Moving Checklist
2 – 3 Months Before the Move:
o Put Together a Moving Binder – Keep everything pertaining to the move in here - all of your paperwork, flyers, notes, receipts etc. - so it stays in one place as your house gets packed up. This binder will also be a good reference if you can deduct moving expenses from your taxes.
o Forward Mail – Change of Address – this can be done online or in person.
USPS online form: moversguide.usps.com
Canada Post Online Form: canadapost.ca – click the “more” tab on the top right of the page and then click “change your address”
o Research / Book Moving Companies
Get Recommendations – Ask friends and family who they used and if they would use them again.
Perform a Pre-Hire Screening – Once you have compiled a list of movers go online and do a quick background check. Call or visit these sites:
Better Business Bureau – bbb.org (USA) or ccbbb.ca (Canada)
American Moving Association – moving.org or 703-683-7410
Canadian Association of Movers – mover.net or 1-866-860-0065
Moving Scam – movingscam.com
Rip-Off Report - ripoffreport.com
Demand an in-home estimate – Do not use the online estimate tool or any other online tool to estimate what it will cost. There are a lot of online scams so if the Company won’t come for an estimate, scratch them off of your list
Compare 3 – 4 Companies for an in-home estimate – Ask for a binding estimate or a capped estimate. These will provide you with the exact cost for the move or at least a maximum amount it will cost to move your household.
Show the estimator everything during the in-home estimate – Show everything in the basement, kids toys in the backyard, treasures in the attic etc. If the movers show up on moving day and there is significantly more than originally estimated, you will be forced to pay the difference.
Make sure the Company has the proper license/insurance to legally move you – Collect the following items at each estimator appointment:
· The Company’s full name and all names under which it does business
· The Company’s address, phone number, email and website
· Names and contact information for the Company’s references
Review the Estimate – Don’t assume anything – read over the estimate carefully before signing anything.
Compare the Bids – Most and least expensive doesn’t always mean they’re the best or the worst. Look at all of the information collectively to make your decision.
Call the FMCSA’s Safety Violation and Consumer Complaints hotline – As a final step make sure there are no complaints against the Company you have decided to use for your move. 1-888-368-7238
o Purge the House – There is no sense moving things you no longer want / need, are broken, won’t fit in the new home etc. Donate these items to a local charity, give to friends, organize a garage sale or sale on ebay, craigslist or kijiji
o Organize School Records – If you are moving into a different school district with your children, make sure you arrange for records to be sent to the new district.
o Note Items that Need Special Attention - Make a list of the items in the home that need extra attention during packing and moving. Share this list with the movers.
o Order Moving Supplies - Boxes, moving tape, packing paper, luckily you already have the best box labels around, bubble wrap etc. You can order these from multiple sources, but here are a few suggestions to get you started:
U-Haul – uhaul.com – often an inexpensive option, you can purchase everything at your local u-haul store. If you have unused boxes at the end of the move you can return them to the store for a full refund (keep the receipt)
Budget Truck Rental – Offers free shipping on orders over $20 (USA)
Boxesdelivered.com – Sells packing supplies at a discounted rate and offers free shipping on orders of $75 or more.
Boxshop.ca – Sells every packing supply your could think of and they offer free shipping within Canada.
1 Month Before:
o Start Packing - Start by packing the items you don’t use frequently like: china / serving pieces, out of season clothing, seasonal decorations, tools, kitchen gadgets, photo albums etc. Make sure to declare anything valued over $100 per pound like the TV and computer.
o Clearly Label – Make sure you use the Pack –N- Label Move Organizing Kit, visit pack-n-label.com for more info, to clearly label each box for easy inventory and identification.
o Forward Medical / Dental Records – If you are moving out of the area send medical records to the new healthcare providers or obtain copies of them yourself. Ask for referrals in your new area.
o Don’t Forget the Pets - If you have pets make sure you also transfer their medical and vaccination records to the new vet. Also consider what you will do with them on moving day: boarding, staying with friends or family etc. You will want them out of the way and in a safe place.
