You're getting ready to move and it's 2 months before the big day.
You think you have all the time in the world, but in reality you're running out of time; it's at this point where you should start the process.
Eight weeks before your moving day, you should start researching moving companies and familiarizing yourself with your rights and responsibilities. Sites like
TopMoving.com have the ability to get you in touch with licensed and insured movers in your area who can accommodate your move and offer reviews and ratings for each company. If you can afford it, consider purchasing insurance coverage for your move; see what your homeowner's policy covers and also see what insurance is included with prospective moving companies, as this can also help you in making a decision.
If you are moving to a new city or new province, be sure to research banks, doctors and if you have children or are planning to have children in your future, schools.
Week seven is when you should have at least three written estimates from moving companies. In person estimates are more reliable, as the movers will see exactly what they are dealing with, so if you can get an estimator to come to your home and do an inventory count, that would be best.
Make a list of all the businesses (and online accounts) you need to contact in order to change your address.
Six weeks before you move, is when it's time to start packing! Let the chaos commence. The first step is to asses your closet; get rid of clothing that no longer fits or you no longer want and donate them. Once the closet is done, tackle packing room by room. See what items you can donate and what items you can sell.
Once you've cleared your house of unwanted/needed items, it's time to pack the items that you use less frequently such as seasonal items and items stored in attics or basements.
Five weeks before your move, start emptying your fridge, freezer and pantry and try not to do too much food shopping or bulk shopping before your move. Contact all your friends and family to update them on your new address and contact information. Start purchasing supplies that'll make moving easier, like boxes, packing material, tape, box cutters, labels and anything else that will help like boxes for dishes, or your wardrobe. Figure out a system for labeling your boxes. It will make moving as well as unpacking much easier if you have a color-coding system.
Week four is when you should officially change your address with the Canada Post as well as any other services whether in person or online. If you need to take time off from work to move, do so now. Get in touch with the moving company you've chosen and confirm and double check the paperwork as well as whether the proper insurance in place.
Three weeks prior to your move, if you are still receiving newspaper, magazines, deliveries etc., cancel then and set up delivery to your new address. Pack up anything such as paperwork, jewelry, anything of high value and keep them separate from your moving boxes and either transport them on your own or by a shipping service so you can track your package. Week two is also when you should do inventory of your expensive items and take photos or videos of them; take into consideration the existing damages like scratches and dings that already exist and compare after your move.
You're now two weeks out, verify your address has been changed and moving insurance is in place, put together a packet for the new owners that includes anything that is under warranty and provide your contact information, in case they need to send you any mail that did not make it to your new address. Clean any major appliances that need cleaning, unplug them, defrost the freezer and hire a professional to disconnect gas lines. Make sure all of your prescriptions are filled and ready to go and are easily accessible during the move. Be sure you have extra money on you for tipping as well as unexpected price increases the day of your move; you may need to take out some cash ahead of time.
ONE MORE WEEK! It's just about here, but don't let your nerves get in the way of you getting the job done. Make sure all the utilities are shut and turn on the utilities in your new home at least one day before you move into your new home. If you have any flammable items that cannot be transported, dispose of them. Make sure any technology you have is backed up and make sure you have a way to check your emails as well as pay your bills online while your computer is packed away. Make sure you and anyone else moving with you, packs a bag as if they were going on a two week vacation, pack comfortable clothes as well as any toiletries you may need. It may seem excessive, but contact your moving company and make sure you and the moving company are on the same page and reconfirm your moving date as well as the time you are arriving and any other details you need to go over with them. If you need to, hire a cleaning company to clean the home after the movers have left.
After all of this is done, it's time sit back and wait for your
move and perform any last minute tasks in your old home before you start off on your next adventure.