8-Week Moving Guide

If you're selling your home and planning to move, a well-thought-out plan is crucial for a smooth transition. Based on experience, most moves take around 8 to 10 weeks from start to finish, so it's best to start early. Here's your 8-week guide to ensure a successful move:

8 WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE:

1. Obtain Estimates: Reach out to professional movers and obtain estimates for their services to compare and choose the right one for your needs.

2. Create a Floorplan: Draw a floorplan of your new home, utilizing decorating charts and a grid to arrange furniture to scale in each room. Decide which furniture to move, replace, or dispose of.

6 WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE:

1. Take Inventory: Conduct a thorough inventory of all your possessions. Decide what items you'll move, sell, replace, or donate to charity.

2. Address Change: Complete Canada Post change of address forms and inform media outlets, stores, and organizations about your upcoming move.

3. Gather Records: Obtain copies of medical, dental, legal, accounting, and veterinarian records for easy transfer to your new location.

4. Arrange School Records: If you have children, make arrangements for the transfer of their school records between schools at both ends of the move.

4 WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE:

1. Prepare Furniture: Check and repair furniture as needed, or send it out for re-upholstery or cleaning.

2. Organize a Garage Sale: Advertise and hold a garage sale to dispose of any unneeded furniture, accessories, clothes, etc.

3. Plan Packing: If professional movers are handling the packing, schedule packing day(s) before the move. If you're moving yourself, order adequate boxes, packing materials, and tape.

4. Consider Storage: Arrange for short-term or long-term storage if you require additional space for your belongings.

5. Pet Travel Arrangements: Make necessary travel arrangements for your pets, including medical records and immunizations.

3 WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE:

1. Assemble Packing Supplies: Ensure you have sufficient packing materials and equipment to efficiently pack your belongings.

2. Begin Packing: Start packing items you won't be using immediately or those that will go into storage.

3. Contact Utilities: Get in touch with utility companies on both ends of the move to arrange for termination or turn-on services for your occupancy date.

4. Confirm Travel Plans: Double-check final travel arrangements for yourself, your family, and your pets.

2 WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE

1. Prepare Vehicles Get your auto( s) ready for the move, checking tires and having them serviced.

2. Cancel Deliveries Terminate review and other delivery services before your move.

3. Handle Finances Confirm new bank accounts via phone and fax if demanded.

4. Prepare Appliances record an appliance service establishment for moving day to prepare major appliances for the move.

1 WEEK BEFORE THE MOVE:

1. Gather Important Documents: Collect important papers, records, valuables, and protected shipments to take with you or store in a safe deposit box.

2. Notify Contacts: Inform friends and neighbors of your new address and phone number if available.

3. Arrange Childcare: Make arrangements for young children to be cared for on moving day.

4. Stock Up on Medications: Ensure you have all necessary prescriptions and medications needed for the next two weeks.

DAY BEFORE THE MOVE... AND MOVING DAY:

1. Defrost Refrigerator: Defrost and empty your refrigerator and freezer. Give away any remaining food.

2. Plan Meals: Plan simple meals or opt for take-out food on moving day to avoid using the refrigerator.

3. Secure Finances: Obtain cash for your trip and a certified check for the mover's invoice.

4. Pack Essential Items: Pack essentials you'll need to have on hand, such as valuables, financial records, and personal papers.

5. Important Labels: Carefully mark the boxes containing essential items as "LAST BOX PACKED - FIRST BOX UNPACKED," including tools, shades, etc.

6. Provide Contact Information: Share your new telephone number and address with the mover so they can reach you in your new town.

By following this 8-week guide, you'll be well-prepared for your move, making the process easier and less stressful. Good luck with your new journey!