o Schedule Utilities Connection / Disconnection – Be sure to schedule connection the day before you move into the new home and schedule disconnection the day after moving from the old home. This will ensure you have lights and water where you need it. Also remember if you have a “last month” deposit to ask for it back from the company if you are moving out of their coverage area.
o Garage Sale Time – If you are planning a garage sale this is the time to do it.
o Book the Elevator – If you are moving into or out of a condo or apartment building make sure you book the elevators well in advance. Make sure you book a little extra time on the front and back end so you’re not feeling rushed.
o Notify Important Parties of your New Address - (use the space below to fill in your own):
Banks
Cable / satellite, internet and phone providers
Insurance companies
Hydro and utility companies
Credit card companies
Your employer’s human resource department
Doctor and dentist offices
Any subscriptions you may have (magazines, newspapers etc.)
Friends and Family
Update your driver’s license and medical card
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
2 Weeks Before:
o Take the Day off Work – Arrange to be off work on moving day. You will want to be around to supervise the move and handle any questions or problems immediately. If you’re moving during the week I would suggest taking the day after the move off as well.
o Tune Up – If you’re moving a great distance or to a new climate take your car in for a tune up. Make sure it’s safe for the drive and that you don’t need additional servicing for the new climate.
o Clean out the Safe-Deposit Box – If you are changing banks or moving out of the area, make sure you clean out the safe-deposit box well in advance. Pack these items in the boxes you will transport yourself.
o Contact the Moving Company – Reconfirm the arrangements for moving day.
o Clean out the Fridge / Freezer – Start eating your way through the contents of the fridge and freezer. These items will spoil if you are moving further than across town, so use it or lose it in the next couple of weeks.
o Tie Up Loose Ends – Make sure you have returned all library books and rented movies, picked up all of your dry cleaning and any items out for repair etc. Also pick up any items you have loaned to friends and family if you’re leaving the area.
1 Week Before:
o Packing – The majority of your packing should be done prior to one week before the move. Take a pulse – is most of your packing complete?
o Pack the Valuables – Pack items such as jewelry, important papers, passports, birth certificates etc. in a separate box that you will personally take to the new home. Also put your moving binder in this box on moving day for quick reference.
o Refill Prescriptions – Stock up on prescriptions so you don’t have to think about this during the move
o Prepare the Movers - Prepare a detailed map and directions for your movers, including a cell phone number you can be reached at on moving day. Make a few copies for moving day so every mover has their own copy.
o Pack a Travel Bag – Pack items you and your family will need on moving day such as: toothbrushes, medications, make-up, hair bushes, toilet paper, aspirin, etc. Make sure you pack 2 – 3 outfits per family member, don’t forget pajamas.
o Make Childcare Arrangements – If you have small children or kids that are out of school make arrangements with friends or family to keep them occupied during moving day.
A Few Days Before the Move
o Defrost the Freezer - If the fridge / freezer is coming with you, make sure it is defrosted and cleaned out at least 24 hours before moving it
o Reconfirm the Details – Double check the arrival time and other specific details to make sure you are prepared for moving day.
o Plan for Payment – If you haven’t already arranged a credit card payment get a money order or cashiers check for the movers. Also make sure you have some cash for tips. If the staff did a good job a 10 – 15% tip is the industry standard. If the move was especially difficult tip accordingly. Also remember refreshments are always appreciated – especially on a hot day!
Day of the Move
o Carefully Review the Landing Bill – Review everything on the mover’s landing bill before signing. If you have any concerns problems, broken, scratched or lost items etc., this is the time to bring them up so they are noted on the landing bill. Keep a copy in your moving binder for your records.
o Communicate - Make sure you have the mover’s cell phones so you can reach them throughout the move day.
o One Last Sweep – Before you leave the old home go through every closet, drawer, nook and cranny to make sure you are not leaving anything behind.
