Before You Move

You've sold a home, you've bought a home; now all you have to do is take care of one last step: moving. Moving involves a lot of planning and work, but don't worry - our pre-move tips will help make your move simple, seamless, and stress-free.

Your movers or moving vehicle rental:

It's a good idea to obtain estimates from several moving companies.
The estimate will depend on whether the movers pack everything or just the breakables, or whether you want to do all the packing yourself.
Think about getting an appraisal on your expensive items so you can insure them for your move.
To save costs, consider renting a moving van or truck and arranging for your friends and family to help you pack. Don't forget to read the fine print for mileage allowances and fuel surcharges.

Your utilities - if you own your present home:

Arrange to have your gas, water, and electricity meters read on the day you leave. Have the bills forwarded to your new address.
Have your oil tank read and filled before your sale closes and, if required, give the receipt to your legal professional.
Arrange for the water heater and furnace rental agreements to be transferred to the purchaser.
Disconnect your telephone, cable TV, and water softener.

Your agreements - if you rent your present home:

Give your landlord written notice and make arrangements for the return of any deposits.
Have your telephone and cable TV disconnected.

Your utilities - at your new home:

Arrange to have gas and electricity, water softener, telephone, and cable TV connected on the day the sale closes.

General to-dos:

Get change-of-address cards from the post office and send them out well before moving day.
Have the post office forward your mail to your new address.
Cancel contracted services and pre-authorized cheques.
Inform gardening, dry cleaning, garbage pick-up, newspapers, magazines, diaper, and other home services of your move. Arrange for service at your new address.
Get a letter of introduction from your bank to help set up new accounts. Transfer trust or bank accounts and securities.
Cancel or transfer social, athletic, civic, religious, or business affiliations and memberships.
Ask your dentist, doctor, pharmacist, and optometrist to transfer medical, dental, and prescription records.
Change the address on your driver's license effective the day of your move.
Collect all items out for cleaning or repair, or in storage.
Make arrangements to move perishables, such as plants.
Make arrangements to move your pets.
Dispose of all flammable liquids. It is illegal for movers to carry them.

Find a detailed week-by-week checklist for your move here.

Don't forget that professional advice is only a phone call or email away. We help thousands of families move to new homes every year. Contact your local Royal LePage real estate agent, who will be happy to answer your questions.

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