As exciting as it is to move into a new home, not many people look forward to the actual moving day. Whether you are moving across town or the country, moving can be stressful. Here are some helpful hints from professional movers to make the big day a little more bearable.

 

How To Estimate Your Moving Costs?

Moving prices can vary by region and by distance so it’s a great idea to call a few moving companies to get a better understanding of their rates and services before committing to the first moving company that you contact.

 

For local moves, you will likely have to pay an hourly rate which includes the truck rental and additional moving services.

 

If you’re moving across the country, your rate will change based on your items’ weight, and the distance travelled.

 

The average cost will also depend on the level of service that you select. For example, if you’re willing to do the packing, unloading, driving, and moving by yourself or with some family members, you’ll likely only need to pay for the truck rental.

 

If you’re looking for a more full-service move, then the cost of your move will be higher. It’s a good idea to reach out to a few reputable movers to see what extra services they offer as part of their package, and they should be able to give you an estimated moving quote.

 

Below Are Ten Helpful Home Moving Tips To Keep In Mind For Your Next Move!

 

Materials that you will need: 

• Cardboard boxes (some moving companies will not move any items that are not in a box – check with your moving company beforehand)
• Packing paper, tape, and bubble wrap 
• Different colour felt markers or stickers to label boxes
• Small clear bags to keep screws, nails, and small electronics together 

 

1. Book your movers well in advance, especially long weekend holidays and end-of-month dates. Once it’s scheduled, you’ll have a deadline where you can slowly start to pack non-essential items into boxes and then take on the more essential items closer to your moving date. So again, schedule your move well ahead of time.

 

Moving companies get booked weeks in advance, so don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your move. Also, ensure they know ahead of time if you have any very large or heavy items to move.

 

The last thing you want is for the movers to show up with a truck that isn’t big enough or without enough people to move your belongings safely. Research a few moving companies to see their hourly rate and any additional services you may require before your moving day!

 

2. Pack similar items in the same box and label which room they’ll be going into once you unpack. Another time-saving tip is to colour code each box depending on room location, so friends or movers know exactly where they’re going. Also, load the items you will need first last on the moving truck so that you can access them right away. 

 

3. Keep your essentials with you! Essentials can include jewelry, bank cards, photo IDs, toiletries, a change of clothes and any valuables. It’s also a good idea to pack a moving box with supplies in it. Your box should include items you’ll need while unpacking and getting settled into your new home.

 

For instance, toilet paper, paper towels, all-purpose cleaner, scissors, furniture moving pads, snacks, a tape measure, screwdriver and hammer, bottled water, pet food, disposable plates and cups, and hand soap are all items that you may want to include.

 

4. As soon as your bed frames and mattresses come off the truck, put them together or have the movers put them together and make the beds up. Pack your sheets, blankets, and pillows together in well-marked boxes so that you can find them easily. Then, when you are ready to go to sleep at the end of moving day, you’ll be thankful the beds are made up and ready to fall into!

 

5. Make plans for your pets ahead of time. On moving day, the last thing you need is a stressed-out dog or cat, or worse, one that escapes in an unfamiliar neighbourhood. So make plans for your pets to spend the day with family or friends or a pet sitter until you are ready to introduce them to their new home.

 

6. Pre-clean or hire cleaners to clean your new home before the movers show up. That way, you can start unpacking right away. If your seller is not arranging for the cleaning before closing, arrange to have it done before you move in so that you won’t arrive at a dirty house.

 

7. If you have little ones, they will be very excited about their new home, new rooms, and yard. They will want to be with you, but they will not be interested in unpacking boxes! Make plans for someone to be available just for them so that you can concentrate.

 

A family member, friend or hired sitter can help them explore their new surroundings, build a box fort, or organize their toys in their new rooms without you worrying about where they are.

 

8. Notify schools, medical offices, Canada Post, utility companies, and friends before your move. Also, you must update your driver’s license with your new address within ten days of your moving date. 

 

9. If you live in a house, check your gas meter and water meter the day of your move. Take photos to ensure accuracy when cancelling or moving accounts. 

 

10. Have your utilities (BC Hydro, cable and internet, Fortis BC) disconnected the day after your move and connected at your new home the day before your move to avoid any service disruptions. Also, don’t forget to have services transferred or started at your new place. These may include hydro, gas, garbage services, internet/tv/phone connection, or landscaping.

 

A Few Bonus Home Moving Tips!

11. Make travel arrangements ahead of time. For example, you may require a rental vehicle, a night or two in a hotel, or to make a ferry reservation if you’re moving off the island. 

 

12. When moving out of a condo apartment, make sure to book the moving elevator ahead of time. Usually, you will have to let the strata manager know in writing, and there may be a small fee for booking the elevator.

 

13. Be organized and ensure all your items are packed in boxes and that your furniture is disassembled, if necessary, before the movers come. Finally, your driveway or the area in front of your home should be clear for the moving truck. 

 

Do a final walk-through to make sure you’ve packed everything up and check your mail for the last time. Before your closing date, you will need to submit a change of address form to the post office.

 

You’ll also need to remember to leave all keys, garage door or gate openers with your real estate agent and make sure that the movers don’t pack up small items like ceiling fan remote controls or other loose things that need to stay with your old home.

 

Don’t forget to clean out spaces like the attic, backyard sheds, crawl spaces, or other out of sight areas where you may have stored items. Congrats, it’s time to celebrate and move into your new home!

 

A Few More Blog Posts That You May Be Interested In!

• The 31 Best Housewarming Gift Ideas This Year
• First-Time Home Buyer? Know These 9 Tips
• From Prospective Buyer to Homeowner in 10 Simple Steps (with checklist)