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Create a "move file" to keep track of estimates, receipts and other important information |
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Budget for moving expenses and
obtain moving quotes if applicable. I recommend you obtain at least 3 quotes as prices will vary. Directory of moving companies in Canada see
http://www.moving-companies-moving-services.com/msdl_ca_canada_moving_relocation_canadian.htm |
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| Make arrangements with moving company or reserve a rental truck. |
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| If you are doing the move yourself, start collecting boxes and start packing early with items less likely needed prior to the move. Pick up packing tape and label your boxes clearly with the name of the room they are from and the contents, this will ease confusion of finding things once you get moved. |
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| Packing boxes are also available online at reasonable cost, even if you only order the ones you need for those specialty items like wardrobe boxes etc.
http://packandparcel.com/store/index.html |
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| This is a good time to go through all your belongings and determine what you want and need, separate the items to be disposed of and consider having a yard sale, advertising in the classifieds or donating to charity. |
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| Arrange for help on moving day. Consider getting a babysitter if needed. |
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| Have your telephone, cable TV or satellite TV scheduled to be disconnected for your old residence. |
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| If renting your present home, arrange to have the gas, hydro and water meters read if applicable. |
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| Discuss with your real estate representative when the vendor will be moved out of the house. Often the closing date on the sale his/her house will be the same as the closing date on the purchase of his/her new house. To ensure that both parties have ample time to vacate the premises and move into the new quarters, a pre-arranged time to do so will ensure a smoother move for both parties. |
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| If you are renting your present home, make sure prior written notice is given to the landlord and make arrangements for the return of any monies you have on deposit with them. |
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| Fill out change of address order form for post office. Pick up the change of address cards for mailing out to any regular mailers you have such as magazine subscriptions, credit card companies etc. |
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| Cancel any contracted service and pre-authorized payments for such things as the newspaper etc. |
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| Change the address on your driver's license effective the day of the move. |
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| Make arrangements for moving your pets, consider taking them in for grooming so they are kept safe during the move. |
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| Dispose safely of all flammable liquids prior to the day of moving. |
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| If you have children make arrangements at the new school and advise them of the start date of the child/children's attendance. |
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| Plan meals that will use up the food in your freezer |
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| Drain all the oil and gasoline from your lawn mower and power tools to ensure safe transportation. |
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| Empty, defrost, and clean your refrigerator and freezer, and clean your stove, all at least 24 hours before moving to let them air out. Try using baking soda to get rid of any
odours. |
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| Since you'll probably want to clean before the furniture is unloaded off the truck, make sure your vacuum is packed last, so it can be unloaded first. |
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| Thoroughly check closets, attics and other storage areas to make sure nothing gets left behind. |
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| The collection of spare house keys can often be forgotten. Whether it means getting them from
neighbours who kept them, or retrieving them from under the rock next to the front door, don't forget to gather all sets before you depart |
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| Reserve elevator if moving from condo |
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| For Out of Town moves include these items as well as the above: |
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| Pack phone books from your old town. You may think you'll remember the numbers you frequently call now but, more likely, you'll spend a small fortune on directory assistance charges to contact old friends or tie up loose ends. |
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| Although your focus will be on your new home or apartment, you can't forget about preparing the old residence for your exit. Remember to leave out cleaning supplies for the final "once-over" before closing the door for good, or make arrangements in advance for a service to clean it for you. |
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| Make travel arrangements, if necessary, with airlines, buses, car rental agencies and hotels |
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| Obtain medical and dental records, x-rays and prescription histories. Ask doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions |
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