“I've heard there are troubles of more than one kind; some come from ahead, and some come from behind. But I've brought a big bat. I'm all ready, you see; now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!” Dr. Seuss
Hi, Boomers and Gen Xers: Ready to Move House?
Here's Essential pointers to Ease the Pain.
On the stress meter Moving is one of the top three most stressful events: the death of a loved one being first, divorce third and moving in the number two spot. It’s understandable when you consider that over a lifetime, Canadians move five to six times, enduring about three months of stresses and strains on each occasion. Also, there are many details involved in moving and settling in and many of them are not under our direct control. So, no wonder the thought of moving can be overwhelming. However, you can keep your blood pressure under control by dialing down the stress metre with some foresight and advance planning. Here are some helpful pointers for a smoother move.
Pointer #1 Get professional assistance.
· There are Professional Organizers who can oversee the move from decluttering and organizing your home and dispersing unwanted items, to packing and unpacking, booking and over-seeing the movers;
· Home stagers can help show the best features of your home to prospective buyers,
· Real estate agents will list and sell your home and help you find a new one;
· Real estate lawyers can help you navigate the legal process of buying and selling your home. Also, in Ontario, only a lawyer can act to transfer title so you will need to hire a lawyer to complete the transaction;
· Moving companies services range from simply transporting belongings to full-service moving including packing, wrapping furniture, protecting your home from damage.
Pointer #2 Declutter and organize your home well in advance.
A moving company, Duck Brand, conducted a survey and found that after moving it takes 182 days for the average person to unpack every box, and some boxes never get unpacked at all. So, don’t pay to pack and haul stuff you don’t need. Let your professional organize help you disperse and donate the things you don’t want or need. Also, when you declutter and organize before you move your house will show well.
Pointer#3 Inform Canada Post to forward your mail.
In Canada mail forwarding for moves lasts for either 4 or 12 months. Make sure you get your mail forwarded until you’ve had time to inform all the people and businesses about your change of address (banks, credit cards, CRA, Pension provider, doctor, optometrist, dentist, lawyer, veterinarian, Service Ontario – Health Card & Driver’s License, Subscriptions, Insurance, Memberships, Home Delivery Services . . .) For extra assurance leave some stamped envelopes with your new address on it so the new homeowners can forward you your post easily
Pointer #4 Contact all of the utility companies a month in advance of your move.
a) Telephone - If required, arrange for transfer of service or disconnect and apply for a new account.
b) Internet - many internet companies will let your transfer your service and router to your new place. If you need to switch companies, you may be able to get your service turned on and the equipment delivered so you can set it up as soon as you arrive.
Pointer #5 Make a Moving Binder.
Make a moving file/binder or folder on google to keep quotes, receipts, and records related to your move. For example: moving quotes? Cost of moving boxes? You will also need to find and put together any paperwork and documents that have to do with your property. Keeping your house move paperwork and legal documents separate will help you keep track of what’s going on.
Pointer #6 Research Moving Companies.
Schedule in-home estimates with 2 or 3 reputable moving companies. A good place to start might be The Canadian Association of Movers which has about 400 mover members in Canada. They are validated as members by having a good moving-industry reputation and the necessary professional and administrative qualifications. There is also a searchable directory. Another way to find a moving company is to ask friends and family for referrals. Your professional organizer or real estate agent can also recommend movers. *Book your mover 6 weeks prior to move and if they are packing up then 2 – 3 days before moving.
Pointer #7 Inventory the Items going with the Movers.
Note all the important information about every item that is being put on the moving truck such as type and quantity, brand, serial number and estimated value. This inventory helps you get a better moving estimate and keeps track of your possessions. It can also serve as a packing list, simplify labeling and unpacking, and back your insurance claim if any items get lost or damaged while in the movers’ care. Ask about the different types of liability protection offered by your mover (buy additional insurance, if necessary).
Pointer #8 Take pictures or videos of how things are assembled.
· Take a picture of wire fittings on electronic equipment such as computers to help you set them up properly in your new home.
· Take a video while you are disassembling your Furniture so you can remember how it is assembled. Put all your hardware in labeled baggies for easy furniture reassembly.
· Take photos of gas/electricity/water meter readings to avoid being overcharged.
Pointer #9 Pack your essentials box.
Make sure you pack your important documents (financial, legal records, birth certificates, passports). Carry important documents on you during your move. If you know there are a few things you're going to need right away, put them in a box or tote bag in your car, items like essential medications, basic personal care items, some eating utensils, plates and mugs, a change of clothes, a set of bed linen and towels for every family member, roll of toilet paper, essential electronic devices (with their chargers), pet items, and any other life-savers you need on a daily basis. This box has to travel with you, as it contains everything you need to survive for several days without the rest of your items.
Moving is difficult at the best of times. Even the most organized among us will experience some small problems and frustrations along the way. With foresight and planning and some help from the professionals you’ve got a big bat. Remember Dr. Seuss “. . . I've brought a big bat. I'm all ready, you see; now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!”
