What to Expect on Moving Day
Saying
good-bye to one neighbourhood and discovering a new one
is an exciting adventure. But let's face it, at the end
of your home-buying process you may find yourself exhausted.
After all, the other obligations in your life have not paused.
What's
more, now there's another cost -- moving. Whether you hire
professionals or strong-arm friends into helping, be prepared
for the cost of the move. Here are some suggestions on how
to reduce the cost of your move, but let's first look at
how to prepare for the big day.
You
will have noticed that your possessions expand to fill the
space allotted. Guess what, if you're moving into a larger
home, you'll be gathering more stuff, so start out right.
Don't take it all. Before you pack it all into boxes and
cart it to a new location, take a good look at everything
and find out what you can live without. This is a great
time to have a garage sale and what doesn't sell, you can
give away to charity.
Have
all of your change of address cards filled out months in
advance. You'll want to notify friends, family, businesses,
organizations you're a member of, etc. Have the cards ready
to mail once the deal is closed. Redecorate before the move.
Sometimes it isn't possible, but if you have the chance
to work without the obstructions of furniture, you'll find
that you can get twice the work done in half the time.
Put
the utilities in your name. Hydro, water, gas are the first
companies to call. But don't forget to coordinate your telephone
and cable service. Of course, you'll want to let the companies
servicing your old home know when to disconnect service
there.
Get
Packing
You'll want to ensure that each item you own is well packed
to minimize damage during travel. Whether you're moving
around the corner, across town or across the country, the
moving process is always the same.
To Hire Movers or Not to Hire Movers?
If you hire movers to pack for you, they'll descend on your
home with a crew of experienced packers who will seal, pad
and itemize everything you own in a day or two.
During
the move, you'll want to make sure you're insured while
your belongings are in transition. Many moving companies
also offer additional insurance.
On
moving day, go through the house with the crew supervisor
and have him take note of any special instructions. If there
are items you will need first in your new home (like a crib)
make sure they put it in the moving van last. The movers
will also make note of the condition of your goods on a
master list. It is your responsibility to make sure it's
accurate.
After
the van is unloaded and your goods are unpacked, inspect
everything and make note of any damage. While movers do
unpack, they don't put dishes or linens away.
If
you are undertaking the packing process by yourself, it
will take time. Pack well in advance, and take note of what
you can really live without. You'll have items that need
special attention and other items that need to be disassembled.
Label each box in detail and, if you know where it will
go in your new home, put the destination on the box.
- Pack
what you need most last!
- Label
each box carefully!
- Designate
a destination!
- You'll
also want to pack a box of essentials. These are items
you're likely to use once you arrive in your new home.
Include items like:
-
toilet paper
- soap
- toothbrushes
and toothpaste
- paper
towels
- garbage
bags (a lot of them!)
- paper
plates, cups and plastic utensils
can opener
- hammer,
screwdrivers, pliers
- a
flashlight
- some
light bulbs
- snacks
and drinks
- a
radio
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