So, you’ve managed to find and purchase the property of your dreams. You’ve put in a lot of hard work, and you can’t wait for your family to turn your new house into a home. As your excitement builds, it’s important to remember that there are still plenty of logistics to figure out. While most people don’t forget to tackle the big steps—like hiring movers or booking a truck—there are a few things that frequently get overlooked during the process.
If you’re about to move out of one home and into another, here are five tasks you should immediately add to your “to do” list…
1) Switch over your utilities
It may sound obvious, but you’ll need to contact your utility companies before the move. Most homeowners receive services from several different providers—including gas, electricity, internet, and cable, among others—and it’s important to ensure that each one is dealt with. To help ensure a smooth transition, work out your timelines before scheduling your disconnect and connect dates. Getting in touch two weeks before your move should be sufficient, except when it comes to cable and other services that require installation (then it’s best to give a month’s notice).
2) Have your mail forwarded
Failing to receive important notices in the mail—not to mention birthday cards and parcels—can be inconvenient. To avoid this annoyance, get in touch with Canada Post and leave your forwarding address. You’ll need to get it done at least five days before you move, but try to do it sooner. Simple, last-minute tasks are all-too-easy to forget! Luckily, Canada Post offers a simple online tool for changes of address. If you have any questions, you can still head to the nearest branch to make the switch in person.
3) Label your boxes by room
There’s no denying that unpacking is one of the most unpleasant aspects of moving. Fortunately, there are ways to make the process easier. Labeling your boxes clearly is a great start. A description of the contents of a box may seem like the most logical information to include. That said, labeling by room is usually the best way to simplify the unpacking process. Consider using a different shade of marker for each room—or even opting for colour-coded labels. Don’t forget to include the word “fragile” for boxes that will require a bit of extra care.
4) Pack an essentials bag
Don’t forget that you’ll need to live in your new home while your possessions are being unpacked. If you start ripping into your boxes in search of sheets, toiletries, or your favourite sweater, things are bound to get chaotic pretty quickly. To avoid the extra stress, pack a bag of essentials. Include everything you’ll need to get through those first few days—and make sure every member of your family does the same. It won’t hurt to plan out a few upcoming meals as well (nearby restaurants may be the easiest option).
5) Collect all your old keys
Before you officially say goodbye to your old home, you’ll need to ensure that its new owners have access to every part of it. That means digging up the keys for the front door, back door, shed, garage—you name it. You should also think about anyone who might be in possession of an extra set. Even if the new owners decide to change the locks, your efforts will help make the process easier for them. Be sure to do an inventory of all the locked spaces in your new home, too!
Looking to find and move into your dream home? Get in touch—we know the buying and selling processes inside and out, and we can help you make a smooth transition!
