Preparing for a Move: The Ultimate Weekly Moving Checklist

While moving into a new home can be a hassle, the overall experience doesn't have to be as stressful as many new homebuyers expect it to be. Whether moving across town or across the nation, managing a stress-free move is easy as long as you know the timeline and prepare a calendar accordingly. Follow this weekly moving checklist for a smoother experience.

Eight Weeks Until Moving Day

Professional movers and even private truck rentals can be scarce during popular moving periods such as summertime, so owners will want to start looking for a reliable and experienced provider two months before the target date. Movers are a big help, especially when moving a long distance from a home. Individuals being relocated by their company should explore what moving expenses the company covers. Inquire about any restrictions concerning limitations or service providers. Have the entire family begin inventorying possessions and tapering them down by donating or selling unneeded items, and continue downsizing until moving day.

Four Weeks Prior to Moving Day

At this stage, arrange to have mail forwarded to the new address. This process is streamlined by Canada Post, who can also supply change of address cards to mail to employers, banks, credit card companies, insurers, medical providers and other essential business and personal contacts. Contact banks and financial companies to obtain new checks, transfer accounts and handle other details. Ask physicians for copies of all medical records, and start arranging for any children's official school transcripts to be prepared in advance.

Three Weeks Before the Move

Charge up the phone and settle in with a contact list of all utility and service providers to begin the process of discontinuing or transferring services to the new abode. Changing over the electricity, gas, phone and Internet service is likely a priority. However, those who have regularly scheduled maintenance or services such as babysitters, house cleaners, dog walkers, landscapers, pool cleaners or delivery services for water, diapers or newspapers will need to contact those businesses, too. Will you need someone to clean the new home or the old one? Is help with the kids and pets necessary? Discuss arrangements with those providers at this time as well.

Two Weeks Remaining

Go ahead and start disassembling any furnishings, shelves or closet systems going into the new home. Houseplants are a different story, and some movers won't handle them at all, so follow these tips for moving plants to the new home. Make sure all current prescriptions are valid and get refills on those due in the next month. Take time to transfer them to your new local pharmacy or retailer.

The Final Week and Days: The Big Push

Call your movers or truck provider to confirm the details of your Airdrie home moving arrangement. Start sorting and packing items that you'll need for the initial days within the home, carefully marking them to load last, where they go and what's inside. Consider including items that will come in handy including:

• Medicines and a first aid kit
• Towels, toiletries and toothbrushes
• Paper goods, disposable plates and flatware
• A microwave or pots and pans to cook/reheat with
• Garbage cans and bags
• Broom, mop, cleaning supplies and a vacuum cleaner
• A tool kit, extension cords, ladder and light bulbs

Have family members pack a suitcase with a few days worth of clothing and any personal items like phone and computer chargers. Plan meals to help polish off perishable food items, and in the final days defrost freezers and donate or pack up food items. Keep valuables such as jewelry, cash and prescription medications in a separate place that will stay with you during the move.

On the Big Day

Have cash on hand to pay for hired help and also for tipping for superior service. Double check that everything is loaded and that the lights are off and the doors are locked before heading to the new home.

Have questions about moving or buying a new home? Contact a local real estate professional for more assistance.