situation with confidence and peace of mind.

Four to Six Weeks before the Move

Clean out your closets, cupboards, toy chests, shelves, attic, garage, and basement. It is a good idea to
discard anything you do not want or need. A rule of thumb is if you did not use something in the last year
or two, chances are you do not need it. Consider having a garage sale. Gift unwanted items to friends
and neighbors or donate them to charities. You may be able to collect a tax receipt on the value of
your donation.

Arrange to collect any advance or security deposits on utilities or rentals. These could be  nice
addition to your tight relocation budget.

Evaluate whether to ship your appliances and old furniture. Consider how old they are and how well
they will fit into your new decor. Make sure you do not bring a gas stove into an electric home. Also, if
your refrigerator, washer, or dryer will not fit in your new home, consider leaving them behind.

Make a complete list of items to be moved. Decide which plants will come with you and which will stay
behind.

Use up your food. Frozen foods cannot be shipped safely. It is likewise unnecessary to carry a heavy
load of canned or packaged foods with you.

 Notify the security company and all other regular service providers such as lawn or snow removal
companies of your moving date.

Notify your post office, subscription publications, and other correspondents of your moving date and
provide them with your new address.

Check your homeowner’s insurance and make arrangements to renew your policy. You should contact
an insurance company at your destination.

 Check the status of your club memberships. The money you paid in advance may be refunded or you
might consider transferring the membership to a friend.

Consult your veterinarian regarding your pet’s travel needs and make the necessary preparations

Collect the items you lent to your friends such as books and CDs and give back all the items you
borrowed. Do not forget to return library books and video rentals.

Research schools in your new neighborhood and register your children. Make arrangements to transfer
all necessary school records.

 Check your checking and savings accounts, and plan for the transfer of deposits, so you will not lose
interest. If needed, your bank or Credit Union can be used as a credit reference.

 Plan your moving date and take into consideration your travel plans and the closing date of your new
home.
Two to Three Weeks before the Move

Verify the date of your departure and contact the telephone, electric, gas, and water companies to
confirm the date to discontinue services. Notify your Realtor or landlord. Make arrangements with
utility companies at your new location to start services on the date of your arrival. The absence of vital
utility service is very uncomfortable and often leads to unnecessary expenses for temporary
accommodations and meals.

 Discontinue newspaper delivery, sanitation, and any other regular services.

 Make sure to check fitness club, school, or gymnasium lockers for stored belongings.

Ask your friends or your current doctors for referrals in the new location. Transfer medical records and
get all necessary prescriptions. If any family members have ongoing medical or dental treatment
programs, arrange for prorated payments with professionals in your new area.

 Check the contents of your safety-deposit box. It is advisable to carry all valuables (such as jewelry,
insurance policies, legal documents, and important collections) with you or send them by insured or
certified mail.

 DO NOT SHIP combustible or flammable items such as oil-based paint, lighting fluids, propane tanks,
or matches.
One Week before the Move

Keep detailed records and receipts of all your moving expenses. In Canada, depending on your
situation, Canada Revenue Agency allows you to claim these expenses on your income tax as long as you
are moving farther than 40km.

Drain gas and oil from lawnmowers, chainsaws, snow blowers, gas grills, and kerosene heaters. If you
are shipping cars and motorcycles they should have only a quarter of a tank of gas.

Prepare a “safety box” for the last on and first off of the van. Include all essentials from your kitchen
and bathroom as well as medications and first-aid supplies. Also, include a set of tools with a hammer,
pliers, screwdrivers, nails, and screws.

Prepare your children for the move by encouraging them to prepare their special treasure box with
toys, games, and snacks for the trip.

 Defrost and clean your fridge and freezer at least a day before the move.

 Remove snow and ice from sidewalks, driveways, and steps.

 Put linens and pillows in dresser drawers to have handy for making up your beds the first night. Place
draperies lengthwise on hangers and hang them in a closet, the movers will place them in wardrobe
cartons.

Keep your telephone connected throughout your moving day or have a cell phone.
One day before the Move
Call the movers to make sure everything is scheduled for moving day.

If you ordered a packing crew, it will usually arrive one or two days before moving day. Make sure to
stay at home and supervise the packing. Pack all valuables you want to take with you by yourself
anything expensive should be in your car or personal care.

Make sure fragile items receive special attention. Label each box with the contents and location in the
new home.

 Collect all house keys and arrange to leave them with the new owners, your real estate agent, or your
landlord. You may want to notify the police if your home will be unoccupied for some time.

Notify a close friend or relative of your itinerary in case of an emergency.
Day of the Move

Most important arrange parking for the truck, move cars, and clean the driveway of snow or debris.
If needed, book an elevator if it’s an apartment; make arrangements for pets if needed. Be ready so
you are not packing when movers show up (if you want to use them to pack, let the company know in
advance). Have your finances for the move in advance. Be ready, we are there for you to do a job and
the more stuff you have the longer it takes so give away what you don’t want.

Compare the mover’s inventory with your records and make sure you agree on the condition of your
household goods. You may want to take photographs in case a dispute arises. Make sure you get a copy
of the inventory list.

 Give a last-minute check to every room and closet before the truck leaves. Make sure the water,
furnace, and air conditioner are shut off, windows are shut and locked, and the lights are switched off.

Make sure you have the truck driver’s name and contact information, and give him contact numbers
at the destination. Confirm directions to your new home with your driver.

Turn off the water heater. Set the thermostat to 15 degrees.
Moving in Day

 Be at your new home before the movers or have someone there. You don’t want movers waiting
around for you. You may be charged for waiting if you are late. Arrange a ride, taxi, friend, bike, etc.

 Contact utility companies to verify service start dates.

Check the appliances, furnace, and hot-water heater. Contact a repair service if something is not
working.

Place a floor plan of your new home by the entrance, so the movers know where to place each piece of
furniture.

Check the condition of each box or household item as it is unloaded, since you will do most of the
unpacking after the movers leave. By signing the inventory sheet, you are acknowledging receipt of all
items listed. Personally report any loss or damage to your salesperson or move coordinator.

To prevent possible damage, television sets, other electronic equipment, and major appliances
should not be used before they have a chance to adjust to room temperature.

Call Canada Post to find out if they are holding any mail for you and ask the services to start.
After You’re Settled

Obtain necessary IDs such as driver’s license, health card, etc.

Register your car at the new address. Most provinces allow 90 days grace period.

 Contact newspapers and other services for home delivery.

Walk in your neighborhood to get a good idea of what is around and where to find things.

Check the opening and closing hours of stores and service facilities.

 Make friends with your neighbors.

Consult an attorney about any local laws that might be different from your previous residence. These
will affect your family as soon as your new residence is established.

Register to vote.
Call now 647-793-0044 or 647-691-6768
Email: multitaskmover@gmail.com