Moving Soon?

Moving day makes it hard to know whether you're coming or going. (Yes, we know it's a corny pun, but we figure a little light humor might ease the stress a bit).

And, if corny humor doesn't help, perhaps these tips on moving will.

• Find a reputable moving company, obtain written estimates, and double check to make sure the company is licensed.



• If you are your own moving company, choose a room to do all of your packing in well in advance of moving day. This way, you can start early, do a little bit at a time, and close the door when you need a break.



• Make your lists. Actually, make a whole moving file. It doesn't need to be huge, but it does need to be handy. Include a list of all your utilities (both new and old) with phone numbers and transfer dates as well as estimates of your move, receipts, important phone numbers, and insurance information.



• Decide what you need to function comfortably and then pack everything else. This will ensure you have enough room in your car to pack any valuables and irreplaceable or fragile items.



• Use your move as an excuse to clean. Consume the consumables, donate or sell items you don't want to take with you, and leave your home the way you'd like your new home to be the day you move in.



• If your move is local, send Fido and Fluffy to the pet spa or to a friend's house. No need for everyone to be stressed out. Your pets will be much less anxious if they leave a calm house and return to a calm house, even if it's a new one.



• Pack useful items last. These need to be the last one's on the truck and the first ones off. Vacuum cleaner, coffeemaker, television... whatever items you can temporarily live without but not for long.



• Supervise your move. It's not just stuff they're moving, it's YOUR stuff. Let the movers know what you want loaded first and last and where you want them delivered in your new home. Color-coded labels and well-marked boxes can help ease the process too.



• If you can, move on a weekday. That's when all of the banks, government offices, and utility companies are open. It will be much easier to handle any surprises when you have access to the people who can help you fix them.



• Make a survival kit for moving day, travel, and your first day in your new home. Things you may want to pack:
  
  
  • Snacks
  • Toiletries
  • Extra clothes
  • Basic tools and supplies (scissors, tape, utility knife, screwdriver, flashlight, hammer, light bulbs, trash bags, toilet paper, prescriptions, pain releivers)
  • Basic utensils (can opener, disposable plates, cups, and flatware, dish detergent)

Visit Canadian Post's "Smart Moves" which lets you to change your address and provides even more tips and tools to help ease your move.