2 – 3 Months Before the Move:
o Put Together a Moving Binder – Keep everything pertaining to the move in here - all of your paperwork, flyers, notes, receipts etc. - so it stays in one place as your house gets packed up. This binder will also be a good reference if you can deduct moving expenses from your taxes.
o Forward Mail – Change of Address – this can be done online or in person.
USPS online form: moversguide.usps.com
Canada Post Online Form: canadapost.ca – click the “more” tab on the top right of the page and then click “change your address”
o Research / Book Moving Companies
Get Recommendations – Ask friends and family who they used and if they would use them again.
Perform a Pre-Hire Screening – Once you have compiled a list of movers go online and do a quick background check. Call or visit these sites:
Better Business Bureau – bbb.org (USA) or ccbbb.ca (Canada)
American Moving Association – moving.org or 703-683-7410
Canadian Association of Movers – mover.net or 1-866-860-0065
Moving Scam – movingscam.com
Rip-Off Report - ripoffreport.com
Demand an in-home estimate – Do not use the online estimate tool or any other online tool to estimate what it will cost. There are a lot of online scams so if the Company won’t come for an estimate, scratch them off of your list
Compare 3 – 4 Companies for an in-home estimate – Ask for a binding estimate or a capped estimate. These will provide you with the exact cost for the move or at least a maximum amount it will cost to move your household.
Show the estimator everything during the in-home estimate – Show everything in the basement, kids toys in the backyard, treasures in the attic etc. If the movers show up on moving day and there is significantly more than originally estimated, you will be forced to pay the difference.
Make sure the Company has the proper license/insurance to legally move you – Collect the following items at each estimator appointment:
· The Company’s full name and all names under which it does business
· The Company’s address, phone number, email and website
· Names and contact information for the Company’s references
Review the Estimate – Don’t assume anything – read over the estimate carefully before signing anything.
Compare the Bids – Most and least expensive doesn’t always mean they’re the best or the worst. Look at all of the information collectively to make your decision.
Call the FMCSA’s Safety Violation and Consumer Complaints hotline – As a final step make sure there are no complaints against the Company you have decided to use for your move. 1-888-368-7238
o Purge the House – There is no sense moving things you no longer want / need, are broken, won’t fit in the new home etc. Donate these items to a local charity, give to friends, organize a garage sale or sale on ebay, craigslist or kijiji
o Organize School Records – If you are moving into a different school district with your children, make sure you arrange for records to be sent to the new district.
o Note Items that Need Special Attention - Make a list of the items in the home that need extra attention during packing and moving. Share this list with the movers.
o Order Moving Supplies - Boxes, moving tape, packing paper, luckily you already have the best box labels around, bubble wrap etc. You can order these from multiple sources, but here are a few suggestions to get you started:
U-Haul – uhaul.com – often an inexpensive option, you can purchase everything at your local u-haul store. If you have unused boxes at the end of the move you can return them to the store for a full refund (keep the receipt)
Budget Truck Rental – Offers free shipping on orders over $20 (USA)
Boxesdelivered.com – Sells packing supplies at a discounted rate and offers free shipping on orders of $75 or more.
Boxshop.ca – Sells every packing supply your could think of and they offer free shipping within Canada.
1 Month Before:
o Start Packing - Start by packing the items you don’t use frequently like: china / serving pieces, out of season clothing, seasonal decorations, tools, kitchen gadgets, photo albums etc. Make sure to declare anything valued over $100 per pound like the TV and computer.
o Clearly Label – Make sure you use the Pack –N- Label Move Organizing Kit, visit pack-n-label.com for more info, to clearly label each box for easy inventory and identification.
o Forward Medical / Dental Records – If you are moving out of the area send medical records to the new healthcare providers or obtain copies of them yourself. Ask for referrals in your new area.
o Don’t Forget the Pets - If you have pets make sure you also transfer their medical and vaccination records to the new vet. Also consider what you will do with them on moving day: boarding, staying with friends or family etc. You will want them out of the way and in a safe place.
