I have created this moving checklist to break down the tasks into a more manageable time line, to ease your transition and to help you turn a potentially stressful move into one that is more organized.

Moving Tips - 8 Weeks Before

•                  Create a "move file" to keep track of estimates, receipts and other important information.

•                  Check with your accountant for possible tax deductions - including moving expenses.

•                  Budget for moving expenses and start collecting estimates.

•                  Call for estimates from three professional movers.

•                  Start researching your new community. The Internet is a great resource for finding online community guides and newspapers.

•                  Contact the Chamber of Commerce to request their new resident packet.

•                  Draw out a floor plan of your new home and start deciding which function each room will serve.

•                  Begin planning how to move into your new home.

Mark O'Krafka, Broker, RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage,
Direct Line: 519-654-6683, Email: mark@homezone.ca, Website: http://www.homezone.ca/

Moving Tips - 7 Weeks Before

•                  Start compiling medical and dental records - including prescriptions and shot records.

•                  Ask your doctors if they can refer you to a care provider in your new city.

•                  Arrange to have school records transferred to your children's new school district and/or daycare.

•                  Get copies of any legal and financial records you need.

•                  Arrange for veterinarian records to be transferred.

•                  Call your insurance agent to see what changes to expect in your policies for changing provinces.

•                  Ask if moving is covered and arrange for insurance for your new home.

•                  Contact health clubs or other organizations you have joined. Ask how to move, sell, or end your membership

Mark O'Krafka, Broker, RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage,
Direct Line: 519-654-6683, Email: mark@homezone.ca, Website: http://www.homezone.ca/

Moving Tips - 6 Weeks Before

•                  Make a list of things that are valuable or difficult to replace. Plan on shipping these by certified mail or carrying them with you.

•                  Make a list of friends, relatives and businesses to notify of your move.

•                  Work your way through each room taking inventory and deciding what to donate or throw away.

•                  Start planning a yard sale or contact your local charities.

•                  Subscribe to the newspaper in your new hometown to start learning about events and the local culture.

•                  Begin using things that can't be moved.

Mark O'Krafka, Broker, RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage,
Direct Line: 519-654-6683, Email: mark@homezone.ca, Website: http://www.homezone.ca/

Moving Tips - 5 Weeks Before

•                  Begin collecting boxes and other packing supplies.

•                  Begin packing items you don't use often. Also start separating and disposing of the items you've designated for a yard sale, donation or the junk yard. If you donate, be sure to get a receipt for income tax purposes.

•                  Start pinpointing a "move date". Try to take advantage of lower rates that may be offered during off peak times, Tuesdays through Thursdays or during the first three weeks of the month.

•                  Plan ahead for parking your truck, trailer or helpers vehicles. If you're moving in a trailer keep in mind overhead clearance. You should contact your property manager or local authorities to ensure you will be complying with any parking restrictions.

•                  Plan for short-term or long-term storage at destination if needed.

•                  File a change of address with the Postal Service. If you are unsure of your new address, ask the postal service to hold your mail at their office in your new city.

•                  Schedule disconnection of all utility services at your old home, and connection of utility services at your new one. Be sure to disconnect the day after you leave and connect the day before you arrive. If you have "last month" deposits with services, such as the water or gas company, request your refund.

•                  If a professional mover is packing your goods, schedule packing day(s) one or two days before the move.

•                  If you move yourself, order adequate boxes, packing materials and tape now.

•                  Make travel arrangements for your pets. Don't forget to include necessary medical and immunization records.

•                  Advertise and host your garage sale.

•                  Call your newspaper courier and set a date to cancel your subscription.

Mark O'Krafka, Broker, RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage,
Direct Line: 519-654-6683, Email: mark@homezone.ca, Website: http://www.homezone.ca/

Moving Tips - 3 Weeks Before

•                  Make sure all library books have been returned and all dry cleaning or items out for repair have been picked up. Also retrieve any items out on loan.

•                  Decide if you will keep your plants or give them away.

•                  Dispose of flammables, corrosives and poisons.

•                  Have your automobile(s) serviced.

•                  Prepare auto registration to be transferred.

•                  If you are moving into or out of an apartment, arrange to use the elevator on your move day.

•                  Contact your bank and/or credit union to transfer or close accounts. Clear out safety deposit boxes. Pick up traveler's checks or cash for "on the road" expenses.

•                  Confirm travel arrangements for pets and family.

•                  Confirm parking for your trailer and obtain parking permits if needed.

•                  Notify any creditors of your move.

•                  Plan meals for the last week of the move to help empty the refrigerator and avoid using appliances that will already be packed.

•                  Assemble a folder of important information about the house for the new owner of your home.

Moving Tips - 1 Week Before

•                  Notify friends and family of your new address and phone number.

•                  Finish packing and prepare an "essentials" box. Designate several moving boxes and items as "last load" items. Pack your suitcases and valuables separately.

•                  Drain water hoses and waterbed.

•                  Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator at least 24 hours before moving day.

•                  Prepare all appliances for loading.

•                  Fill any prescriptions or medications you will need for the next couple of weeks.

•                  Make childcare arrangements for moving day.

Mark O'Krafka, Broker, RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage,
Direct Line: 519-654-6683, Email: mark@homezone.ca, Website: http://www.homezone.ca/

FINAL MOVING THOUGHTS

Moving Out Checklist

•                  This might include your vacuum cleaner or bed sheets.

•                  Check every room, closet and cabinet one last time before deciding everything is loaded.

•                  Leave a note with your new address in the house so that future residents can forward any stray mail.

•                  Keep a friend or family member informed of your plans and "whereabouts" in case of an emergency or unforeseen event.

Moving In Checklist

•                  If you arrive at your new home ahead of your movers. Take this time to look things over and to ensure your utilities have been connected.

•                  Check appliances and systems to ensure all are working properly, and arrange for repairs if necessary.

•                  Verify that your mail is being delivered to your new address and pick up any mail being held.

•                  Consider drawing out your new floor plan and decide where you want furniture and appliances placed.

After the Move Checklist

•                  Keep all receipts and documentation in your move file and store the file in a safe place. Be sure to include your Bill of Lading and delivery receipt. You'll be glad to have everything in one place at tax time.

•                  Get a new driver's license and new tags for your automobile.

•                  Contact the local paper for a new subscription.

•                  ENJOY YOUR NEW HOME!

I hope this checklist has helped make your move more manageable.

Your Realtor... for LIFE!

Mark O'Krafka

Mark O'Krafka, Broker, RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage,
Direct Line: 519-654-6683, Email: mark@homezone.ca, Website: http://www.homezone.ca/