Give away, sell, discard any unnecessary belongings.
Advise post office and complete change of address
cards to inform companies and employers of move.
Obtain school records for new school transfer.
Check and clear any outstanding taxes on your present
property.
Call your insurance agent and transfer or arrange
coverage for your new home.
Send out all items for cleaning or in need of repair.
Return tose items that were borrowed and collect any
items loaned out.
Dispose of flammable items.
Arrrange for the shutting off of all utilities and
the connection of utilities for you new house. Have meters read.
Try to have your telephone cancellation or transfer
for the last possible moment on moving day. You can secure your next number
far in advance of your move, and this can often simplify things later.
Clean all drapes, rugs and floors.
Defrost and clean fridge on day before the move; clean
stove.
Organize work that has to be completed at your new
home.
Obtain appraisals for any items of value in case you
need to make an insurance claim from the moving company. Pistures are a great
benefit here!
Make arrangements to discontinue cleaning services,
pool maintenance, window cleaners, snow removers, landscapers etc.
Ensure that adequate insurance for all your household
goods is still in place while your goods are in transit or storage.
Notify financial organizations, insurance companies,
medical practitioners, credit cards companies, etc. of your move.
Cancel newspaper subscriptions.
Change voter's records.
Storing and Packing
Do's...
Use packing paper, pads for inventory, markers.
Heavy twine, masking tape, boxes, and containers for
packing.
Empty gas tanks from lawnmowers, outboard motors,
etc.
Remove all batteries from appliances and toys.
Mark contents of all boxes very clearly specifying
which room they are to be placed in (this will save you moving them again
and again...).
Set aside things you will carry in the car in a carton
marked "Do Not Load".
Indicate which cartons you wish to be unloaded first
and unloaded last.
Make sure you keep a telephone book with you.
Tie or tape brooms and mops together and bundle your
curtain rods.
Make sure all fragile and delicate items are indicated.
Carry all jewellery, valuable papers and currency
with you.
Ensure that tops are secured for all liquids in bottles.
All phonograph records should be packed upright on
their edges, not flat.
Crate glass table tops, large mirrors and any valuable
pictures.
Pack all books on edge in small boxes.
Limit carton weight to 60 pounds.
Tie or tape all boxes securely.
Lamp shades should be packed in boxes by themselves.
Small appliances should be packed and wrapped in the
bottom of boxes.
Table lamps should also be packed.
Make sure heavy china items are placed at the bottom
of the box with extra padding.
Flat pieces should be placed on edge.
Small items should be packed in a smaller box inside
a larger box.
Dismantle large power tools before moving.
Remove fixtures that are fastened to the wall
Move clothes and drapes in a wardrobe supplied by
the movers.
...And Don'ts
Avoid overloading drawers when packing items in dressers.
Try not to use newspapers to pack as the ink may rub
off.
Do not leave shelves loose in stoves or refridgerators.
Do not pack cleaning products in the same boxes as
food.
Try not to roll mattresses or rugs. Leave for the
movers to put in special cartons.
Do not wrap articles of furniture or tie with ropes.
On Moving Day...
If possible have friends or relatives take care of
children and pets elsewhere.
Check and number all boxes.
Check each carton for loss or damage.
Prepare a list of damaged or lost articles.
Make sure movers are paid...they usually want cash
or a certified cheque.
Check supply of heating fuel (if oil).
Make arrangements to have appliances hooked up.
Get meters read and utilities turned on.
Set up bedrooms and kitchen first.
Tool kit should be handy.
Local and Long Distance Moving.
As a general rule, although each moving company may vary
to a certain extent, a local move is considered to be a move within an 80 kilometre
(50 mile) radius of the moving company's premises. Therefore long distance would
be considered a move outside an 80 kilometre (50 mile) radius of the moving
company's premises. The mover must hold appropiate licences for local and long
distance moving. Check with local and provincial authorities if you have any
questions!!
How The Costs of Your Move Are Typically Calculated
Local Moving
Costs are calculated on the number of hours the truck
is tied up on your move multiplied by the hourly for-hire rate. Generally, the
hours are based from the time the truck leaves the moving company's premises
until the time it returns.
Long Distance
Costs are calculated on the weight and distance of your
shipment (shipment will be weighed at a government inspection weigh station).
Storage
If your goods are to be placed into storage, make sure
the costs of staroge are explained to you including loading and unloading fees
plus monthly storage rates.
NOW RELAX...
The company you finally hire is in business to provide
you with the best possible service it can. After you have carefully chosen your
mover, you can be sure that your belongings will be handled as efficiently and
safely as possible. Professional movers pride themselves in the service they
provide to thousands of Canadians each year.
Arrange For Your Move
Obtain two or three estimates for your move and compare
the services offered.
Have the contents of your residence/office viewed
by a qualified estimator and a written estimate prepared.
Book your move aas far in advance as possible, even
if, in the case of a new home/office, your closing is not firm. Most movers
can be flexible with proper notice.
Avoid scheduling your move for the end of the month
as this is a busy period for moverrs. Some movers may offer lower rates at
other times of the month.
Try to ensure that at least three staff are assigned
to your move-two to load and unload your goods and one to remain with the
truck to avoid possible theft.
Prior to entering into a contract with a mover, make
sure you determine what liability the mover will assume in the event of loss
or damage. You may find it necessary to make special insurance arrangements.
It is advisable to have your goods packed by movers.
They are professionals and know how to properly ship and handle your belongings.
Ask the mover for the cost of their packing service.
Confirm your arrangements with the mover a day or
two prior to the move to avoid and last minute difficulties. Make sure the
mover has specific directions to pick your goods up and for locating your
new premises, particularly in the case of a newly constructed home/office
where the street names and numbers are not easily visible.
Take Caution...
A mover whose estimate cost for your move is far below
that of your other estimates may spell trouble.
Damage to goods packed by you is your responsibility
and not the mover's unless the mover has been negligent in the care of the
boxes packed.
Clark Power :: RE/MAX Mid-Island Realty 4994 Argyle Street Port Alberni 250-723-5666
