Moving Tips for a Smooth Transition

Preparing to move into a new home can be overwhelming. It has likely taken years – and for some, decades – to collect all that “stuff.” Packing and moving it all can be a daunting task. Since you likely already have a lot on your plate, we reached out to our panel of RE/MAX Influencers from coast to coast, for some professional advice. Without further ado, here are their top moving tips as you prepare for moving day.

Forward your mail

Missing important government notices, mail from the Tax Man, and health care reminders can mean missing important appointments, deadlines and incurring penalties. A few to keep in mind include your doctor, dentist, driver’s license, and credit card companies.

Keep track of the bills and mail that you have received in the mail over the last one to two months, so you can identify if anything is missing. You may need to make some calls to track it down.

De-clutter

Packing and moving requires energy and cost. The less you have to move, the cheaper and easier the task will be. Declutter your home before you list it for sale – it will show better, and you won’t have to worry about packing and moving items you no longer want or need.

Hire a moving company 

Moving takes a lot of energy (and muscle), therefore it can be a good idea to leave it to the experts. Hiring movers will take a lot of the stress away from you, allowing you to focus on other important logistics on moving day. And remember, have a list handy and don’t leave anything until the last minute!

Book the movers! All other activities revolve around this schedule.
–Tammy Marcoux, RE/MAX Camosun, Victoria BC

“Prepare well in advance, really important – mark your boxes and count them – place the number of the box where it can be seen, as well as a list of the number of boxes and their contents, separately in case something is misplaced or lost – label everything!”
– Sharon Black, RE/MAX Kelowna, Kelowna BC

“When moving day comes, make sure every last thing is in a box the night before. Make it easy for yourself – the only thing you should be doing on moving day is putting your night clothes and bedding in a clear plastic bag and getting dressed.”
– Dawn & Lawrence Setter, RE/MAX First Realty, Parksville BC

Utilities and services

You don’t want to arrive to your new home and have a bunch of tasks to do that you could have done ahead of time. You will be busy enough as it is. Arrange your utility hookups and services (Internet, phone and cable) ahead of time to ensure a smooth transition.

Child and pet care

On a day like this, you want as few distractions as possible.

Arrange for child and pet care the day of the move, so that you can put a full day of work into concentrating on the move. – Tammy Marcoux, RE/MAX Camosun, Victoria BC

Cleaners

Moving takes longer than you would expect, and the last thing you want to do at the end of moving day is clean your old house. Hire a professional cleaner to ensure that you leave your place tidy for the new owner. Also, if you have some flexibility, consider having your new home cleaned before you move everything in.

Ask for help

Don’t try and do it all on your own. Your friends and family are excited for you, ask them to help where they can!

More helpful moving tips:

Have a box that will travel with you or will be the first out of the truck with cleaning supplies, snacks and water. – Stewart Peddemors, RE/MAX Colonial Pacific Realty, Surrey BC

“I’ve found most clients pack highly valuable items such as jewelry, fine art, small electronic gear, and personal keepsakes themselves and do not send them on the moving truck.” – Jerry Geen, RE/MAX Kelowna, Kelowna BC

“Make sure everyone has their phones powered up and that everyone has each other’s content number, should something happen.” – Stewart Peddemors, RE/MAX Colonial Pacific Realty, Surrey BC