Moving home can be a stressful and daunting task that many of us will deal with during our lifetime. The preparation done at the planning stage of a move can help to eliminate some of the frustrations encountered and make your relocation a smoother experience. With that in mind, we have gathered a list of things to consider to make your move simple.
1. Plan Ahead
This may seem like an obvious first step, but creating a plan for the preparation and moving stages will be crucial to the success of your move. The planning process should start as soon as you have confirmed your date of moving. The earlier you start to prepare, the sooner you can highlight any jobs that require your attention. Make a list in advance of all of the tasks you’ll need to complete to help you stay organised. Listing them in order of importance or in chronological order will ensure you get the most important moving tasks done first. Planning ahead can also include checking the weather forecast for your moving date, especially if you plan to move during the winter months. Adverse weather conditions can delay your move so it’s good to keep an eye on the weather.
2. Clear Out Any Unwanted Belongings Before Getting a Moving Quote
Once you have made your plan, it’s a good time to purge your belongings of all unwanted items. Clearing out your old, unused household items before getting your moving quote could save you money on your move. This is the perfect time to donate things to charitable organisations or even recycle them. Reselling items on auction websites or online organisations like Find Edmonton, Facebook marketplace or other local sites can not only generate extra cash but can give your unwanted belongings a second life. The things that cannot be resold or donated, need to be disposed of appropriately. Having a clear out before getting your quote will ensure that, during your pre-move survey, you will only be quoted on what you will be moving. Household belongings are inspected for size, weight and ease of transportation during the pre-move survey so more belongings at that stage will mean a higher quote price.
3. Find the Right Moving Company for You
Probably the most important step in the moving process is to find a moving company that will meet your needs. There are companies that can offer you a variety of services that will make your moving experience easier. Make sure you do a thorough search of the companies and services available. Look at the reviews and read the feedback given by previous customers. Check that the services offered by the moving company will meet all of your needs, for example providing packing materials or storage services. QMM have over 20 years of experience in successfully moving individuals, families and businesses and has built a trusted reputation in that time.
4. Do your Homework on a Moving Quote
Do you need a packing service? Does your moving quote include this service? It will be essential for you to make sure your moving quote includes all of the additional services that you’ll require from your moving company. Referring to the plan that you made at the beginning stage of your move will come in handy at this point. Make sure the needs you stated in your plan can be fulfilled and are included in your moving quote. Finding this out before agreeing to a quote could save you a lot of added costs later on down the line.
5. Create an Inventory of All of Your Belongings and Where They Are
For insurance purposes, your moving company may require you to write a detailed list of all of the items that will be moving with you. This is the perfect opportunity for you to create an inventory of your belongings for reference later on. Categorise your inventory list by grouping items and state in that list where the things should go when you are settled in your new home. This list will be a lifesaver when you’re faced with a mountain of packed boxes on the other side.
6. Make Sure You Have Insurance
Sometimes things can go wrong, and if recent times have taught us anything, it’s that being prepared for the unexpected is useful. We know having insurance for the home is expected but it’s also wise to have insurance for your house move. Insuring your move will protect you against costs arising from damage to belongings that may be incurred during your move. You may also be protected against any costs caused by delays. An added bonus is that you will have peace of mind knowing that you are protected which is one less thing to worry about.
7. Remember to Tell Your Utility Suppliers You Are Moving Home
Your internet services and electricity contracts will need to be terminated before you move home. To avoid being billed after you have moved, make sure to let your utility suppliers know you are moving and end the current utility contracts. Don’t forget to set up new services for your new home. This way you can have power and internet access in your new property on moving day.
8. Set Up Postal Redirects
During your moving preparations, go through a list of the services registered to your address and give them your new address. If you prefer an online method, Canada Post has a mail forwarding service so you can set up a postal redirect. This paid service ensures that any post you receive at your old address will be forwarded to your new address. It goes without saying to make sure your friends and family have your new address
Items like medication, your child’s favourite toy or even the coffee maker are things you may want to get your hands on upon arrival in your new home. There is nothing worse than reaching your final destination to find that the clothes needed for the next day are hidden in one of the many boxes you are now faced with. Think about what sorts of things will be necessary and useful upon arrival at the new property. Aim to pack a suitcase with some essential items that travel with you during the move. This will add some ease to your house move knowing the things that are most important will be at hand.
9. Pack Essential Items Separately
Items like medication, your child’s favourite toy or even the coffee maker are things you may want to get your hands on upon arrival in your new home. There is nothing worse than reaching your final destination to find that the clothes needed for the next day are hidden in one of the many boxes you are now faced with. Think about what sorts of things will be necessary and useful upon arrival at the new property. Aim to pack a suitcase with some essential items that travel with you during the move. This will add some ease to your house move knowing the things that are most important will be at hand.
10. Move Into Your New Home
By now all of the steps listed in your moving plan should be completed, so now all that is left to do is to move into your new home. Now is the time to refer to your inventory list and start to unpack your boxes, room by room. The kitchen is a good place to start. Check that the keys for every window, door and cupboard in the house are in your possession and ensure that they all have working locks.
Simplified Moves With QMM
At QMM we aim to simplify your local or long distance house move and reduce some of the stresses that come with the process. We understand the needs of our movers and in the last 2 decades, we have built a comprehensive moving service that supports the many aspects of moving home.
Want to know more about how to make moving simple? We have teams of experienced experts who are happy to guide you through the moving process and answer your questions. Get in touch with us now or call us on 1.866.880.8681 to find out more about the services we offer.