It’s getting close to moving day and you feel that your move is under control. You followed expert advice, you chose a reputable moving company who sent a moving consultant to your home to discuss your needs and provide you with options that meet your requirements and budget.

Many items are probably already ticked off on your moving out checklist, and notification has been made to the companies or organizations that need to be advised about your upcoming move. By now, you should have:

  • Notified your home/car insurance broker
  • Notified Canada Post to arrange to have mail forwarded
  • Notified your local utilities companies to arrange for disconnection of service
  • Notified your internet/TV provider to arrange for disconnection and returned any equipment to them (modem, PVR boxes)
  • Notified telephone service provider to arrange for disconnection of landline
  • Notified newspaper company to discontinue home delivery
  • Notified service providers (lawn cutting, pool service, snow removal etc.) to discontinue service
  • Arranged to have school records forwarded to a new school or get copies to take personally
  • Obtained copies of medical, dental, optometrist or veterinarian records

Now with moving day creeping closer, it’s time to create a final “moving out” checklist. In terms of the physical move, there are a few things that you are responsible for that need to be taken care of before the movers arrive. They include:

Packing 

If you are doing all your own packing of contents, take stock of your progress to date. Do you need more packing material to finish the job (cartons, packing paper, tape)? If so, contact your moving company representative and arrange to purchase professional, quality materials at a reasonable cost.
Will you have all the packing completed the day before you are scheduled to move out? If your possessions are not all packed when the movers arrive, this will cause delays and extra costs. If you feel the packing will not be finished in time, contact your moving representative at least 3-4 days before moving day and arrange for them to send professional packers. There will be an additional cost for this.

Remove Items Affixed to Walls

Movers do not remove items affixed to walls or ceilings, so if you are planning on taking drapery tracks, curtain rod brackets, blinds etc., be sure to remove these items before the movers arrive.

Dispose of Flammables and Dangerous Goods

By law, there are several items that cannot travel on the moving van including aerosols, paint, cleaning fluids, ammunition and other dangerous and flammable goods. Ask your moving consultant for a complete list. If you are doing your own packing, be sure to dispose of these items in advance at a hazardous waste depot. If you pack any non-admissible items and there is a fire or explosion on board the moving van, you would be 100% liable for the damage to your shipment, other shipments on board and the truck.

Perishable Goods

Use up all your perishable and frozen food a few days before your move. Occasionally, in the colder months on a very short move (a few kilometers), the mover can take a freezer with contents on the truck. It would have to be plugged in immediately at arrival of the new home. However, this is generally not recommended since the mover is not liable for any spoiled food.

You should thoroughly clean and dry out your refrigerator or freezer 24-48 hours before the move. Put a charcoal filter or baking soda fridge pack inside and leave the doors open so that the appliances have time to thoroughly dry before being moved.

Service Appliances

Appliances like washers and items like grandfather clocks need special servicing before and after the move. Make arrangements with a licensed service person or ask your moving representative to do arrange this on your behalf.

For more information or a free estimate, contact Premiere Van Lines at 1-877-671-6683, or find the Premiere Van Lines Branch closest to you.