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Planning Your Move

How can I make my move run smoothly?
The more planning you do, the better your move will be. This section features some of the things you should think about before you move, such as timing and preparation.

 

Moving Calendar

What's the best way to prepare for a move?

Four weeks before moving

• Decide what you want to take, what you want to throw out, and what you want to donate to charity or sell.
• Start using up frozen food and staples. Don't buy any more than is necessary before moving.
• Start planning your trip. Make airline reservations. Book hotels and rental cars.
• Arrange for important school, medical, financial, and legal records to be transferred.
• Purchase a special notebook to record information about your move
• Purchase moving supplies: tape, markers, newspaper, blankets, moving pads, plastic storage bins, rope and a hand truck or flat-bed dolley. Free boxes can usually be obtained from local grocery & LCBO stores, but consider purchasing wardrobe baxes for moving clothes.
• Have a garage sale to clear unwanted items and plan accordingly. Ask me for Garage Sale signs, I have them available.
• Donate any unwanted items to local charities
• Keep a detailed record of all moving expenses, your costs may be tax deductible depending on the reason for your move.
• Create a floor plan of your new home for reference during packing and on moving day. Make photocopies of the floor plan, highlight which room the box goes in, and stick it to the box.
• Make back-ups of computer files and determine how you will move this delicate equipment.
• Hire a reputable mover or rent a moving truck

Three weeks before moving

• Arrange to have your pets transported or boarded. Start preparing your plants for the move.
• Get back any items you have lent (and give back any items you have borrowed). Pick up any items that are being repaired.
• Dispose of flammable items such as paint, aerosol cans, and cleaning fluids.
• Send change of address information to the post office and other businesses.

Two weeks before moving

• Schedule a date for a service firm to disconnect and prepare the appliances you are moving.
• Start packing non-essential items.
• Arrange for a babysitter for moving day.
• Start planning to disconnect utilities.
• Use the floor plan for your new home and start planning your furniture arrangement. (It makes moving in twice as easy.)

One week before moving

• Finish packing suitcases and basic essentials. Make sure valuable documents, currency, and jewellery are in a safe and easily accessible place.
• Drain garden hoses, lawn mowers, and other machinery.
• Defrost and dry the fridge and freezer. Don't forget to empty the defrost water pan.
• Take down items such as curtain rods, shelves, light fixtures, and mirrors that you are taking with you.
• Dismantle large power tools, such as lathes and grinders.
• Make sure all of your important papers, keys, medications, and plane tickets are available for the trip.
• If you are travelling a long distance by car, you may want to have the car serviced.

Packing day

• Leave a clear workspace for the packers.
• Identify fragile and valuable items, items you are taking with you, and items being left for the new owners.

Moving-out day

• Plan to stay home until the moving van has left.
• Tour the house with the van operator during inventory. Sign the bill of lading. Confirm your new address and delivery date. Check destination contact phone numbers.
• Do a final check for overlooked items. Make certain windows and doors are locked, lights are turned off, utilities are discontinued or turned off, and the keys are transferred.

Moving-in day

• Try to get to your new home the day before the moving van arrives. Make sure the utilities are connected. Take another look to see if where you want your furniture to go is correct.
• When the mover arrives, check items unloaded against the inventory. Make arrangements for installation of appliances. Confirm unpacking requirements.

Before You Move

What are some commonly overlooked pre-move arrangements I should make?
Use this helpful checklist as a reminder of the things you need to do before you move.

Book the movers:

• It's a good idea to obtain estimates from several different companies.
• The estimate will depend on whether the movers pack everything or just the breakables, or whether you want to do the packing yourself.

If you own your present home:

• Arrange to have your gas, water, and electricity meters read on the day you leave. Have the bills forwarded to your new address.
• Have your oil tank read and filled before your sale closes and, if required, give the receipt to your legal professional.
• Arrange for the water heater and furnace rental agreements to be transferred to the purchaser.
• Disconnect your telephone, cable TV, and water softener.

If you rent your present home:

• Give your landlord written notice and make arrangements for the return of any deposits.

At your new home:

• Arrange to have gas and electricity, water softener, telephone, and cable TV connected on the day the sale closes.

General:

• Get change-of-address cards from the post office and send them out well before moving day.
• Have the post office forward your mail to your new address.
• Cancel contracted services and pre-authorized cheques.
• Inform gardening, dry cleaning, garbage pick-up, newspapers, magazines, diaper, and other home services of your move. Arrange for service at your new address.
• Get a letter of introduction from your bank to help set up new accounts. Transfer trust or bank accounts and securities.
• Cancel or transfer social, athletic, civic, religious, or business affiliations and memberships.
• Ask your dentist, doctor, pharmacist, and optometrist to transfer medical, dental, and prescription records.
• Change the address on your driver's license effective the day of the move.
• Collect all items out for cleaning or repair, or in storage.
• Make arrangements to move perishables, such as plants.
• Make arrangements to move your pets.
• Dispose of all flammable liquids. It is illegal for movers to carry them.

