Much of the stress of moving house can be significantly reduced by getting organized. Real Pro Movers are here to help with anything you need for your household move. It’s never too early to start planning – use our moving checklist to help you prepare for a successful move.
8 Weeks Before Moving Day
- Pick a Vancouver mover and book a date a minimum of 4 weeks in advance
- Purge house of items not making the move
- Start a moving binder to keep receipts, inventory list, checklist, etc. in one place
- Inventory everything to be moved
- Arrange cut-off dates (old home) and activation dates (new home) for utilities & services
- Request a floor plan of your new home – take detailed measurements to ensure furniture pieces will fit through doors and in rooms
- If you live in an apartment or condo, book the elevator; inquire about special access instructions and parking arrangements for moving truck
6 Weeks Before Moving Day
- Make a list of packing supplies you’ll need
- Notify your children’s school(s) and get any necessary school records
- Ask your insurance agent if you need to make any changes to your policies
- Get a list of moving expenses that might be tax-deductible
- Take pictures of any valuable items for insurance purposes; write down serial numbers of for electronics and other valuable items
- Gather together medical, dental, prescription, legal and financial records; if moving out of the Vancouver area, ask for referrals
- Make a “change of address” list everyone to notify people about your move – family, friends, professional contacts, creditors, subscriptions, vendors, etc.
- Request time off work
- Start to use up frozen foods; grill food on the BBQ to empty propane tanks
- If you live in an apartment or condo, book the elevator; confirm any special access instructions/protocols including parking arrangements for moving truck
4 Weeks Before Moving Day
- Fill out a change of address form
- When moving with antiques, obtain appropriate documentation to verify value
- Begin packing any of your belongings that you don’t use very often or won’t be using
- Label boxes; write a short contents list and the room it will be going into – use colour-coded labels or different colour permanent markers
- Pack valuables such as jewelry, medications, important papers, etc. in separate boxes – label them “Do Not Move”
- Gather together tools and cleaning supplies you’ll need for moving day
2 Weeks Before Moving Day
- Get your vehicles serviced
- Inspect furniture for damage – note the details and keep in your moving binder
- If you have pets, make travel arrangements
- Make travel arrangements for you and your family – Real Pro Movers suggests you don’t make plane reservations for the same day you are moving in case of delays
- When moving from an apartment, confirm arrangements for elevator, moving truck parking, etc.
- Make a transport plan for the plants you’re taking with you; give away any others
- Continue packing
- Empty closet, clean the closet – start cleaning as you go
- If moving with small children, make day care/babysitting arrangement for moving day
- Dispose of flammable materials that can’t be transported such as propane tanks, aerosol cans, cleaning fluids, paint, paint thinners, etc.
1 Weeks Before Moving Day
- Pack remaining clothes except what you’ll need for the upcoming week
- Pick up dry cleaning, return library books, return borrowed items, etc.
- Drain gas and oil from lawn mowers, motorcycles, ATVs, etc.
- Defrost freezer and refrigerator; clean the stove
- Have your major appliances such as the dishwasher, washer, and dryer disconnected and prepared for the move
- Pack a “first night” box of personal items you will want immediately in your new home such as bathroom essentials, snacks, instant coffee, bedding, change of clothes, etc.
- Confirm activation dates for utilities & services in your new home
1 T0 3 Days Before Moving Day
- All loose items are packed in boxes
- Unplug electronics
- Clearly label “last load” boxes and items
- Check each box to ensure they are labeled correctly on the top and sides including destination room
Remove items from dresser drawers, desks, storage furniture (cubbies, bookshelves) - Remove linens from beds
- Disassemble furniture
- Set aside items and boxes that are not being loaded on to the moving truck
- Arrange for payment for moving company
Moving Day
- Be available should the Vancouver movers have questions
- Do a final walkthrough to ensure nothing’s been left behind
- Get a copy of the inventory list and bill of lading
- Shut off water and the A/C; turn thermostat down; turn off lights; lock windows and doors; surrender house keys
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