A Well Organized Move with a Handy Checklist
The Art of Planning Your Move
Déménagements Rapide has developed a checklist that helps you move safely, without a hitch. See our list of things to do before and during the move to make sure everything goes smoothly.
During the move
6 Weeks Ahead
- Call your favourite charity for pickup of unwanted items.
- Decide on your approximate moving date.
- Ask one of our consultants to prepare a cost estimate for your move.
- Be sure to give your AIRMILES® collector number to your Déménagements Rapide Moving Consultant.
- Transfer or cancel your subscriptions.
- Ask your Déménagements Rapide Moving Consultant for a NEW HORIZONS added value package of products/services. Also request a NEIGHBORHOODS kit to acquaint you with your new community. Both are free of charge.
- Do not pack documents related to your move.
- Review with your doctor the name and dosage of any renewable prescription medications.
- Plan your farewell visits with family and friends.
4 Weeks Ahead
- Make arrangements to forward your mail and send out a notice of change of address.
- Arrange to have utilities disconnected.
- Contact utilities companies to have connections made at the new destination as soon as you move.
- Ask the phone company to connect you before you arrive at your new home.
- Ask your bank to transfer your accounts to the branch nearest your new home.
- If you are paying for your own move, you will need to pay by preauthorized payment via credit card or a certified cheque. Arrange for a safety deposit box at the new location. Never pack valuables. Keep money, jewelry and bonds with you or arrange for a courier service to transport them.
- Transfer your home (fire, theft) and other insurance.
- Check your insurance policy to see whether a long distance move is covered. Consult us to learn more about the coverage offered by Déménagements Rapide.
2 Weeks Ahead
- Check your "to do" list Call the Déménagement VIP Moving Consultant if you have any questions.
- Prepare a floor plan of your new home and make extra copies. They will be very useful when you move in.
- If you plan to pack some of your belongings yourself, start now.
- Plan a going-away party for your children and their friends.
- Plan menus in advance to use up stocks of canned and frozen foods.
- Collect items at the cleaners, at the repair shop, in storage or loaned. Return borrowed books and movie rentals.
- Arrange sitters for young children and pets during the busy days of packing, loading and moving in.
1 Week Ahead
- Keep aside any food, dishes and utensils you will need during the last few days and pack them on moving day.
- List the items you'll need immediately upon arrival at your destination such as, flashlight, light bulbs, toilet paper, cleaning products, snacks and beverages. Wrap them last and unload them first with essentials such as the baby’s crib and playpen.
- Drain fuel from the lawnmower and other machinery.
- Safely dispose of all gasoline, matches, paints and aerosol cans listed in our booklet Handling Dangerous Goods.
- Confirm hotel/motel reservations for your trip.
- Organize all of your moving and travel documents as well as the valuables you will be taking with you.
- Set aside and label items such as luggage that you do not want packed or moved.
- Pack the phone book, it will be very useful after your move.
- Unhook the window curtains, blinds, curtain rods, shelves and mirrors. Take up any fixed carpet that must be moved. The movers do not perform these tasks.
Packing Day
- When the packers arrive, show them any items that require special attention.
- Before the packers are finished, make a final check of closets, cabinets and storage areas for articles that may have been overlooked.
- When the packers are finished, sign the Certificate of Packing and Unpacking and verify the number of cartons they have packed.
- If you are not carrying your pets personally, take them to the transport agency or boarding service.
Moving Day
- Be available when the Déménagements Rapide team arrives or authorize someone to replace you in writing.
- If you have any questions during loading, ask the driver.
- Tell your driver the items you'll need immediately when you arrive at your destination. These items will be loaded last and unloaded first.
- Accompany the Driver through the house as he tags each item with an identifying number. These numbers will appear on your Inventory Listing. Make sure the Driver knows which items are not to be loaded.
- Sign the Inventory Listing and keep your copy with your moving documents.
- Keep children and pets away during the move. The driver will be happy to show children the moving truck before loading begins.
- Before signing the Bill of Lading, check the details, paying particular attention to the Declared Valuation section and your destination address. Be specific about where you can be reached when your shipment arrives. Sign the Bill of Lading and keep a copy with your moving documents
Moving In – What To Do
- Confirm arrangements for the installation and connection of electrical appliances.
- The day of delivery, if possible, plan for a sitter who will look after the comfort and safety of young children and pets.
- Get the keys to the house. If possible, do any cleaning now before the moving van arrives.
- Post a floor plan near the entrance to help the team properly place furniture and boxes.
- Be available to accept delivery or have someone represent you. If no one is present, you could be charged for waiting time.
- C.O.D. – have payment prepared in advance for the Driver.
- During unloading, position yourself so that you can check off each item when it arrives in the house, inspect its condition and direct it to its location. The movers will place rugs and assemble the furniture, but are prohibited from installing appliances, curtains, shelves or fixtures.
- Before the packing material is removed from the home, make sure that no small items such as lids were left in the paper. Sign the Certificate of Packing and Unpacking after verifying the number of boxes that have been unpacked.
