THE ULTIMATE MOVING CHECKLIST
There are so many to-dos when it comes to completing a move successfully. If you’re reading this, you are probably already well on your way to a successful move. To help you keep your move organized, here is our helpful moving checklist
60 DAYS OUT FROM YOUR MOVE:
Declutter the house: There’s no need to take things you no longer use to your new home, so open those closets and peak under those beds. Make organized piles of what you’re keeping, what you’re donating/selling, and what should go straight to the landfill. Purging before your move will make unpacking and organizing your new home feel much better.
Organize records: Make sure all of your important documents are in one place. Go ahead and obtain school records for your kids and medical/dental records from your health professionals.
Get a quote: While you’re here, contact us for free quotes from moving companies
30 DAYS OUT FROM YOUR MOVE:
Confirm moving plans: Touch base with your moving company and finalize the date and time for your move.
Order moving supplies: While you can always get new boxes from packing supply stores and places like Home Depot, there are several websites that allow you to order used moving materials, which are cheaper and better for the environment!
Start packing: There are probably plenty of items that you won’t really need to use over the next month or so like Christmas decorations or your ice cream maker. Start packing these infrequently used items so that as your moving date approaches, you’ll have less to do. Don’t forget that if the packing process just seems too overwhelming, Cheap does offer full service moving solutions.
Develop an unpacking plan: You likely already know where you’re headed. Think about how you want furniture arranged in your new house and where you want movers to place all your boxes. It’s helpful to clearly label your boxes with what room they go to in the new house.
Change of Address: Visit your local post office or go online to fill out an address for mail forwarding. Mail forwarding lasts for 6 months from your initial change of address request, so you’ll want to make sure all of your contacts have your updated mailing address.
MOVING WEEK!
Utilities: Contact your utility companies and schedule the end of service date for a day or two after your move. Make sure utilities are turned on at your new home prior to moving day.
Finish packing: Finish up the last of your packing. Make sure to pack all of your valuables and important documents in a separate box that you personally carry to your new home. Additionally, it’s smart to pack a box of things you’ll need for your first couple of nights in your new home. This way, items like linens, toiletries, a change of clothes, paper towels, are close on hand and you don’t have to dig through a bunch of boxes to find the essentials.
Inventory: Make sure you have a thorough inventory of all your items. This way you can easily check to make sure all of your belongings make it to your new home. It’s a good idea to take pictures of everything the movers are picking up so you can prove any loss or damage more easily.
Clean: Once the movers have loaded up the truck, make sure to do a thorough cleaning of your old home or apartment. To make things easier, schedule a maid service to do a deep cleaning for you, so it’s one less thing on your list.
Move!: Step aside and let the movers do their thing! Make sure you give clear instructions on where you want everything in your new place.
POST-MOVE
Get organized: Once the furniture is in place and the movers have taken off, get started with unpacking. Start with the kitchen, and then go room by room getting things organized.
Update Your Address: You’ll need to update your address with your bank and any credit card providers, order new checks, update your driver’s license. Also speak with your insurance agent to make any necessary updates to your insurance policies.
Meet the Neighbors: Get out and explore your new neighborhood!! Congrats, you’re all moved!
First Rate Movers
You can be confident that our crews will be prepared with tools, mattress bags, wardrobe boxes, clean moving blankets, floor runners, and all other equipment necessary to safely protect your belongings and property during your move. Confidence in our ability to provide a first rate professional moving service allows us to include $1,000,000 of full replacement value insurance
moving company stands out from the crowd is not just our commitment to excellent service but also the pride our movers take in their work. Unlike many movers, we hire only full-time employees – no part-timers or day labour.
Moving Large, Bulky Items So You Don’t Have To
Have you ever tried to lift a big screen TV, sofa or piano? It’s not an easy task, even with a few friends by your side. Large and heavy items can be dangerous to move without the right equipment and training. If dropped or mishandled, these items can damage your flooring, the item itself, and even others. A professional moving company will have all the right equipment and lifting techniques to move any large items safely so you don’t have to risk it.
Packing and Unpacking for You
Packing and unpacking can be more stressful than the actual move itself. To make matters worse, poor packing is the number one cause of broken items. Fortunately, full-service movers can pack and unpack for you. They are trained to pack the right way and can do it in a fraction of the time.
