Moving Guide | Moving Pets and Plants

One Month Before Moving

• Fill out change of address order form for post office.
• Fill out an Revenue Canada change of address form
• Make arrangements with moving company or reserve a rental truck
• Make travel arrangements, if necessary, with airlines, buses, car rental agencies and hotels
• Transfer memberships in churches, clubs and civic organizations
• Obtain medical and dental records, x-rays and prescription histories
Ask doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions
• Set up a checking account in your new city
• Check into the laws and requirements of your new city regarding home-based businesses, professional tests, business licenses and any special laws that might be applicable to you
• Take inventory of your belongings before they’re packed, in the event you need to file an insurance claim later
If possible, take pictures or video tape your belongings Record serial numbers of electronic equipment
• Make arrangements for transporting pets
• Start using up food items, so that there is less left to pack and possibly spoil

One - Two Weeks Before Moving

• Switch utility services to new address. Inform electric, disposal, water, newspaper, magazine subscription, telephone and cable companies of your move.
• Arrange for help on moving day.
• Confirm travel reservations.
• Reserve elevator if moving from an apartment.
• Have appliances serviced for moving.
• Clean rugs and clothing and have them wrapped for moving.
• Plan ahead for special needs of infants.
• Close bank accounts and have your funds wired to your new bank.
Before closing, be sure there are no outstanding checks or automatic payments that haven’t been processed.
• Collect valuables from safe-deposit box.
Make copies of any important documents before mailing or hand carry them to your new address.
• Check with your insurance agent to ensure you’ll be covered through your homeowner’s or renter’s policy during the move.
• Defrost freezer and refrigerator.
Place deodorizer inside to control odors.
• Give a close friend or relative your travel route and schedule so you may be reached if needed.

On Moving Day

• Double check closets, drawers, shelves, attic and garage to be sure they are empty.
• Carry important documents, currency and jewelry yourself, or use registered mail.
• Carry travelers checks for quick, available funds.

After Arriving At New Home

• Renew your driver’s license, auto registration and tags.
• Shop around for new insurance policies, especially auto coverage.
• Revise your will and other legal papers to avoid longer probate and higher legal fees.
• Locate the hospitals, police stations, veterinarian and fire stations near your new home.

Packing Tips...

• Keep the following supplies handy for packing:
  • Boxes
  • Marking pen
  • Bubble wrap
  • Newspaper
  • Tissue
  • Tape and scissors
  • Tape measure
• Use strong boxes and containers that can be secured tightly. Purchase special boxes for dishes, wardrobe and other special items.
• Pack audio-video equipment in their original boxes. Label cables and tighten transit screws. If removing screws, tape them to the objects they are removed from.
• Avoid loading more than 50 pounds into one box.
• Label each box and indicate the following:
  • Which room it should go in
  • Whether it is fragile
  • If it should beloaded last so it will be unloaded first.
• Cushion contents with packing material such as bubble wrap, newspaper or tissue. Save room by using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.
• Pack books tightly on end in small boxes. If musty smelling, sprinkle talcum powder between the pages and wrap the book before packing. Leave stored for a couple of months to eliminate the smell.

About Moving Companies...

Consumer complaints against moving companies have been rising.
Following are some tips that can help your move go smoothly.

• Get a binding estimate from the moving company. Make sure the amount is written in the contract.
• Inquire about their on-time record and other complaints with the local Better Business Bureau or consumer complaints department.
• Movers are limited by law regarding what they can give you for lost or damaged goods. To cover potential damage, check existing homeowner’s or renter’s policy.
• Ask about expected gratuities and write into contract.
• Have the contract include a guarantee of how many hours the job will take, allowing an overrun of no more than 10%.
• Be sure all charges are listed on contract.
• Watch loading and unloading and examine all items carefully before signing a receipt.
• Document an inventory of your belongings before you pack.

Protecting the Environment

Following are some general suggestions to help you protect the environment before, during and after your move.

• Home
  • Rinse disposable diapers before throwing them away.
  • Turn off the water while brushing teeth.
  • Recycle cardboard boxes.
  • Use phosphate-free laundry detergent.
  • Recycle whenever possible.
• Automobile & Traveling
  • Keep your car tuned.
  • Recycle and dispose of oil safely.
  • Wash your car on grass.
  • Don’t litter.
• Garbage
  • Non-hazardous and non-recyclable.
  • Call the Solid Waste Division in your county for disposal instructions and transfer stations in your area.
• Recyclable Material
  • Aluminum cans, papers, appliances.
  • Call the Solid Waste Division/Recycling in your county for instructions.
• Hazardous Wastes
  • Paints, oil, pesticides, dyes, coolants.
  • Call the Solid Waste Division/Hazardous Wastes Disposal in your county for instructions.