We recognize that moving into a new home can be both exciting and stressful. From ensuring the whole moving-out, transporting, and moving-in process is both efficient and effective to making sure that nothing is forgotten throughout the entire move, we know that for many homeowners, handling a move can be a large task to take on. Here at Deluxe Kitchener and Cambridge Moving Company, we want your move to be as successful and stress-free as possible. That’s why we’ve compiled an item-by-item checklist that goes over all of the to-dos before, during, and after your move!
1 Month Before Moving Day
The sooner you begin preparing for your move the better! Make sure to plan ahead of time (at least a month in advance), so you have lots of time to get everything done.
Make an Inventory: Make an inventory of everything in your home. Go through each room and decide what you will be taking with you and what will be given away, as well as where each item should go in your new home. An inventory will help ensure an efficient packing and unpacking process as you’ll know exactly where each item should go.
Get Rid of the Items You No Longer Need: Once you have made an inventory of all the items you want to keep, start getting rid of the things you no longer need. Consider having a garage sale, giving items to friends and family, and donating the rest. That way, your belongings will still be put to good use rather than just being thrown away.
Purchase Moving Supplies: Start purchasing moving supplies so when it comes time for packing, you’ll have everything you need. You’ll need sturdy moving boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, tape, scissors, markers, etc. If you want to be extra cautious with packing and protecting your belongings, consider purchasing specialty items such as mattress covers, wardrobe boxes, dish barrels, and blanket wraps.
Begin Packing Up Your Home: Packing up your entire home is a lengthy process that shouldn’t be rushed. We recommend beginning your packing process at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance of your moving date. Set aside a couple of hours a day and start with the rooms and items that you use less frequently such as the basement and attic, and seasonal clothes and equipment. By dedicating a few weeks to packing and organizing all of your belongings, you should have ample time to get it all done before moving day.
Label and Organize Your Boxes: This is where your inventory will come in handy. Labelling your boxes with its contents and designated rooms/spaces will save you a lot of time when it comes to unloading and unpacking at your new home – you’ll know exactly where to arrange and find everything.
Hire a Moving Company and Confirm the Arrangements: If hiring professional movers to pack, load, and unpack all of your belongings within the span of a day or two sounds more feasible, then make sure to choose and hire a professional moving company 3 – 4 weeks ahead of your projected moving date. Moving dates book up quickly, so even if you’re just looking for transport services, we recommend booking them early. For those who live in and around Cambridge, Ontario, Deluxe Moving will ensure a seamless and successful move for you and your loved ones!
Change Your Address: Notify and update all important contacts and companies of your new address such as personal contacts, employers, postal service, driver’s license, health card/OHIP, utility providers, banks, insurance, etc.
Arrange Storage If Needed: If you’re renovating your new home or simply need extra storage space for your belongings, make sure to book storage in advance. Moving companies often offer storage solutions at a discounted rate, so be sure to check with your movers before booking storage space. At Deluxe Moving, we are partnered with Public Storage to ensure secure and controlled storage solutions that keep our clients’ possessions safe and protected.
2 Weeks Before Moving Day
Book the Moving Elevator: If you’re moving to or from an apartment or condo building, you should book an elevator to help with transporting your boxes and belongings. This will allow for less hassle for yourself and/or your movers and will ensure you don’t get in the way of other residents. Also, make sure to confirm parking for the moving truck.
Set Up or Transfer Utilities: Depending on how far you’re moving, you’ll need to either set up or transfer your utilities, including electricity, gas, water, internet, heating, and cooling. You’ll also need to determine cut-off and activation dates during this process.
Arrange To Be Off Work on Moving Day: This may seem obvious, but it is also frequently forgotten. You’ll want to be present on moving day, so make sure to notify your employer and book the day off.
1 Week Before Moving Day
Finish Packing the Rest of Your Home: With just one week left until moving day, most of your home should be all boxed up with just the essentials left to be packed. From clothes to kitchen supplies, linen, and toiletries, pack up all your belongings other than the necessary items you’ll need for the next week.
Take Photos of Electronic Set-Ups: Rather than reading through each manual, taking photos of your unplugged electronics will help as a guide when assembling them in your new home.
Deep Clean Your Old and New Home: Moving into and out of a clean home allows for a fresh and clean start. Do a deep cleaning or even hire professional cleaners to do a thorough cleaning of both your old and new home.
Organize Manuals and Warranties for the New Homeowners: Place all of the appliance manuals and warranties in one place for the new homeowners to access easily.
Moving Day
Pack a Moving Day Essentials Box: Set aside a box to take with you in your car. This will include your essentials such as important documents, valuables and devices, toiletries and medications, change of clothes, cooking and cleaning essentials, and supplies for unpacking.
Check Off Your Inventory: Pay attention to your inventory to ensure everything is accounted for. Tick off your boxes and possessions as they are being loaded into the moving truck, that way, nothing will get missed or left behind. You can also prioritize the items that you would like loaded first and last with your valuables and necessities being loaded last.
Double-Check Everything: Double-check each room, closet, cabinet, and appliance to make sure they are empty of all contents and that nothing is left behind.
Do a Final Walkthrough of Your Home: Before leaving your home, make sure to do a final walkthrough and check that:
- Water and lights are shut-off
- All windows are locked
- None of your belongings are forgotten
- The thermostat is turned down
- The keys are available for the new homeowners
Arrive at Your New Home Before the Movers: Make sure that you arrive at your new home well before the movers do. That way, you’ll have time to get yourself organized and set up for your boxes and belongings to be arranged in the right spaces.
After Moving Into Your New Home
Unpack With a System: Whether you’ll be unpacking yourself or have hired movers to unpack for you, make sure to unpack with a system. Have a general idea and layout of where your things will go and begin by arranging your large and heavy furniture pieces. Then you can start unpacking! Professional movers will get the job done within a day or two, but if you’re unpacking yourself, check out our blog ‘How to Efficiently Unpack After Your Move’ for some helpful unpacking tips.
Start With the Necessities: Start with the items you’ll need to keep your home and family running in the short term such as toiletries, bedding, medications, computers and devices, and basic food and cooking supplies.
Enjoy the Process: When it comes to unpacking the rest of your belongings, take as much or as little time as you would like to get it all done – there are no time restrictions here, so go at your own pace and enjoy the process. Don’t forget to take in all the wonders of moving into your new home!
Plan a Housewarming Party: Congratulations, you have officially moved into your new home – now it’s time to celebrate! Invite your friends, family, and loved ones to your new home for a fun and cozy housewarming party.
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We hope this blog gave you some helpful tips and timelines to ensure a successful move into your new home. Whether you’re moving yourself or have hired a professional moving company, it’s important to stay organized and know what to do next. Deluxe Moving Cambridge and Kitchener moving company, can guarantee a successful move for you and your loved ones. We offer Full Packing, Unpacking, and Moving services that can take care of the entire move for you. Head to our services page for more information about our services or contact our team to get started on a successful and stress-free move. We look forward to working with you!
Want more moving tips and advice? Don’t hesitate to contact our team with any questions you may have regarding the moving process. Whether you’re moving across the street or to a brand new city, choosing Deluxe Moving & Storage for your move is the best thing you can do to ensure a safe and successful moving experience for you and your loved ones. Don’t forget to fill out our FREE, no-obligation quote form, and leave the work to us!