Moving with Kids

How do I make the move easier on my kids?
In all of the hustle and bustle, parents sometimes overlook the children, who are very concerned about the upcoming move. For children (and teenagers) a move means leaving everything that is important: their home, their school, their teams and clubs, and their friends. They are not normally involved in the decision to move, and many times do not understand the necessity to move. It's a frightening prospect.

Important things to keep in mind:

• It is not unusual for children to show signs of stress, such as problems sleeping, anxiety, and lack of appetite.
• Children need time to deal with feelings of loss or separation and the more time they have the better. Tell your children as soon as you can.
• Explain in simple terms why the move is necessary. Make it short and positive, without overselling – children often know when a parent is masking negative feelings.
• As the children become used to the idea of moving, tell them about their new home and what they might expect to find there.
• Encourage open communication. Let children talk about their feelings. Reassure them their feelings are normal.
• Attachments are strong, even at a young age. It may take some time for a child to let go.
• Involve your children in the move. Ask for their opinions and suggestions. Their point of view may provide insight into their true feelings.
• Get them involved. Give them their own to-do lists so they can be a part of the process.

Most people plan their move to coincide with the end of the school year. Child psychologists, however, suggest moving at least a month before the end of the school year so that they can make new friends before the long summer break. Children adapt much better when they have a circle of friends and some routine.

Moving with Pets

How should I move my pet?
Pets, like any other family member, feel the stress of relocation. Minimizing your pet's exposure to extreme changes in routine will go a long way to easing its stress (and yours).

Consult your veterinarian. Make sure all vaccinations are current, obtain medical records, and ask for a recommendation for a veterinarian in your new area.

Transporting your pet
Household movers are not permitted to transport live animals in a moving van. Bus companies will only accept seeing-eye dogs accompanied by their owner.

Dogs and cats can ride in your car, but make sure you stop at least every two hours. Call ahead to find motels and hotels that allow pets.

If you are flying, your cat or dog can ride in the baggage compartment. Call your airline to find out about vaccination requirements. For long plane trips, or if your pet is nervous, talk to a vet about tranquilizers.

Before the relocation
Keep your pet's daily routine as consistent as possible. If possible, arrange with a friend or a kennel to take your pet during the move.

During the relocation
Make sure your animal has identification tags and that the phone number on the tags is current. Have extra food and water on hand in case of emergency.

Arrival at your new home
The sooner you re-establish old routines, the better. Allow your pet to become familiar with the home. Cats should be kept indoors for a few days before being allowed to roam free. Dogs benefit from frequent familiarization walks around the area.

Small animals
Hamsters, birds, mice, and guinea pigs are best transported in their cages in your own car. Make sure the animal has enough food and water, and do not park in the sun.

Fish
There is no practical way to move fish in their aquarium. It is best to give the fish away to a good home, move the aquarium dry, and then purchase new fish when you get to your new home. For short trips, you can carry your fish in plastic bags.

Moving Vehicles

What are my options for moving cars, trucks, and other vehicles long distance?

On the moving van

• In most cases, at least one of your automobiles can travel on the moving van with your furniture (peak period may be an exception).
• Your automobile is strapped down. Plywood decking is used to protect the vehicle from other items on board.
• For most moves within Canada, the cost is based on distance. Moves to remote locations, and to or from the United States, are charged by weight.
• Depending on size, recreational vehicles can travel on the van. Charges are based on the amount of space occupied by the vehicle.
• Do not pack personal items in the automobile. Empty the trunk except for the spare tire and jack. Give a copy of the ownership, proof of insurance, and a spare key to the moving consultant. Leave approximately 1/4 tank of gas in the automobile.

Leased vehicles

• You need a letter of permission from the leasing company to move leased automobiles to another city or province. A copy should be given to the moving consultant.
• Leasing companies usually do not allow their vehicles to be moved to or from the United States or other foreign countries.

Moving Plants

Can I move my plants long distances?
Moving houseplants on a moving van is usually not a good idea. The extremes in temperature and the lack of fresh air and moisture can be fatal. It will be up to your driver to decide whether to move your plants. In most cases the mover cannot assume liability for plants.

