Casey’s “After The Sale” Check List
The time between the sale of your home and the moving date can be very busy taking care of all the details. Here is a reminder check list of some of the items that you should look after before you move.
Four weeks before
Before you do anything else, set up a moving expense book. Some of your expenses might be tax deductible so be sure to keep all your receipts. Start by taking a good look at what really is worth keeping. Don’t forget to check the attic, basement, garage and garden shed. A garage sale is a great idea…less for you to move and a few extra dollars in your pocket. (See attached list)
If you’re going to use professional movers, get estimate from at least two companies. Make sure they know
precisely what they have to move and what you’re leaving or moving yourself (always take jewelry and small
valuables yourself). Check what their insurance will cover should anything get damaged. Ask about extra
charges. Get references and make sure you have a written confirmation of the date they are to move you and
the total cost. If you’re not using a moving company you’ll need to start collecting boxes for packing. Make
sure they’re sturdy and have a top.
Start to use up frozen and canned food and staples.
Make travel reservations for the trip – airline, hotel, rental care – including arrangements for your pets.
Arrange for transfer of banking or trust company accounts and securities. Establish new accounts with a
letter of introduction.
Arrange for the cancellation or transfer of home and property insurance.
Cancel or transfer social, athletic, civic, religious or business affiliations or memberships.
Return any items you have borrowed so you don’t move anything that isn’t yours. Also collect anything you
have loaned to neighbours.
Three Weeks Before
Prepare a list and mail change of address cards (you can get them from the Post Office) to friends and
relatives, credit card, insurance, finance and charge account companies, stock broker, accountant, license
bureaus, magazines/newspapers, clubs and associations, trades people and others. If you know your new
phone number, it’s a good idea to include it. (See attached list)
Arrange for transfer of medical, dental and optical records and prescriptions.
Dispose of flammable items – paints, matches, pressure cans, cleaning fluids, etc.
Two Weeks Before
Book a service firm to prepare appliances for moving.
Start packing. (See attached sheet)
Move your plants. (See attached sheet)
Arrange for a sitter for children and/or pets for moving day.
Move your pets. (See attached sheet)
Register children in new school.
Arrange for disconnection (and connection at new home) of utilities (hydro, gas, oil, telephone, cable TV,
water softener). Many companies require written notification well in advance. Check your contracts. In many
areas, arrangements for hook-ups (e.g. telephone) also have to be done well in advance. Check with the local
service.
If you live in an apartment, check to see if there is a freight elevator (you may have to book it in advance).
One Week Before
Finish packing all suitcases and basic essentials for car.
Drain water from garden hose and oil/fuel from power mower and other
machinery.
Dismantle large power tools such as lathes, saws, etc.
Arrange access to keys for your new home.
Gather up all the keys for the new owners; don't forget the garage keys too. Remember to retrieve keys you
may have left with a neighbour.
Two Days Before You Move
Do you have to clean your gym or school lockers, safety deposit boxes, pick up laundry or shoes from the
repair shop?
Do any last minute laundry and have the washer and dryer ready for the move.
Defrost freezers.
Day Before you Move
Make sure you have a floor plan for the movers so they can move the boxes into the appropriate rooms as
written on the box.
Moving Day
Move your house plants. (See attached sheet)
Lay down plastic sheets to protect floors and carpets from heavy traffic.
Make sure the movers understand all instructions and check their record of boxes against your sheets to
make sure everything is accounted for.
Just before movers leave for your new home, go through the house once more to make sure nothing is left
behind. Are the attic and garage empty?
Carry enough cash or travelers cheques to cover cost of moving expenses, services, until you make new
banking connections.
Carry jewelry, currency and important documents with you.
Double check closets, drawers and shelves.
Lock doors and windows; disconnect utilities and turn off lights.
Get to the house before the movers. You may want to take a cooler filled with refreshments and snacks as
it's going to be a long day.
Arrival kit checklist - see attached sheet.
Lay down plastic sheets to protect your new floors and carpets.
Check on service of telephone, electricity and water.
Have appliances checked.
Have new address recorded on driver's license. Arrange for medical services: doctor, dentist, veterinarian,
etc.
As the movers carry the boxes into your new home, check them off on your master list. Be sure to check all
boxes carefully for damage while the movers are there. Should anything be damaged, clearly state the details
on the movers' agreement and have them sign it. This will help if you need to claim for damages from the
moving company.
I know moving can be a trying time for all. However, I hope I've been able to ease your
mind as you start to plan your move. You'll find it's not quite as difficult as you hought!
|