Before Your Move

To Make you Move Go smooth plan well in advance and start taking steps now to make your move more manageable.

Be an Informed Mover
When you first start your moving plans create a expense folder and keep all important information and receipts. I would suggest dropping into your local Revenue Agency Office or visit their on-line location site, to determine what expenses are tax deductible on your next tax return. Also keep all contact information for Moving Companies and any other special services you might need.

Research your new community. You will also want to order a phone book and city map of your new location. Researching new schools, daycares and other essential business as well as ordering a local newspaper can be done on-line as well 

Another important preparation for a move is to start using up items that can't be moved to your new home. Properly dispose of flammable or potentially hazardous chemicals. This would include anything in an aerosol can, cleaning and lighting fluids, paint, matches and ammunition. Eat foods that are frozen or stored in glass jars and don't plan on replacing these items until you are in your new home. Finally, be aware that live plants cannot be shipped with your other household goods. Plan on taking these in your car or find new homes for them. This of course only applies to those movers that may take a couple of days to move. Most frozen food can be transmitted in coolers


Take Inventory 
Inventory can be a painful process, however it is an essential part of moving, A good inventory will allow you to monitor what items you have in your possession. It will also permit you to make the decision of what to keep and what to go. Take it one room at a time and prepare to make tough decisions.

Survey each room and ask yourself:

Does this have sentimental or monetary value? 
Does anyone really use it? 
Is it worth making the move? 
Is there room for it in your new home? 

If the item in question doesn't make the cut, get rid of it.  Plan a yard sale, post an online ad in the Classifieds (This is a great way to earn a little extra cash.) or simply donate anything that does not meet your criteria to a local charity.

Sorting through your home gives you the opportunity to take inventory of your belongings. Make a list of everything you decide to keep and assign replacement values for insurance purposes. Make note of items that are difficult to replace such as family heirlooms. Either transport these items with you or ship them by insured or certified mail. Such items might include
Photos and home videos 
Birth certificates, wills and other legal documentation 
Jewelry, rare coins and special collections 
Stock certificates, insurance policies and financial records 
Computer diskettes with backups of important files. 

Plan for what you will need when arrival at your new apartment or home. Plan ahead and make a checklist of things you will need to pack in suitcases and an "essentials" box. Allow for extra clothing and be sure to make room for treasures, toys and snacks for the kids. Your essentials box should include things you'll be looking for upon your arrival.

Scissors, masking tape, utility knife, can opener 
Coffee cups, paper plates, paper towels 
Plastic forks, spoons, knives 
Dish soap, trash bags, towels 
Instant coffee, tea, beverages 
Toilet paper, toiletries 
Prescriptions, aspirin or other pain relievers 
Toothpaste and Tooth Brush
Flashlight, light bulbs, hammer 
Phone books, pencils and paper, your "move file" 
Telephone, radio, batteries 

Plan on keeping your essentials box and luggage handy, preferably in your automobile.

Back to moving tips