Consider giving your plants to friends, hospitals, libraries, or selling them. If you decide to move them, however, you will have to take some precautions to ensure that they arrive in good condition:

• Re-pot plants in clay pots into unbreakable, plastic containers.
• Prune larger plants.
• Eliminate insects or plant parasites.
• Give your plants their normal dose of water. In winter, roots saturated with moisture may freeze. In summer, too much water can result in fungus growth.
• Pack your plants the night before, or the morning of, your move. Conventional packing cartons are good for moving plants. Cushion branches and leaves of the plant with soft paper. Punch air holes in the sides of the box. Your plants should be able to travel safely for up to four days.

Shock
Some houseplants are susceptible to shock when moving. More time in transit won't make the shock greater, but it will take the plant longer to recover.

Temperature
Temperatures below 5°C or above 30°C for over an hour can be fatal. Plants in properly wrapped cartons will withstand a wider range of temperatures.

Water
Plants should be moist. Most can survive a week to 10 days without being watered and suffer little harm.

Darkness
When other conditions are favourable, houseplants can tolerate darkness for up to a week. However, too long in darkness and plants start to put out abnormal growth and are more susceptible to disease. Limit sun exposure for the first few days after the move.

Rules and regulations regarding plants
Houseplants can be moved from province to province without any special inspections. If you're moving houseplants across borders, check federal, provincial, and state regulations and make sure there are no plant quarantines in effect.

 

Moving FAQs

When should I start planning my move?
The sooner the better. Arrange for a pre-move survey well in advance of your anticipated moving date.

What is a pre-move survey?
It is an in-home interview led by your moving consultant to plan your move. The survey, scheduled at your convenience, generally takes about an hour. Your consultant will:

• Estimate the weight of your shipment
• Estimate your packing requirements and identify any special items
• Discuss service needs, such as appliance servicing, crating, and shuttle service
• Review the logistics of the move, including access to the residence and arranging elevator time for high-rises
• Review your responsibilities, explain the moving process, and discuss any personal requirements you might have
• Offer suggestions and options to meet your requirements and budget

Be sure to show the moving consultant everything that has to be moved, including items in storage sheds, attics, basements, garages, and items stored at other locations.

How do you calculate moving charges for a long distance move?
Long distance moving charges are based on a combination of weight and distance. Your moving consultant will use a per hundredweight charge for your shipment from the published tariff schedule of rates.

In some cases, a city or other service surcharge may be assessed on a per hundredweight basis.

Packing charges (the cost of packing materials and the labour for both packing and unpacking) are based either on a per unit basis or on a per hundredweight basis. Specialty services, such as crating, appliance servicing, automobile transport, pets or plant transport, and replacement cost protection, are charged separately.

What is transit/cargo protection and is there a cost for it?
The basic mover's standard liability is included in the cost of the move. It is limited to 60 cents per pound and per article.

Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover goods in transit. For customers who would like additional protection, Atlas offers a full replacement protection plan at a reasonable premium cost. This plan provides a minimum coverage of $5 per pound times the weight of your shipment. You can, however, declare a higher value if you feel it is necessary. A good rule of thumb in today's market is coverage in the range of $8 to $9 per pound. Ask your insurance broker for guidance on the value you should place on your goods.

Items of exceptional value should be declared separately. Have a current, written appraisal to substantiate any claims for loss or damage.

A separate declaration should be made for motorized vehicles being transported. Protection coverage on automobiles, snowmobiles, boats, motorcycles, and other vehicles is limited to the current market value at origin on date of shipment. Movers generally refer to the Canadian Used Car Valuation book or similar publications to assign a value in case of loss or damage.

How can I keep my moving costs in line?
The best way to reduce moving costs is to lighten the load. Do you really need to take everything with you? Have a garage sale. Give things away or donate them to charity (and get a tax receipt too). The less you move, the less it costs.
If you are on a very tight budget, consider packing non-breakables such as books, linens and clothing. However, it is usually best to have professional movers pack your china, crystal, and other breakables to ensure they arrive in perfect condition.

Are there items that cannot be moved?
There are a number of things that cannot be moved for safety reasons, including aerosols, flammables, cleaning agents, combustibles, perishables, plants, ammunition, and paints. Your consultant can give you a complete list.

Items such as jewellery, coin and stamp collections, stock certificates, rare items, currency, and important documents are not covered under a mover's transit protection. For your own protection and peace of mind, either take these items with you or make separate shipping arrangements.

Airline tickets, papers for school enrolment, home closing information, keys, and other items you need with you should be set aside in a special carton and marked "Do Not Load."

What about my appliances?
Some items, such as washers, dryers, refrigerators with ice makers, grandfather clocks, and pool tables, need special servicing before they can be moved. Your moving consultant can make these arrangements for you.

Do movers disassemble beds?
Movers disassemble beds and bed frames (other than waterbeds, which require special servicing) and any other items that need to be taken apart for safe transportation. The mover will reassemble these items at destination.

