MAKING THE MOVE

So much excitement and so many things to do. Here's a helpful checklist of the things you can do to make your move go as smoothly as possible: an extra Peace of Mind Advantage.

Two Months Before Moving Day

	Contact two or three movers for estimates. Find out exactly what is included in their service.
	Ask the movers for references and a detailed price quotation once they have visited your home to see exactly what it is you want moved. Be precise and have all of the details that are important to you included in a written contract.
	Find out how the mover expects to be paid and when.
	Find out whether the mover's insurance covers your furnishings while in transit. If not, check your own coverage.
	If you live in an apartment building, reserve the elevator for the day and time of your move
	Remember to ask your lawyer what time you can expect to receive the key to your new home, then be sure to tell your movers.
	Visit the post office to fill out your change of address notice.The post office will also provide you with change of address cards. Start early to ensure that you have completed this task several weeks before you move. Begin with the appropriate federal and provincial agencies, business related contacts, e.g., your car and house insurance agencies, banks, credit cards, cable TV, utilities and the telephone company. Then take care of department stores, magazine publishers and newspapers, doctors and dentists, schools, friends and family.
	Complete and mail your driver's license change of address now.
	Begin packing the items you don't use frequently. Choose sturdy boxes and label them clearly. It will help you as you unpack to label each box with the room it is destined for.You may even want to colour code each room on a floor plan map you received from your builder.
	Mark the boxes for each room with the appropriate colour (e.g., use coloured stickers).
	Try to use up the supplies already in your freezer and to refrain from adding more stock.
	Hold a yard sale to sell off items you no longer need or want in your new home.
	Keep all of your receipts for moving expenses. You may be able to claim them on your income tax if you are moving at least 40 kilometers closer to your place of work than your previous home.

One Month Before Moving Day

	Make a list of services that must be canceled so that those cancellations can be made at least one month before your scheduled move.
	Work out a floor plan in advance to determine where heavy items will be placed. You may then want to have them packed on the moving truck together so that they can be unloaded either first or last. Since you know exactly where they are to be placed, this should eliminate some stress.
	Unless your mover is providing packing services as well as moving services, start collecting sturdy boxes, twine, tape and packing paper.
	If you are unavailable, arrange for a responsible person to be present when furnishings are being loaded and unloaded.
	Arrange for child and pet care during the move. You will have enough to take care of on moving day. The last thing you need to worry about is the little ones wandering off in a new neighbourhood or getting under foot.
	Collect important records from schools, doctors, lawyers, financial institutions ( if you are moving to an entirely new location some distance away).
	Sort through all flammable materials, paints and automotive care products and arrange for their appropriate disposal before the movers arrive.
	Send furniture out for repair or cleaning now.
	Set aside items that may be used immediately in your new home (e.g.,first aid kit, telephone, screwdriver, pliers, hammer, broom, dust pan, toiletries and some clothing items).Mark them clearly " Open me first".
	Label " DO NOT MOVE" items that will be left behind.

On Moving Day

	Make sure children and pets are safely cared for and not in the way.
	Make sure you have cash, cheque or money order available to pay the movers.
	Before the van is closed, take a last look through your home for any items you may have forgotten.