Let's face it: Moving is NEVER fun! But you can make it as stress free as possible!

For starters, use this handy checklist. You can print off the checklist and keep it handy ...

Before You Move...
-Obtain estimates from moving companies
-Give away, sell or discard any unnecessary belongings
-Go to the post office to arrange for your mail to be rerouted
-Inform financial organizations, insurance companies, medical practitioners, credit card companies, employers etc. of your move
-Give out change of address cards to all your friends, relatives and business associates -don't forget your doctor, lawyer, etc.
-Obtain school records and transfer them to the new school
-Check and clear any outstanding realty taxes on your present property
-Call your insurance agent and transfer coverage -- or arrange new coverage -- for your new home
-Send out all items for cleaning or in need of repair
-Return borrowed items, such as library books or your neighbour's rake, and collect any items loaned out
-Dispose of flammable items that may be dangerous to move
-Arrange for the utilities to be shut off and for the connection of utilities for your new house
-Have your meters read
-Try to arrange your telephone cancellation or transfer for the last possible moment on moving day... not first thing in the morning! Invariably your phone will be cut off and you're still moving at 2:00 pm!!
-Clean all drapes, rugs and floors
-Clean your fridge and stove one day before the move
-Organize any work that has to be completed at your new home
-Obtain appraisals for any items of value in case you need to make an insurance claim from the moving company. Pictures can be a great help here; take a digital shot or a video of your most precious items!
-Make arrangements to discontinue cleaning services, pool maintenance, window cleaners, snow removers, landscapers and to transfer them to your new home, if necessary
-Ensure that adequate insurance for all your household goods is still in place while your goods are in transit or storage

In The Last 10 Days Before Moving Day...

-Set up a final property inspection time (if needed) on your new home.
-Arrange a time to meet with your lawyer to sign all the documents
-Sign mortgages documents at your bank
-Provide lender with ANY outstanding items (proof of paid off debts, closing credit cards, etc) that they need before they can advance funds to you
-Arrange/ collect the balance of your down payment into one account
-Get a certified cheque for the balance of the down payment and closing costs to take with you to your lawyer
-Arrange a time to pick up KEYS from your lawyer
-Call to cash in any RRSP's 10 - 15 days prior
-Defrost your freezer a day or so before - try to use up as much food as possible in the time before the move so you have
-Make arrangements to have appliances hooked up at the new location
- Get the meters read and utilities turned on (break out hydro, gas, cable) - order a new phone line/ get new phone number
-Try to arrange your telephone cancellation or transfer for the last possible moment on moving day... not first thing in the morning! Invariably your phone will be cut off and you're still moving at 2:00 pm!!
-Pack a box of personal items that will be needed right away in your new home and keep this box with you or have it loaded last into the truck
-Call your moving representative to confirm arrival time of the moving van and to notify of any last minute details
-Make sure the mover has specific directions to both locations
-Pick-up some basic grocery items en route, such as for sandwiches, in case anyone is hungry when you get to your new home
-Make sure you have gathered up all keys for the house for the new owners (including the garage and shed keys)
-Clean your fridge and stove one day before the move

Storing And Packing DO's...
-Have on hand: packing paper (to wrap dishes), writing pads (for tracking your property), markers (to write on the outside of boxes which room they're going to), heavy twine, masking tape and boxes
-Empty gas tanks from lawn mowers, outboard motors etc.
-Remove all batteries from appliances and toys in case they burst in transit
-Set aside things that you will carry in the car in a carton marked "Do Not Load"
-Carry all jewellery, valuable papers and currency with you
-Indicate which cartons you wish to be unloaded first and unloaded last
-Make sure you keep a telephone book with you
-Tie or tape brooms and mops together and bundle your curtain rods
-Identify all fragile and delicate items
-Ensure that tops are secured for all liquids in bottles
-Put glass table tops, large mirrors and any valuable pictures into crates
-Pack all books on edge in small boxes
-Limit carton weight to 60 pounds (25 kilograms)
-Pack lamp shades in boxes by themselves
-Put small appliances, packed and wrapped, in the bottom of boxes
-Pack table lamps
-Ensure that heavy china items are placed at the bottom of a box with extra padding
-Place flat pieces on edge
-Pack small items in a smaller box inside a larger box
-Dismantle large power tools
-Remove fixtures that are fastened to the wall
-Move clothes and drapes in a wardrobe supplied by the movers

... And DON'T's
-Overload dresser drawers
-Use newspapers to pack (the ink may rub off)
-Leave stove or refrigerator shelves loose, if they're being moved
-Pack cleaning products in the same boxes as food —Roll mattresses or rugs; leave them for the movers to put into special cartons
-Wrap furniture, or tie it with ropes

On Moving Day...
-Keep your tool kit handy
-Make arrangements to have appliances hooked up
-Get the meters read and utilities turned on
-If possible, have friends or relatives take care of children and pets at their home
-Check and number all boxes that are being moved
-Ensure you have cash or a certified cheque to pay the movers
- Keep medication, a change of clothes and an agenda book with you
-Keep a few plates, glasses and cutlery handy for snacks at your new home
-Read the Bill of Lading and Inventory carefully before you sign and keep them with you or store them at a safe location until all charges relating to the move have been paid and settled
-Make sure to give the van foreman contact numbers where you can be reached
-Clearly label and leave all the spare keys and the code for the alarm system inside the house unless you have agreed on a different arrangement

Once you arrive at your new home...
-Try to be at your new home before the movers arrive so that you can supervise unloading and indicate where you want items to be placed
-Confirm that utilities, phone and cable are turned on
-Lay down plastic sheets to minimize dirt tracked in and scuff marks
-Consider having your TV and VCR hooked-up first in case you want to keep children occupied
-Check supply of heating fuel (if oil)
-Give a copy of your floor plan to the movers so that they can place items according to your plan
-Check off items as they are place against your inventory
-Set up bedrooms and kitchens first
-Let your PC adjust to room temperature in your new home before turning it on
-Check each carton for lost or damaged goods and prepare a list of damaged or lost articles

Take a break...let out a big sigh....YOU deserve it!