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Moving Checklist

Use this page as your comprehensive guide before you move.

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General Checklist:

Get estimates from moving companies.
Transfer or resign from club or association memberships.
Sell, donate, give away and discard unnecessary belongings.
Get school records for transfer to new schools.
Get all medical, dental, birth, baptism & marriage records.
Set up bank accounts in new city.
Revise your will and other legal paper (if necessary)
Check storage facilities.
Defrost and clean fridge before moving; clean stove.
Use up perishable food.
Arrange for work to be done at the new home.
Plan for children & pets on moving day.
Cancel cleaning company, pool maintenance, gardener, and snow removal.
Ensure you have adequate insurance for goods in transit.
Pack a suitcase with items you’ll need the first day in your new home.
Leave the house clean for new occupants.

Packing Checklist:

Get packing paper, pad for inventory, marking pens and boxes.
Heavy twine, masking tape, label maker
Get boxes or large containers.
Empty gas from lawnmower, outboard motors, etc.
Remove batteries from toys or appliances.
Mark cartons clearly as to contents and room to be put in.
Set aside things you will carry in your car; mark as “Do Not Load”.
Mark cartons you want loaded last & unloaded first.
Tie or tape mops and brooms into bundles.
Point out and mark fragile or delicate items.
Carry money, jewelry and valuable papers with you.
Do not overload drawers when packing items in dressers.
Liquids in bottles should have tops secured.
Blankets are best moved in large boxes; towels and pillows in dresser drawers.
Pack lampshades in boxes by themselves.
Table lamps should be packed.
Do not leave shelves loose in the fridge & stove.
Small appliances should be wrapped and packed in the bottom of boxes.
Do not pack cleaning products in the same box as food.
Move clothes and drapes in a wardrobe supplied by mover.
Do not wrap furniture or tie with a rope.
Large power tools should be dismantled for moving.

Remember to notify:

Accountant
Banks / Finance companies
Insurance Broker
Utility Companies
Church
Credit cards
Dentist – get referral
Doctor – get referral
Driver’s license
Healthcard
Prescriptions to new pharmacy
Child Tax Benefit
Housecleaning Service
Internet Provider
Lawyer
Library
Security Company
Maternity Benefits
Newspapers
Old age security/Canada Pension
Post office – Fill out “Change of Address” forms
Schools
Cancel Gym Membership
Subscriptions (magazines etc.)

Call before moving:

Telecom:
Bell Telephone 1-866-845-2998
Rogers 1- 888 764-3771
Utilities:
Toronto Hydro 416-542-8000
Hydro One Toll Free 1-888-664-9376
Enbridge Gas 1-877-362-7434
Water:
Toronto Water 311 Within Toronto or 416-392-2489 Outside Toronto

Moving Out:

All meters read
Furnace turned down
Lights turned off
Windows and doors shut and locked
Keys are to be delivered to lawyers
Make arrangements for keys to new home
Leave house clean for new occupants

Moving In:

Have children and pets elsewhere
Be on hand for movers
Check off numbered boxes
Check each carton for damage or loss
List claims for damages
Pay movers
Unpack everything
Get appliances hooked up
Get kitchen and bedrooms set up first

After the move:

Review checklist to make sure everything has been done.
List all necessary phone numbers and put them by telephone.
Change all locks.
Introduce yourselves to your new neighbours.
Explore and get to know your new neighbourhood.

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