After months of careful consideration, many doubts and countless sleepless nights, you’ve finally made your decision: it’s time to move. Considered one of the main sources of stress one will face in their lifetime (after mourning and layoff), moving requires careful organization and planning. Whether you’re taking on this new adventure alone or with your family, moving requires rigour and methodology to ensure nothing is forgotten.
Here are a few tips to shed some light on how to proceed effectively.
Create a budget
First and foremost, create a precise budget to get an idea of the costs required to move. These can vary according to several factors.
Here are the main elements to consider:
Moving costs
If you’re hiring moving professionals, costs may vary according to the distance between your old and new residences, the number of objects to move and the additional services that you may require (packing, unpacking, furniture assembly, etc.). If you decide to move by yourself, you will most likely need to rent a van or moving truck and purchase packing material.
Storage costs
If you need to store objects before, during or after your move, you may have to rent a storage space. Costs can vary according to the size of the space and the rental period.
Travel costs
If you are moving to a new city or province, you will likely need to plan for additional costs to pay for train or plane tickets or vehicle expenses.
Change of address costs
You may need to pay various service providers (electricity, internet, etc.) additional charges to change your address. Contact them in advance to avoid surprises.
Make a detailed list of tasks
Make a list of all the tasks that must be completed before, during and after you move. This will help you follow predetermined steps and ensure that you have thought of everything in advance.
- Choose a moving date
- Plan to terminate your lease, if necessary, verify the terms of your contract and the notice period
- Sort through all your things and decide how many objects need to be moved
- Carefully pack your furniture and objects
- Book a moving truck in advance and choose a reliable professional moving service
- Buy packing materials (boxes, tape, corrugated wrap, etc.)
- Cancel the utilities (cable, phone) for your previous address
- Notify organizations (Canada Post, Revenu Quebec, Canada Revenue Agency, Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec, your financial and credit institution, Hydro-Québec, Gaz Métropolitain, cable company, internet provider, auto and home insurance company, accountant or notary) of your change of address
- Request a day off, if necessary
During the move:
- Load and unload furniture and boxes with extreme care
- Strategically unpack your objects
- Clean your old house or apartment
- Do a final check to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything
- Arrange food and drink for yourself and those helping you; it will be much appreciated
Settle in and make your new home your own
- Unpack the remaining boxes and sort through your things
- Properly set up your furniture and appliances
- Arrange your rooms as you please
- Set up utilities for your new address
- Inform your employer, your kids’ school, if necessary, your friends and your family of your new address
And most importantly, relax! All that’s left to do is to get settled and take a load off in your new home.
Please note that this is a non-exhaustive list that may vary. Do not hesitate to personalize it based on your personal needs and situation.
Now that you have everything you need, you can get started on this step with peace of mind. Don’t forget to subscribe to a home insurance policy adapted to fit the needs of your new home. A home insurance policy covers various kinds of risks, including fire, water damage, theft and vandalism. It’s important to read your insurance policy carefully in order to know exactly what is and is not covered. After that, you can peacefully settle into your new home.
Happy moving!