o Schedule Utilities Connection / Disconnection – Be sure to schedule connection the day before you move into the new home and schedule disconnection the day after moving from the old home. This will ensure you have lights and water where you need it. Also remember if you have a “last month” deposit to ask for it back from the company if you are moving out of their coverage area.
o Garage Sale Time – If you are planning a garage sale this is the time to do it.
o Book the Elevator – If you are moving into or out of a condo or apartment building make sure you book the elevators well in advance. Make sure you book a little extra time on the front and back end so you’re not feeling rushed.
o Notify Important Parties of your New Address - (use the space below to fill in your own):
Banks
Cable / satellite, internet and phone providers
Insurance companies
Hydro and utility companies
Credit card companies
Your employer’s human resource department
Doctor and dentist offices
Any subscriptions you may have (magazines, newspapers etc.)
Friends and Family
Update your driver’s license and medical card
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
2 Weeks Before:
o Take the Day off Work – Arrange to be off work on moving day. You will want to be around to supervise the move and handle any questions or problems immediately. If you’re moving during the week I would suggest taking the day after the move off as well.
o Tune Up – If you’re moving a great distance or to a new climate take your car in for a tune up. Make sure it’s safe for the drive and that you don’t need additional servicing for the new climate.
o Clean out the Safe-Deposit Box – If you are changing banks or moving out of the area, make sure you clean out the safe-deposit box well in advance. Pack these items in the boxes you will transport yourself.
o Contact the Moving Company – Reconfirm the arrangements for moving day.
o Clean out the Fridge / Freezer – Start eating your way through the contents of the fridge and freezer. These items will spoil if you are moving further than across town, so use it or lose it in the next couple of weeks.
o Tie Up Loose Ends – Make sure you have returned all library books and rented movies, picked up all of your dry cleaning and any items out for repair etc. Also pick up any items you have loaned to friends and family if you’re leaving the area.
1 Week Before:
o Packing – The majority of your packing should be done prior to one week before the move. Take a pulse – is most of your packing complete?
o Pack the Valuables – Pack items such as jewelry, important papers, passports, birth certificates etc. in a separate box that you will personally take to the new home. Also put your moving binder in this box on moving day for quick reference.
o Refill Prescriptions – Stock up on prescriptions so you don’t have to think about this during the move
o Prepare the Movers - Prepare a detailed map and directions for your movers, including a cell phone number you can be reached at on moving day. Make a few copies for moving day so every mover has their own copy.
o Pack a Travel Bag – Pack items you and your family will need on moving day such as: toothbrushes, medications, make-up, hair bushes, toilet paper, aspirin, etc. Make sure you pack 2 – 3 outfits per family member, don’t forget pajamas.
o Make Childcare Arrangements – If you have small children or kids that are out of school make arrangements with friends or family to keep them occupied during moving day.
A Few Days Before the Move
o Defrost the Freezer - If the fridge / freezer is coming with you, make sure it is defrosted and cleaned out at least 24 hours before moving it
o Reconfirm the Details – Double check the arrival time and other specific details to make sure you are prepared for moving day.
o Plan for Payment – If you haven’t already arranged a credit card payment get a money order or cashiers check for the movers. Also make sure you have some cash for tips. If the staff did a good job a 10 – 15% tip is the industry standard. If the move was especially difficult tip accordingly. Also remember refreshments are always appreciated – especially on a hot day!
Day of the Move
o Carefully Review the Landing Bill – Review everything on the mover’s landing bill before signing. If you have any concerns problems, broken, scratched or lost items etc., this is the time to bring them up so they are noted on the landing bill. Keep a copy in your moving binder for your records.
o Communicate - Make sure you have the mover’s cell phones so you can reach them throughout the move day.
o One Last Sweep – Before you leave the old home go through every closet, drawer, nook and cranny to make sure you are not leaving anything behind.
