5 Things To Do To Prepare for Your Move

When you’re moving into a new home, it can be difficult to see your “happily ever after” through all the commotion of the moving in. That is why we’ve created this list to help you prepare for your next move, and ensure everything goes seamlessly.

1. Do a Complete Walkthrough of Your New Home

   Whether you’re moving into is a new build or a resale home, it’s best to do a walkthrough ahead of time — ideally when the home is empty, if possible. During this visit, you can perform a final check to ensure all contract requests and requirements have been met. Ensure the utilities and appliances are in working order. Some of these may be covered by your contract, but if they aren’t, this gives you an opportunity to address problems before you move in.

   While walking through the home, it may also be a good idea to measure certain areas where you would like your furniture to fit and even consider bringing paint swatches if you would like to change your wall colours in advance. Doing this prior to moving in will save you a lot of time and effort.

2. Create an Inventory

   Creating an inventory list of each room will really come in handy, especially when you begin to unpack. It’s particularly important if you’re hiring movers.

   Start with the least-used room in the house, let’s say it’s the basement. Add the title “Basement” to your inventory list and begin to list each item you’re taking with you. As you box these items, check them off your list and label the boxes: “Basement”, or if you want to be even more specific, “Basement – Board Games.” Continue to do this for each room in your home.

3. Coordinate Movers Ahead of Time

   Coordinating with moving companies can be a headache. Some common issues that can arise with hired movers are as follows:

   • They’ve gone to the wrong drop-off or pick-up location.
   • They’ve placed your heavier items on top of your smaller items.
   • They’ve mixed up your boxes.

   Although some of these issues can’t be controlled, it is important to stay in touch with them and communicate clearly until they’ve dropped off your possessions. To avoid any unforeseen issues, confirm the date, time, and location both when pack your items into the truck and when they drop them off.

   If you choose to rent a truck rather than pay for a moving company to handle your possessions, you may deal with the following:

   • The company you’re renting from can’t provide you with a big enough truck at the time you need it
   • They have changed your pick-up location because the truck you ordered isn’t available where you ordered it
   • You’re hit with hidden fees and extra costs from renting the truck that wasn’t included in the initial quote including fuel costs and returns

   When it comes to renting a truck, be sure to do your research on the truck company you are using as well as the associated fees. It’s also a good idea to factor in some extra time in case your pick-up location or truck size is changed unexpectedly.

4. Change Addresses

   Many new homeowners forget or put off updating some of their new home addresses and contact information. Two to three weeks ahead of your move, you’ll want to update:

   • Driver’s license, health card, and insurance
   • Employer, doctors, and dentist
   • Mail and other subscriptions
   • Memberships
   • Bank accounts, credit cards and tax offices (Canada Revenue Agency)

5. Set Up Utilities

   Utilities for your new home will depend on your area and your type of home. Here are a few tips when changing over your utility services.

   • Give your providers at last a 5-day notice when disconnecting your service. A week or two lead time is advisable. You will need your account number which can be found on your electricity bill and natural gas bill.
   • If you need to switch utility providers, you will need to contact them to set up your new home. The Ontario Energy Board has a map where you can locate which service providers are available in which area. You will need to give your new provider your name, new address, billing address, home, and work numbers, copy of government ID, and the date in which you will need the service to begin.
   • You may need to pay any security deposits or activation fees such as a set-up fee.

Visit regalcresthomes.com if you’re still looking to find your happily-ever-after home and buy or register now.