Moving almost always involves some level of stress and challeneges. following these tips you can plan ahead and make the day go by that much smoother.

6 Weeks Before Moving

• Collect everything not to be moved for garage sale or charity.
• Contact charity for date/time pick up. Save receipts for tax records.
• Contact several moving companies for estimates.
• Select mover, arrange for payment details.
• Get cartons and packing materials to start packing NOW.
• Contact insurance providor to transfer or cancel coverage.
• Check with employer to find out what moving expenses they will cover (if applicable)

4 Weeks Before Moving

• Notify all magazines of change of address.
• Check with veterinarian for pet records and immunizations.
• Contact utility companies to arrange turn off date.
• Dry clean clothes to be moved; pack in protective wrappers.
• Collect everything you have loaned out; return everything you have borrowed.
• Follow up with Doctor and Dentist.
• Get children's school records (if changing schools).
• Check freezer and plan use of food over the next couple of weeks.
• Remove all jewellery and and other valuables to a safe deposit box or other safe place to prevent loss during move.
• Give away or arrange transportation of house plants. Many moving companies will not move plants. Plants can also make the perfect 'Thank You' gift for neibours.

1 Week Before Moving

• Fill out Change of Address forms.
• Check and make inventory of all furniture for dents and scratches; notify moving company of your inventory and compare on arrival at your new home.
• Dispose of all combustables and spray cans at you local disposal facility.
• Pack a seperate carton of tools (screwdriver, hammer, ect.), eating utensils and cleaning supplies.
• Seperate cartons you need for personal/family travel.
• Mark all boxes that you pack with the room that they will be going to in the new home.
• Organize one room in your home for the packers and movers to work freely.
• Cancel all newspapers, garden service, ect. 
• Review the entire list to make sure you haven't over looked something.
• Double check everything you have done before it's too late.

Moving Day

• Plan to spend the entire day at the house. Last minute decisions need to be made by you.
• Don't leave until after the movers have gone.
• Hire a babysitter or send the children to a friends house for the day.
• Stay with the moving van driver to oversee inventory.
• Tell movers about fragile items.
• Make final check of the entire house- basement, closets, shelves, attic, garage, every room.
• Double check that the driver has the proper address of you new home. Also leave a contact number in case of a problem.
• Disconnect all utilities and advise the Realtor® who listed or is selling your house.
• Lock all the doors and windows. Advise your Realtor® and neighbours that the house is empty.