Moving Day: Are You Really Ready?

Moving day, oh my. It can be a happy occasion or an excruciatingly stressful ordeal. No matter how well we plan, something always seems to slip through the cracks. Let's take a look at the subtle art of planning and managing a (hopefully) flawless relocation.

Is everything worth moving?

Have you ever tried carrying a queen-size box spring up a flight of stairs with 90o landings? Furniture that barely fits into one home may become a stumbling block in another. Measure your largest items ahead of time, then test those measurements in your new home's entries, stairs (especially around those corners and low suspended ceilings), and doorways to see what will fit and what won't.On the other hand, unnecessary clutter tends to follow us from place to place, making moving the ideal time to de-clutter and prepare for a smoother transition.

Think outside the box

We've always scrounged empty boxes from local stores or purchased new ones. In recent years, more environmentally friendly options have emerged, such as renting reusable bins or obtaining high-quality used moving boxes.The Buy Nothing Project aims to keep items out of landfills by giving them away for free to others. They have Facebook groups all over Canada and can provide excellent moving box resources.It's fine if you can't find any free or reusable moving materials. Even if you're doing everything yourself, you can get tape, boxes, packing paper, and other supplies from your local moving companies.

Should I DIY or hire a moving company?

It can be more expensive to hire a moving company than to rent a truck and pay friends in pizza and beer. So, why should you hire a professional? It's straightforward. They're professionals who do this every day, are covered by insurance in case of damage or injury, and have the benefit of experience. Friends and family may be willing to help when called upon, but is putting them in danger and expecting them to take responsibility for the safety of your most valuable possessions a fair test of your relationship?

About downsizing

Downsizing presents a unique challenge, whether you're an empty-nester who no longer requires a three-bedroom home or find yourself unexpectedly moving into a smaller space. If there's one thing life teaches us, it's that challenges are actually opportunities disguised. In this case, it's an opportunity to take stock of your most valuable possessions and get rid of anything that isn't necessary or doesn't contribute to your happiness.

Strategy is everything

Having a well-thought-out strategy in place is crucial to a successful and stress-free move. When making your move, keep the following points in mind:

• Start 90 days prior to your move date if you need to purge for a downsize. Otherwise, begin two months ahead of time.

• Make a to-do list: Make a list of everything that needs to be done, including packing, moving, switching, renting or hiring, and cleaning.

• Stock up on supplies: Make sure you have enough boxes, packing tape, packing paper, tissue paper for fragile items, and a Sharpie pack.

• Get a dolly, a hand truck, and/or moving straps: These items are essential if you plan to move on your own and are lifesavers when it comes to moving heavy or bulky objects over long distances.

• Select a reputable mover: The Office of Consumer Affairs recommends getting quotes from at least three licenced movers. Read their reviews, but make sure to get references and read their documentation thoroughly.

• Obtain written quotations: Although many movers have detailed estimate forms you can fill out on their websites, movers should provide an in-house assessment with a detailed written estimate.

• Insurance is usually sufficient to cover any incidentals, as is your home insurance and that of your movers. Extremely valuable items may not be covered, so check with your mover and your broker on moving day to see if additional insurance is required.

• Distribute your weight: Once you've packed your belongings, it's easy to underestimate the total weight. Weighty items should be distributed, with the smallest boxes being used for books and dinnerware and the largest being used for lighter bulky items like duvets, comforters, and pillows.

• Labeling and inventory: Keep track of your inventory as you pack and label boxes. When it's time to cook, nothing is more frustrating than rummaging through 20 kitchen boxes to find a spatula.

• Remember to pack your moving day essentials: These are the last items to pack and should include everything you'll need to cook, eat, clean, bathe, dress, and sleep for a few days. To keep these items close at hand, it's best to move them yourself.

• Important valuables should be kept separate: Keep your most valuable possessions together as you pack so you can pack and move them yourself. This is the best place to keep your safe or lock box if you have one.

• Change your address: It's easy to forget about this until it's too late. Make sure all of your service providers and accounts have your current address, and request a service change for utilities, internet, and telephone. Set up mail forwarding through Canada Post if necessary.What was once a stressful situation can easily become a smooth-running operation. Taking the time and effort to implement these strategies can help alleviate a lot of stress when moving into a new home—especially if it's your first—so you can enjoy rather than fear the process. Good luck with your packing!