Harry's Moving Day Tip Sheet

Harry’s Moving Day Tip Sheet

·    About 2 months before your move, make yourself a personalized moving list based on the lists online. These are general lists for all kinds of people. You can skip some steps and some things will not apply in your town. There are things you need to way before Moving Day.

             Here’s a good one from Canada Post.

             Here’s another good one from The Moving Box.

             This is a good list of ideas with visuals.

· If you have lots of valuable items, antiques, pianos, artwork, etc, you might be better off hiring a reputable mover with good insurance than taking your friends up on their offers to help.

·  Book movers or a moving van early. Everyone moves at the same time.

·  Book your lawyer early too.

·  Book the elevator well in advance. If you’re moving in or out of an apartment building, then book the elevator for the best time for you.

· Boxes don’t have to be bought, don’t have to be special. Pick up boxes when you go grocery shopping, but don’t leave it to the last minute.

·  Keep boxes smallish, or weigh your boxes so that they’re not more than about 30lb.

· Get boxes from the liquor store to move glasses and mugs and even vases. Don’t leave this to the last minute because everyone else will have the same idea.

· Label your boxes with contents and destination, which room they belong in. You don’t really need a fancy numbering and colour-coded system. Just keep it clear and simple.

·   Bubble wrap is cool and there are all kinds of special materials for packing breakables. But, you also have towels and sheets to pack, so they can do double-duty.

· Dispose of all flammable materials and of chemicals properly (old paint, caustic cleaners, etc.). Take these to the local Household Hazardous Waste Depot.

·  Take a picture of how your electronics are hooked up before packing them away.

·  Make plans for children to have play dates, or book a baby-sitter. If they have to be with you, make sure they have food and drinks and plenty of quiet activities to do and understand that they can get hurt if they get in the way.

·  Don’t forget the pets. If you have a pet sitter, be sure to use them on moving day.

·  Return borrowed items and retrieve loaned items before you move.

·  Pack a suitcase with the clothes and toiletries that you’ll need the first day in your new home.

·  Pack a special box with other essentials you’ll need for the first few days and marks this box “Do Not Move” so you can keep track of it. Move it in the car with you.

· After you’ve moved everything out and done a final cleaning, go through the house one more time, looking in every door and every cabinet door and drawer. Also, walk around the yard to make sure there’s nothing left behind.

· Make sure there are lots of drinks available for everyone working on the move, but not alcoholic beverages.  Save those to celebrate with when it’s all over.