Moving Guide

1-2 Months Before Moving Day

• Find a reputable mover. Do not just go with the first one you call. Call at least 3 different companies and have 2-3 written estimates done before making a decision. Ask for references and check at least one. Check how many men per truck, how big the truck is and if there is an hourly minimum. Inquire about and purchase insurance if possible.
• Start a list of moving expenses and put it on the fridge and add to it as you go. Keep all receipts as it may be tax deductable.
• Arrange to transfer your household insurance to your new home.
• Go through your garage, basement and all your closets to see if there are any items to give to charity. Also look to see if anything you would no longer want can be put in a garage sale (don’t forget to put the money earned towards the cost of moving)
• Purchase some supplies from James Snow Parkway Self Storage to get you started with your packing. Just ask one of our team members for the basics and we will be glad to guide you. Typically you will need to start with a roll of tape, 10-15 boxes, packing paper or bubble wrap and some markers.
• If you are packing things such as clothing that does not have to be hung up, you may want to purchase a few plastic containers with lids such as Rubbermaid.
• Start packing things that are not commonly used in your household such as books, photo albums, seasonal decorations etc.
• Create a master list of the boxes, on this list keep track of each box, the room it goes to, it’s contents and who packed it. If you choose not to do the master list make sure you clearly label each box with ALL its contents.
• When you start packing label each box with the Room it goes to, a number, fragile or not and who packed the box.
• When you are packing a box pack it to the top to avoid damage from movement or being crushed.
• Pack each box no heavier than approx 30 lbs

2-3 Weeks before Moving Day

• Make a list of all the utility companies to contact for disconnection (this includes your phone)
• Make a list of all friends, family and professionals to advise of your new address and phone number. For example doctor, dentist, library, schools, revenue Canada, motor vehicle, employer , credit cards, bank gym memberships etc
• Contact the post office to have your mail forwarded * remember that this is only a temporary forward so make sure you call and have the address changed on all your mail as it comes in*
• Close or transfer your home deliveries such as the news paper or magazines
• Try to plan dinners that require you to use the food in the freezer and fridge to lessen the load when you move to the new house or into storage

The Week Before

• As you finish packing rooms clean it and close the door so you can narrow down what has been done
• Call your moving company and confirm your moving date, address, phone number and times
• Clean the freezer and defrost it make sure it is clean and dry before you store it
• If you are moving outside your old city address tie up loose ends such as returning movies, library books, pickup any dry-cleaning etc

The last Few days

• Finishes packing all rooms and remember to label the boxes clearly with a number, room, and who packed it fragile and if you are not making a master list of the boxes the contents of the box
• Make one special box or file for important documents such as storage papers, house purchase papers, financial records, passports, birth certificates the number of the moving company, the master box list etc.
• Mark this box DO NOT MOVE IN TRUCK! Take this box with you when you in your car on moving day
• Prepare a few boxes and label them “Open First”. These boxes should contain a set of clean sheets for the bed, basic toiletries, a hammer and screwdriver to set up furniture, a set of clothes for the next day and a cell phone charger. If you have children a few small toys would work well if they are bored on moving day.
• Gather all keys from neighbors and friends that belong to things at the house such as garage keys, mail keys and house keys and label them and leave them
• Gather up all appliance manuals and put them beside the keys for the new occupant to find easily

Moving Day

• Make sure you have a cell phone fully charged or the house line still connected so that family members or the moving company can still call you if necessary
• Take the box with the important documents and the “Open First” box and keep them close by to ensure they do not get packed in the truck or lost
• Supervise the move carefully so that the instructions are followed and boxes are placed in the appropriate spot indicated on the box
• After the movers are finished and before you leave the home take one walk through the house and ensure that each room is clean, empty and that all major appliances are turned off. Pay close attention to closets and cupboards as well.
• Turn down the thermostat
• Take out the garbage one last time
• Lock up and leave the keys with the new house owner, the real estate agent or the landlord
• Arrive before the movers to ensure they put the boxes and furniture in the correct rooms
• Check to make sure that you have all the keys for all the locks and the mailbox in the new home
• Review the Movers bill and check for damages before signing
• Ensure that the utilities are working properly
• Unpack your “Open First” box and set up your bed and bathroom with your basic necessities
• Sit down and relax, order some good food for dinner and have a nice hot shower

Over the Next Week

• Unpack your boxes and flatten them as you go or donate them
• Change your car insurance and drivers license address
• Watch for your mail and call each company to change your address and phone number as it comes in
• Start planning your Housewarming Party!
• Send out thank you cards to those who helped you move

Contact a James Snow Pkwy Self-Storage specialist and let us help make your move or storage experience a better one.

Need a quick idea of how much space you need? Use our handy Space Calculator!

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