Anything you disassemble will be your responsibility to reassemble at destination. Because of the possibility of property damage, movers will not remove items fixed to walls or ceilings, such as drapery tracks or mirrors, due to the possibility of property damage.

Is there anything I should know if my shipment is going into storage?
If possible, do not put items into storage that you may need to access. Your goods will be stored in an Atlas agent's warehouse and are not readily accessible. If you do need to access your storage vaults, you will be charged a warehouse labour fee.

If you do your own packing, all items must be packed in a carton.

Empty all dressers, chests, and drawers before they are stored.

Make sure items to be delivered to a temporary residence are clearly marked and are separated from those going into storage.

Unless other arrangements have been made, you must collect your car when your household goods are delivered to storage. Movers are not permitted to store automobiles inside their warehouses for safety reasons. You will need to find a commercial garage for storage.

How will my furniture be kept clean during transit?
Check that your moving companies policy is to wrap all items in a clean moving pad. Light coloured, upholstered furniture is shrink-wrapped in plastic for added protection. Mattresses and box springs are put in plastic bags or specially designed cartons.

How is a delivery schedule established?
Your moving consultant will give you a delivery spread period based on the weight of your shipment and the mileage from origin to destination. You are responsible for being available during the entire delivery spread period.

Have your driver contact you 24 hours before your household shipment arrives at destination, so it is important to provide a number where you can be reached. If you cannot be located, the mover may have to store your shipment at the nearest Atlas agent's warehouse at an additional charge.

Will the mover unpack the cartons at destination?
The mover will generally unpack all the cartons that it originally packed, place these items on a flat, visible surface, such as a table or countertop, and remove the empty boxes. Cartons packed by the customer will not be unpacked.

Unpacking does not include putting dishes in cupboards, books on bookshelves, or hanging clothes in closets. These are maid services and can be arranged at an additional cost.

Are moving expenses tax deductible?
If you are moving a distance of 40 kilometres or more to start a new job, start a business, or attend school, and if you are paying for the move yourself, the moving costs are tax deductible.

Contact the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) at 1-800-959-2221 and ask for the Moving Expenses Claims form or visit the CCRA website.

Packing Tips

A few general things you need to know about packing:

Packing the big things

Beds: Tie bed frames together with tape or rope. Then label the pieces so they're easy to reassemble.
Bureaus: Fill drawers with clothes or fragile, well-wrapped items. Cover with a blanket or furniture pads and rope securely.
Tables: Remove legs, pad and tie together. Put nuts and bolts in a bag and tape under tabletop.
Big appliances: Empty, defrost and drain the fridge, freezer and dishwasher. Clean the interiors and put accessories in bags. Stuff towels between washer sides to prevent rotating and tape down moveable parts. Cover with blankets and tie.
Computers, TVs, & Electronics: Use original packaging, or buy electronic-specific boxes.

Packing the small (but still important) things

Small appliances: Put your microwave, VCR, etc. into boxes, and cushion with wadded paper.
Books: Pack them flat in small cartons, alternating bindings. Try to keep each box under 30 lbs.
Clothing: Pack hanging items, including drapes, in wardrobe boxes. Leave small items in drawers.
Collectibles: Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap and tape securely.
CDs: Pack upright and cushion with newspaper.
Kitchenware: Stack pots & pans, and cushion with paper. Put a few of these items in the "open first" box.
Dishes: Never stack them flat. Wrap each piece in bubble wrap. Pack plates & saucers on edge, with cups & bowls placed around them.

Packing the awkward things

Chairs: Wrap arms & legs with bubble wrap. Leave slipcovers on or buy chair bags for protection.
Bicycles: Loosen the handlebars and turn them sideways. Cover chains and pedals to keep grease off other items.
Mirrors, artwork & frames: Wrap small pieces in newsprint and pack in mirror boxes. Cover larger pieces with cardboard, tape securely and stand them along the truck's sides or inside wardrobe boxes.
Lawn furniture: If heavy or bulky, disassemble. Put nuts and bolts in a bag and tie together.
Rugs: Roll up and secure with rope or tape.
Plants: Put in plastic bags with air holes, then in boxes. Water before you leave.
Power and garden tools: Wrap all sharp edges and use plenty of cushioning to prevent injury. Tape long-handled tools together and place small ones in boxes.
Lawn mowers/yard edgers: Empty gasoline from all tanks, and check for oil leaks.
Garage & attic stuff: Use medium-sized boxes for spray paints, brushes, car waxes, etc. Throw away oily rags or anything combustible.
Pets: Always keep them in a pet carrier up front with you. Ask your vet how to make their, and your, move less traumatic.