Safely Transporting the Items
Not all of us are cut out for driving a large moving van. They are long, tall, wide, and filled with thousands of pounds of your belongings – what could possibly go wrong? In Canada, there are hundreds of rental truck accidents every year caused by people who are not skilled enough to drive these vehicles. If you want your items to arrive safely in one piece, your best bet is to hire a moving company with professionally trained drivers with the right licenses for the truck size.
the ultimate moving help.
no move is too big or too small
help create a customized plan to fit the needs of your upcoming move. have a team of dedicated experts to guide you through the entire process from start to finish. From single-family homes to apartments, to retirement communities, to condos – no move is too big or too small.
4-8 weeks before moving day
Begin clearing clutter from your home. Start with closets, the garage, basement and attic.
Get rid of everything you don’t want moved. Host a “garage sale” or use an online auction service to dispose of unwanted items. Donate unwanted clothing or household goods to charitable organizations.
Contact Planes. Set a date for a virtual or in-home survey. This will allow us to properly estimate your upcoming move. If your move is a corporate relocation, share your company’s moving policy.
If this is a long distance move, make family travel plans. Reserve hotel rooms and airline tickets as needed.
Decide if you want to pack yourself – or if will you will take advantage of our professional packing services. We can always provide a quote to help you decide.
Confirm your moving service by signing the estimate/order for service and returning it to us. If you’re hiring us for a full-service move, read the “Your Rights and Responsibilities Manual” so everyone is on the same page. Keep the phone number and name of your salesperson and move coordinator handy.
Get packing supplies like boxes, tape, paper or bubble wrap, furniture blankets, mattress bags and markers. Contact Planes for high-quality, pro packing supplies.
As you start packing, label, label, label. You’ll thank yourself later!
Begin packing what you can. It’s never too early to box up items you know you won’t use before the move, such as books, pictures, knick-knacks and out-of-season clothing.
1-4 weeks before moving day
Use up supplies of canned goods, frozen foods and other household items. Buy only what you’ll need and use before moving.
Confirm details with Planes. Notify us if you add or subtract items or change move dates. Confirm any extra stops required to pick up or deliver goods during the move.
Say your goodbyes. Host going-away parties for you and your kids.
days before
Cancel subscriptions, cable and utilities, lawn maintenance and any other services.
Be aware that moving companies are not allowed to transport anything toxic, perishable or combustible. That includes anything with a warning label, cleaning supplies and grill tanks (we can take the grill, just not the tank).
Collect things you definitely want packed together and group them.
Drain all fluids from hoses, lawn mowers, propane tanks, etc.
If taking your fridge/freezer, it is recommended that the doors be left open for 24 prior to moving to avoid mold.
Wait to pack your cleaning supplies until you’ve done your last cleanup—especially if you have a security deposit. Don’t forget to clean the oven!
Have an essentials grab bag with toothbrushes, chargers, medicines paper towels, toilet paper, coffeemaker, paper plates/cups and plastic ware.
Unplug all electronic appliances 24 hours before so that they will be at room temperature.
Clear walkways of ice or snow.
If you’re using packing services, make a “do not pack” section and mark it clearly.
For long-distance move packing customers, labeling rooms will really help. Using painter’s tape, label the door to each room of your current home and ask the crew to inventory/mark company packed boxes accordingly. Then, use the same room labels at your destination.
move day
Be well-packed with boxes labeled.
As part of your move, we disassemble standard beds, but you’ll need to disassemble any specialty beds.
Secure designated parking as close to the house or apartment as possible.
If you’re using our packing services, group and label any extra-fragile items needing special attention to the packers.
Check closets, cabinets, drawers and any other storage spaces for overlooked items. Also keep in mind that we can’t go in attics or crawl spaces.
When your Planes moving professionals arrive, ask any questions you may have before they begin. Also, show them which bathrooms they can use.
Remain close by until loading is complete. And inventory will be emailed to you. Make sure to look it over.
Sign necessary paperwork (High-Value Inventory Form and Bill of Lading/Freight Bill). The High Value form will be filled out and given to first crew leader on site, either pack day or load day if not packing. Any items listed on the high value form must be available for inspection by the crew.
Confirm the exact destination address and your contact information with your move coordinator.
