Moving is almost never easy. To avoid problems and delays, you really need to plan ahead and stay organised.
In my opinion the first thing to do is a little ‘spring cleaning’. Over the years we tend to accumulate a whole mess of objects and clothes we never use, stuff we don’t need to move. You should try and sell anything that still has value. Everything else you no longer need should be recycled or donated to charity.
You will also want to report your change of address to all the required organisations. We generally tend to only think of the Post Office and a few providers, but there are many other important places that require an up-to-date address. To do this quickly and online, you can visit the information page on ”Moving” from Quebec government’s website, or Service Canada ”Moving Checklist” page. Both sites contain all the necessary instructions for changing your address for government services.
Don’t forget to notify your bank, insurer, telecommunications provider, Hydro-Québec, alumni organizations, etc.
Ready for the big day?
Buy wrapping material in advance, such as: boxes, tape, bubble wrap, wrapping paper, labels, markers, and garment coverings, to name a few.
Start packing boxes a few weeks in advance with items such as off-season clothing and things you don’t use too often. You can box-up frequently used things as your moving day approaches.
If you need help from friends or family, advise them well in advance. As a bonus, you can offer to buy them lunch. You can even create a Facebook event to get the maximum amount of helpers!
The day before moving, it’s wise to reconfirm the presence of your friends and family who will be helping, as well as the movers, moving truck and their arrival time.
The day of the move, bring a small box filled with things you’ll need to keep handy throughout the day, such as: bottles of water, snacks, towels, cleaning products, toilet paper, a first-aid kit and a box of tools. You can also bring a mop and broom just in case your new place needs a good wipe-down after the movers are done, before opening all the boxes.
If you need to paint your walls but are unable to do so before your moving day, try and place as many boxes as possible in the centre of the room or in a room that won’t be painted. This way there will be sufficient space to paint without messing up all your stuff.
That’s it! All that’s left is to unpack, arrange your things and start enjoying your new home!
Photo credits: Déménagement Breton-Savard.
