Move-in day is fast approaching and you don’t have a clue on how you’ll pull it off. At this point, it seems like you have to choreograph a routine. But the truth is that the stress can be dispelled. Moving out of your old place can be a smooth process. Follow these simple steps and everything will come together nicely.
Change your address
Some people forget that moving doesn’t just mean getting rid of junk and buying new Ikea furniture. Moving also means a complete change in where you live, and that means you need to notify your bank, credit card companies, and the CRA and other government agencies. Most magazine and newspaper subscription services allow you to change your address online. Other mails can be trickier. If you’re worried about missing out on sentimental letters or unsolicited advertisements in the moving process, pay for Canada Post’s mail forwarding service.
Switch your hookups and coverage
You’ll likely want some modern comforts while unpacking all your stuff. Ideally, you should give your service providers one month notice to make sure you can have your internet and utilities cancelled or transferred as soon as you move into your new place. Some service providers like cable and sometimes internet will have to be at your new place for hookup, but Hydro One, Enbridge, and the City of Toronto allow you to change address online or with a phone call. Don’t forget to cancel your current rental insurance and set up a new package for your new home. If you’re a new renter or don’t already have coverage, you should definitely consider getting rental insurance.
You & Co. or hire help?
If you’re thinking of doing the heavy lifting with just a couple of friends, you’ll still need to rent a truck. Think time versus mileage. Renting a cargo van through Zipcar will cost you $109 for a day, but that means you can go far and for as many journeys necessary. Renting a standard 10’ U-Haul truck will only cost you $19.95 plus $0.69/km travelled plus gas. If you’re moving across town from Etobicoke to Scarborough — a distance of around 40 km — that’s only an extra $25-$30 for mileage plus about $6 for gas (at 12 l/100km and gas rate of $1.13/l) . If you have to hire professional movers for the same move, expect to pay somewhere between $400 to $500 depending on the size of your home. Just don’t forget you’ll likely want to buy them coffee and/or pizza (so they’re extra careful with the goods) and be expected to tip around 20% at the end of the day.
Mind the important little details
Find out where you can park on move-in day for both your current building and the new place. Sell your extra sofa bed or find out where to dump old furniture so you’re not one of those people who leave their junk to rot in the back alley. While you’re doing that, figure out where you can take your hazardous materials (i.e. paint, solvents, computer parts). If you have a young child or a pet, who’s going to care for them during the many hours of moving, and how are they going to get to the new place?
Draw out a floor plan
Not everyone enjoys taking out the measuring tape, but if you can get your hands on the dimensions of your new home, you can get a kick out of playing around with configurations for your new place to max out on the feng shui or Mary Kondo vibes. It especially helps to plan where things should go if you’re downsizing or moving to a small place. And before you start packing, it might help to snap a few photos of your current set up, not just for nostalgia but so you can replicate it in your new home if consistency is what you’re going for.
Be wary of the necessities
Unlocked cars, doors left ajar — a lot can go missing in all the excitement of moving day if you don’t keep an eye on things. More likely, things will be misplaced or lost in a sea of boxes. It’s best you keep all your valuables and electronics on you or in a day bag by your side throughout the process. Packing your toiletries, a fresh change of clothes, a towel, and bedding in one visible and accessible bag or box will save some extra hassle at the end of a tiring day.
Pack like a librarian
Some people find packing the hardest part of moving. Other people get a thrill out of deciding what to pack and what to throw out. The most critical thing, however, is being systematic about the whole thing. Pack similar items together and then thoroughly label the boxes clearly and precisely. Don’t just scrawl “clothing” on one of your boxes. Pen in specifics. Are they collared shirts, dress shirts, and things that will be hung up, or are they underwear, t-shirts, and things that will go straight into a drawer? Do you even need to unpack your raincoats, winter coats, and wool sweaters now?
There’s an art to moving that few of us could care to master, but moving is a fact of life. The whole process can be pulled off with little effort if you do just a bit of forward thinking. In the end, it might even feel like a fresh start.