Be available to accept delivery or authorize an adult to accept delivery and pay any charges for you.
When unloading, be ready to direct where each piece of furniture will be placed, including laying rugs and setting up any beds that were disassembled.
Check your household goods as they are unloaded. Note discrepancies on the van operator’s copy of the inventory before signing. Keep all documents pertaining to your move in a safe place for tax filing purposes.
Check for property damage before the Planes team departs.
MOVING FAQS: UNDERSTANDING THE MOVING PROCESS
When is the best time to move?
The busiest times for moving companies are during the summer months, taking place roughly between May 15 – September 15. Near the ends of these months, the volume of shipments is extremely heavy—this tends to be the case for all professional relocation and moving companies.
It’s important to take all factors into consideration when deciding on the best time for you to move. If you have some flexibility in your schedule, providing the moving company with a five-day window for loading your shipment can be greatly beneficial. This will allow the individuals who schedule your drivers and moving crew greater flexibility when scheduling your move. If possible, try to be flexible with your arrival time frame as well—keep in mind that you most likely are not the only shipment the truck is currently moving. Offering a flexible time frame can make a world of difference, and make your entire process of moving much easier.
How do I select which moving companies will provide me with a free moving estimate?
Your first step is determining if you need a full service moving company. It’s a good idea to research local, national, and long distance moving companies— ask your neighbors, friends, coworkers and family members if they can make recommendations. Investigate each of the movers you select with the Better Business Bureau. Good service is the best measure of a good mover!
When should I begin contacting moving companies for free moving estimates?
Try to provide the moving companies with as much notice as possible, especially if you are moving during a busy summer season, as noted above. Six weeks from the actual move date is a great time frame for estimators to come into your home and complete a visual survey of your household goods shipment. It is also a good idea to add even more time to make a decision, in the event that you are obligated by your employer to submit moving estimates for a corporate relocation. Try to decide which mover you will use at least four weeks from your actual load day. Additionally, call the mover to confirm your booking and schedule your packing, loading and delivery dates. This time frame can be shortened if you are moving outside of the peak moving season (September 15 through May 15 are considered “off peak” months, which generally feature less moving traffic).
What happens when a relocation specialist comes to my home?
The relocation specialist will arrive at your home to complete the visual survey of your items. Once this is completed, he or she will calculate the weight, packing cost and any other charge related to your move—please remember that the relocation specialist must clearly see what you are moving in order to provide you with an accurate estimate. Crawl spaces, attics, and cluttered closets can often be deceptive, so organize your house well before the relocation specialist arrives.
things to keep handy on moving day
When prepping for a local or long distance move, it’s human nature to get caught up packing away all your personal belongings so there’s nothing left behind to scoop up at the end of an exhausting process. But what if you get to your new home and realize you need scissors, only to remember they’re tucked away deep in one (which one?) of the many boxes in the back of the truck?
We’ve been there, we’ve cursed ourselves for not being better prepared, and we’ve since compiled a list to keep you from suffering the same frustration. Here, we present a handy little checklist of the top ten things to have handy during the first 24 hours in your new home… just in case.
A last-minute packing kit including a spare box or bag(s), scissors, tape and magic marker (because yes, you’ll likely have forgotten to pack something)
Paper towels and toilet paper
Toiletries for first day or two: soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, deodorant, razor
A set of utensils for each person (because Murphy’s law will enact itself if you have takeout delivered to the new casa before you’ve unpacked your kitchen stuff)
Pet food, bowls, leash and crate/bed
Prescriptions, allergy meds, aspirin, contact lens solution
Phone or iPod speakers (our completely unscientific research, i.e., personal opinion, finds the unpacking process to be approximately 97% more enjoyable when set to music)
Phone and laptop chargers
Snacks, snacks, snacks
Any other items that can make your first night more comfortable: a shower curtain & hooks if the new home doesn’t have an enclosed shower, a water filter if the new fridge doesn’t have one… whatever helps you settle into your new place with as little hassle as possible.
Even though we live in a world where practically everything’s available 24 hours a day, inconveniences are bound to present themselves when moving your life from one home to the next. A little bit of prep work can go a long way toward keeping your cool in the midst of a move, and taking a few minutes to set aside the essentials can mean the difference between sleeplessness and sanity.
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