Important Moving Checklist

The weeks leading up to the day you take possession of your new home can be as exhausing as they are exciting. Here's a suggested calendar of events to keep you on track as you count down to closing day.

• Two months before
  • Give rental notice
  • Select a moving company
  • Planning to do-it yourself? Begin packing items you won't need during this time
  • Sell or give away uneeded items, there are may charities that will come to your door to pick up unwanted items free of charge
• Six weeks before
  • Make records of belongings/valuables-insure if required
  • Make arrangements to store items if necessary
  • Obtain copies of personal records (i.e: medical, dental, academic) if you will be switching providers
  • Notify phone providers of change of address-arrange for connection at new address
• Four weeks before
  • notify post office of change of address-send change of address cards
  • Change of address can be done via the internet
  • Notify utilities of change of address-arrange for connection at new address
  • Confirm move details with mover
  • Obtain boxes from mover-continue packing items are appropriate
• Two weeks before
  • Draw up floor plan of new home- provide to moving company with instructions on locating furniture. Lable furniture and all boxes accordingly
  • Arrange for babysitting, pet-sitting on moving day
  • If discarding bulky items, do so according to municipal requirements
  • Arrange necessary move and realted insurance costs
• One week Before
  • Take down any fixtures that you plan to bring with you
  • Pack a move-day travel bag with essentials (i.e. change of clothes, toileteries, especially toilet paper, paper towel and a box of tissues)
  • Label items to be moved in the car, if appropriate
  • Have your lawyer/notary advice you of the exact amount owing, then have your certified cheque or bank draft prepared accordingly
• Moving Day
  • Review directions with mover
  • Save all copies of moving documentation
  • Before leaving, check each room carefully:close windows, turn off water and applianes, lock doors (Do not completely shut off your heat in the winter, you will be responsible for any damage caused by frozen pipes)
  • Notify landlord that property is vacant
  • Leave forwarding information
• Closing Day (or the day before)

The day you've been waiting for has finally arrived. Here's what you can expect to take place on closing day:

• All the appropriate documentation should be with your lawyer/notary
• With your lawyer/notary, review the statement of adjustments which details the exact amount you owe the vendor on closing
• You should have a certified chwque or bank draft payable to your lawyer/notary to cover theses costs as well as your legal fees and disbursements
• Your lender will provide your mortgage funds to your lawyer/notary, who will issue payment to the vendor
• Your lawyer/notary will arrange for you to pick up your keys