Moving out of a Waterloo Region home is a big undertaking, especially if you've been at the same address for a long time. Some people are so overwhelmed by the prospect of sorting through their stuff that they would rather throw everything away and start over in a new place!
Preplanning, preparation, and effort performed in advance of your move can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. If your moving timeline is constrained by the fact that you are selling your home and have agreed to a quick closing date, you may have to do everything you can to complete your move as swiftly and painlessly as possible, making the prospect even more stressful.
It can be made easier though. The steps below will guide you through each stage of your move and help you get to your new place with as little fuss, and stress, as possible.
When Your Home Goes on the Market
Now is the time to stock up on packing materials like tape, boxes, and wrapping sheets or plastics. Buy red markers or stickers to designate your fragile packages.
Start keeping note of all your moving costs, as some of them may be tax deductible.
All closets should be cleaned and organized.
Clean and de-clutter every room of the house, including the garage and basement, and trash everything you don't want to pack or won't need in your new place.
Pack any unused things you intend to keep. Label the contents of each box and keep them in a secure but out-of-the-way spot where they won't get in the way of showings.
Donate unwanted items to charity or sell them at a garage sale, or online via sites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace and Poshmark.
When You've Set a Moving Date
Get price quotes and a list of services if you're hiring movers. When you have a firm moving date in mind, book your spot. Not sure who to use? Your real estate agent should be able to make some good recommendations.
If you're doing everything yourself, look into moving truck pricing, reserve a truck, and consider hiring help or enlisting the help of friends or family on moving day.
A Month Before the Move
Continue to pack up things that don't get used very often, start terminating services that you use each month, and start preparing the home for its new owner.
If movers will pack you, ask the moving company for advice on the best ways to prepare.
Contact people who work for you regularly—such as pool maintenance companies, —to cancel their services. Leave their business cards for the new owners.
Place reference manuals for major appliances in a kitchen cabinet or drawer where new owners will find them.
Label extra keys and place them in the drawer.
Two Weeks Before the Move
Call utility companies and arrange for meter readings on the day of closing so that the new owner is responsible for all services after that day. The new owner should also notify the utility companies of the change and establish new accounts.
At closing, have your utilities disconnected—or removed from your name—as the new owner will need to set up accounts.
Stop receiving propane gas or fuel via auto-delivery unless it is absolutely necessary.
Make plans to cancel your phone service on the day of closing. Give everyone involved in the move and real estate closing your cell phone number or alternative contact number in case they need to reach you after the home phone has been disconnected.
Disconnect your satellite or cable television service.
Now do the polar opposite to get your new home's services up and running.
At the post office, file a change of address notice that will take effect on your moving date or a few days before.
Notify your creditors, magazine subscriptions, friends and relatives, doctors, dentists, and anybody else who needs to know about your new address.
For newspaper deliveries, set a cancellation date or a new address.
Begin gathering up goods you sent out for cleaning or repair if you're moving out of the area. Return library books as well as borrowed DVDs and videos. Arrange for your medicines to be moved to a pharmacy close to your new residence.
Make an essentials box or two with anything you'll need right away once you've unloaded at your new address. Toiletries, cleaning supplies, a broom, towels, sheets, blankets, a change of clothes, and nightwear are examples of such items.
Find certificates proving that your pets have received all the necessary vaccines. Other crucial paperwork should be gathered and brought with you on the day of the move.
One Week Before Moving Day
Confirm that your closing is still on track and handle tasks required by your closing agent.
Confirm moving and delivery dates with movers or check your truck reservation.
Clean each room thoroughly as you finish packing. Don't forget the major appliances. Wait to pack your vacuum and other tools necessary for last-minute cleaning on moving day.
Arrange to cancel the existing homeowner's insurance coverage after the closing is complete, and you no longer own the property. If there's a delay, call your insurance agent immediately.
On Moving Day
Open cabinet and closet doors to check for stray items throughout the house.
Make certain you have the keys to your new residence.
Supervise movers during loading and delivery to ensure that boxes and other belongings are delivered to the correct rooms in your new house.
Keep an eye out for broken items or boxes. On the mover's bill of lading, make a note of any damage and have the supervisory person sign off on it.
Unpack your basics box first, then take a break before beginning the big unpacking project.
You know there's more to moving than this if you've ever done it! The safe transportation of pets, plants, and people should be at the top of your priority list, and practically everything you stopped doing at your former home must be restarted at the new place. However, the tips here should get your move off to a great start.