Moving House

It’s a done deal. You’re finally moving into a new home. But while the excitement builds, so does the anxiety about your getting your stuff to your new digs. Whether you’re relying on your own muscle-power or hiring professional help, a little moving know-how will get you there with as little stress and few unnecessary expenses as possible.
Start early. Make a checklist of things that need to be done before moving day. First off, there’s a whole list of companies and organizations that need to know your new address and when it will take effect. Arrange for change-of-address notification with Canada Post. Update any government documents, such as your driver’s license. Call your insurance company to update your homeowner’s policy. Inform utility companies (including cable and phone), newspaper and magazine subscription departments, and often-missed health-care professionals (such as your doctor and dentist) about your move.
Put Canada Post’s online service to work for you. At www.smartmoves.ca you’ll be able to file your change-of-address notification with a few clicks of the mouse. Pick an E-card to send to friends and family, let Canada Post know which government offices and business your want to notify, and generate helpful checklists to keep your move on track. You’ll also have access to exclusive offers and special discounts.
Trash it or save it. Moving is the perfect time to edit your belongings. Make a list of the things you don’t want to move with you. Dispose of those shabby university-dorm bookcases, that haggard flea market easy-chair, or meaningless memorabilia before you buy packing tape. If your pile of rejects is high, arrange for a trash removal service to cart it away for you.
If you’re moving into a smaller space and not ready to part with larger items that you don’t have room for, consider putting them in storage. Check under “moving and storage” in the Yellow Pages for a local facility. Also note that if you’re using professional movers, they may offer storage services.
Hire your wheels. If you’re moving on your own, arrange for your van or truck as early as possible, especially if you’re moving during summer months. The rental company will be able to advise you on what size of truck you’ll need and offer moving equipment for an extra fee. Things like a dolly, furniture pads, and proper packing material might be worth the extra cost.
You’ll also want to take the time to sign a contract and know exactly what you’re paying for. Moving day is not the time to be quibbling over a verbal agreement.
Get professional help. If you’ve decided to hire movers, don’t go with the first moving company you contact. Get estimates from a few companies since you’ll be trusting them with practically everything you own. When you review the estimates, make sure you’re getting prices for the same services and take special note of how precious items will be handled. Some moving companies will not move pianos, chandeliers, or sensitive electrical equipment but may recommend a special service for you to investigate. You’ll also want to note their insurance coverage. Exactly what will you get if your inherited dining suite is chipped or scratched?
Pack it up. If you’re hiring a professional mover, you may be lucky enough to avoid packing since some will pack everything for you. If, on the other hand, packing is a chore with your name on it, invest in proper packing supplies. You may even want to check the Yellow Pages under “moving supplies and equipment” to rent or buy supplies. Some even offer plastic bins for the environmentally-minded.
Good boxes go a long way in making your move smoother, but don’t forget about reinforced packing tape, a tape gun, bubble wrap, packing paper (since newsprint can discolour light coloured items), and a marker to label boxes. To avoid back and muscle strain, keep packed boxes under 25 kg and label all sides, top, and bottom. To prevent damage, don’t over- or under-pack boxes.
Like all complicated endeavours, a little planning is a great stress-buster. It makes move-out day go by that much more smoothly, and move-in a dream.