When it is time to move in Georgetown, Acton, Erin, Halton Hills, Norval, Ballinafad, Hillsburg, Rockwood, Guelph, or anywhere,  there are a myriad of things that need to done and taken care of.  Please use the list below and a guideline of things to think about...certainly there will be other items that are specific to you, your family and your situation. 

1. Decide on exactly what you want and need to move. Items that you have had stored in boxes or never used for the last 12 - 24 months, probably don't need to go with you. For all the items that you decide don't need to go...plan a garage sale, give to friends, family and the needy. Please note if you are planning a Garage Sale, Johnson Associates and I will arrange to lend you appropriate Garage Sale Tent Signs for your use the day(s) of your sale.
   
2. Find good homes for things or creatures that you can't take with you. If you have pets that you can't take with you, plants or objects that mean something...be sure to take the time to find them a good home. Making these arrangements well in advance will put your mind at ease.
   
3. Decide on how you are going to move. If you are doing it yourself start looking for boxes to use to pack. Start getting quotes on rental moving trucks and check into availability...remember most people close deals on Fridays and at ends of months so be sure you book your truck early to be sure to get one and get the best price. If you are using a moving company it is best to get several quotes and for the same reasons get them well in advance to ensure you have the time to check for best price and to ensure your date is protected. BOOK your movers well in advance.
   Be sure to check with the owner of the property where you are going to double-check the timing so you don't pay movers to sit and wait.
   
4. Discontinue and / or give notice to anyone performing services for you. Be sure if you have hired assistance that they be given sufficient notice...the cleaning lady, the gardener, snow removal, newspaper delivery, etc.
   
5. Memberships in local clubs or organizations should be dealt with early. If they can be transferred do so, if they have to be cancelled see if you can and arrange a rebate for the time not used. For organizations that the children are enrolled in, be sure they are made aware of your plans, as they likely will want to say goodbye in some special way. If you have subscription tickets that you won't be able to use...give them away or sell them.
   
6. Amalgamate all your important documents in a master file. Moving is a great time to organize all your important papers. Use the list below simply as a guide:
   • Passports
   • Birth & Marriage Certificates
   • Medical Records
   • Vaccination certificates that relate to the family pets
   • Work & School Records
   • Insurance Policies...health / car / home
   • Warranties for any appliance, electronic devise, computer, etc. that you are taking with you
   • Automobile Records
   • Contracts that will continue after the move
   • Memberships that are being transferred
   • All Bank Books and Financial Records
7. Arrange to Transfer all Family Health Records.
   • Medical
   • Dental
   • Prescriptions
   • Hospital Records
   • Eye Care
   • Advise OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan)
8. Arrange to Transfer Financial Records.
   • Bank Accounts
   • Close out safety deposit boxes and unused accounts
   • If you have pre-authorized deductions arranged for services that will not be carried on...be sure to cancel them.
9. Register your change of address at the Post Office.
   
10. Obtain "Change of Address" cards at the Post Office. Send them out in advance to all necessary recipients. A list of possible recipients is below...but your list will reflect your needs.
    • All Credit Card Companies
    • Accountant
    • Medical Professionals...even if you are changing
    • Insurance Company
    • Utility Companies...to ensure final bills are all dealt with
    • Lawyer
    • Your Municipal Tax Office
    • Any Clubs or Associations that you will be carrying on with
11. Arrange to change your Driver's License Information just before you move.
    
12. Arrange your Insurance Coverage...cancel the old and set up the new...be sure you are covered. It is important to do this in time. In today's Real Estate world it is often procedure to write an Insurance Clause into an offer to ensure the new coverage is set before the deal is final.
    
13. Draw a floor plan of your new home. Set up a grid to scale (use graph paper 1"=1') and arrange all rooms with your furniture. This will allow you to decide if there is anything in the way of furniture that needs to be sold or disposed of.
    
14. Keep track of all your moving Expenses. You may find that some of the expenses of moving may be tax deducible...so keep your receipts and check with your accountant.
    
15. Arrange to close out the utilities in the house you are living in. If you have rental units that you are paying for on your utility bills ensure that they can be assumed and if not cut off or removed.... in most cases they are assumable.
    
16. Arrange to turn on the utilities in the house you are moving into.
    
17. Larger items being moved may need to be cleaned. If you are taking area rugs, curtains or drapes with you, you might want to have them cleaned and move them that way.
    
18. If you have borrowed anything from neighbours and friends...return it. If you have lent anything...collect it.
    
19. If you take medication...order all necessary pills. If you are staying in the area this is not as critical as if you are moving away. It is important that you don't run out of prescriptions that are required for daily use...better safe than sorry.
    
20. As time approaches start using up the food you have around so you don't need to move it or waste it. Tin and boxed foods are easy to move but they are just as easy to use up and not have to move...they may be easier to replace.
    
21. List all contents by room. It is so much easier at the other end if you plan the move methodically...the unpacking and getting life and home back in order quickly is much more efficient if the initial planning was organized. Remember this includes the house, the garage, the shed, the garden, storage, etc. 
    
22. PACKING: Be sure to pack smart. Keep boxes light enough to handle. Try to use totes, if you own them, for more breakable items. Many small easy to move boxes are always better than fewer heavy, large boxes. You'll appreciate you packed smart at the other end when it's time to unpack.
    
23. Remember the Kids...they may need special care during moving especially if it is their first move as it is new to them. Let the kids get involved in the move. Have them choose what they might not want to take. Don't toss out their stuff behind their backs. Get them excited by discussing the new teams or clubs they may join once the move is made.

THE DAY OF THE MOVE

• Check every room, closet and drawer to be sure nothing is left behind.
• Be sure all garbage is out of the house and off the property.
• Turn off all the lights.
• Read all meters...hydro, gas & water. They will have been read by this point or just after so this is just a double check for you. The final bills should be within a small variance of the readings you take down.
• Depending on the weather outside...turn down the furnace or air conditioner.
• Lock all windows and doors.
• Be sure to leave any agreed to papers or items for the new owners.
• Leave the house the way you would like to receive your new home...clean & tidy.
• Carry With You:
  • The Keys To Your New Home
  • Map of new town and directions to your home
  • The telephone number of the moving company
  • Cash and or debit or credit cards
  • Insurance policies and your agent's phone number
  • Prescriptions and non-prescription medicines
  • Any important personal records and documents
  • Any items that are of great personal value
  • Back-up copies of important computer files
  • Personal hygiene items
• Show Movers where to place furniture & boxes
• Check inventory to ensure everything was delivered before signing delivery papers.  Note any damages on the inventory sheet.

Should you have any questions about moving or you would like a copy of the Checklist e-mailed to you...please just Click Here to forward an e-mail and I will send you one by return.

    Deborah Gilmore...Your Trusted Source For Anything Real Estate!