Toronto Movers

Pulling your hair out because you’re moving soon?  This really doesn’t have to be a stressful time. Here are some tips to help you achieve a smooth move. Why spend your hard earned money on a professional packing company with a little planning and innovation you can do it yourself.

* Create a checklist for yourself and include everything that you need to do before during and after the move.

* Decluttering will make it easier for you.  There are many charities that will come and pick up clothes, items and even furniture.

* Obtain quotes for a moving company, referrals from friends and relatives are usually your best choice. 

* Start collecting boxes.  Try your local grocery store or even a friend with a company who can lend you free boxes.  Remember it is better to have light boxes and heavy ones.  The heavier ones will just hurt your back.

* Label all your boxes with the name of the room in the house they will be going into.  Also specify what is inside, winter clothes, games, etc. 

* Make sure you specify which way is up and fragile with a thick felt marker.

* Use newspaper only to wrap those items which will not be ruined by the transfer of newsprint. Use your own linens to wrap delicate items. A roll of bubble wrap is also worth having on hand.

 * For larger moves colour coded stickers on your boxes can be useful then when at the destination put colour coded stickers on the door frames so your mover knows what goes where.

* Be methodical. Pack each room as you go, this way you will not miss anything.

* Give yourself plenty of time. Do not underestimate just how long it will take you to pack. This is especially true if you have lived in the place for sometime.

* Sometimes the move does not take place at midday as your lawyer has specified. In case the move is delayed and you do not get moved in until late in the evening prepare with what you will need to get to bed and take care of the unpacking the next day.   Keep the kids toys and electronic games handy.

* If you can find a babysitter for the children under 12 and for any pets it will make it even smoother as accidents can happen.

* Disconnect all the major electrical/gas appliances for the arrivals of the movers. They are not trained gas fitter or electricians and indeed it is now illegal for them to get involved in disconnection/reconnection of appliances.

* Disconnect the telephone before you leave the house and arrange for the phone to be connected at your new place.

* Plan your unpacking so that you unpack the most important rooms such as the bedroom; kitchen for basic food and kettle; bathroom.

* If you are relocating pets ensure that their new home is ready for them: gates closed; fencing in good order. Keep a close eye on your dogs and cats they have been house trained at your old house at the new they may decide to ” mark their territory”.

* Moving is stressful and tempers may get heated.  Take a break when everything is moved in.  Open up that bottle of wine, toast your new house this is where you and your loved ones will live.  Imagine how you will feel once all the boxes are unpacked and the furniture is in its place. 

* Don’t forget your toolkit for disassembly and reassembly.   The movers may not do it.  A good idea to check with the company if they will do it for you.   Make sure that your box for screws and bolts is handy.

* The movers will place the items in the rooms you designate. However,

they are not there to help in your feng shui.  Decide in advance where you want your furniture placed and stick to it.

* In advance arrange with the post office to set up a forwarding address. Forwarding

can take some days so give them plenty of notice. Email/ text/ mail everyone with your new address.

* During the 2-4 days after you have moved in take the opportunity to say ” Hi” to your neighbours.  It is a good idea to build a good rapport with your elderly neighbours especially if they stay at home during the day and watch what is happening.  An instant security system for your new house.

Enjoy your packing, moving and remember it is all worth it in the end.