A move can be a hectic process if it is not well planned. To help make your move a little smoother, whether your move is across Grande Prairie, into or out of Alberta, we have accumulated some “reminders”:
Hiring a Mover
If you are hiring a mover – get estimates, compare apples with apples – some companies will not move certain articles; find out how they charge – flat or hourly rate; who does the packing?
Renting a Moving Truck
If you are renting a moving truck – is that truck guaranteed to be there on moving day? Be careful – you may have to travel to another city to pick up the truck, even if you booked it months in advance.
Check If Your Move is Covered
Check with your insurance broker to ensure that your belongings will be covered during transit.
Get Boxes
Get boxes or packing containers.
Get Rid of Junk
Have a garage sale, give away or discard unnecessary belongings.
Notify Utility Companies
Make arrangements with utility companies as soon as possible and then call to confirm a few days before the move.
Order Cheques
Order cheques with your new address.
Change Your Address
Give address change information to the post office & prepare address change cards to send out to friends, relatives and companies that you deal with such as telephone, insurance, mail order clubs, book & record clubs, gas, electricity, water & sewer, fuel, city tax dept, newspapers, magazines, doctor, dentist, lawyer, accountant, vet, cable / satellite T.V., motor vehicle branch, credit card companies.
Update Your Memberships
Transfer or resign memberships in clubs or associations.
Transfer School Records
Get school records to transfer to new school.
Get Your Docs in a Row
Get all medical, dental, birth, baptism & marriage records.
Transfer Prescriptions
Transfer prescriptions for drugs and eyeglasses.
Move Insurance Records
Transfer house, car & personal insurance records & check into auto licensing requirements & vehicle inspection requirements if moving out of province.
Storage Facilities
Check storage facilities if applicable.
Give Back The Weed Wacker
Return any borrowed items & collect anything that you’ve loaned out.
Clean Fridge & Stove
Defrost & clean fridge one day before moving & clean stove.
Meter Check
Have meters read.
Pets, Plants, Fish & Perishables
Make arrangements for transporting plants, pets, fish and perishables.
Drapes & Rugs
Clean rugs & drapes.
Prep Work For New Home
Arrange for any work that needs to be done at the new home.
Warranties
Get warranties from previous owners.
Cancel Deliveries & Services
Cancel any on-going services such as snow removal, newspaper delivery, etc.
Post Office Box Key
Return post office box key to postal facility, if applicable.
Clean Before You Go
Leave clean house for new owner.
Gather All Your Keys
Gather up all keys for house and outbuildings, overhead door openers and warranties to leave for the new owner.
