Undoubtedly, moving can be a challenging experience, requiring meticulous planning and mental resilience. Whether you're relocating down the street or across the country, there's a multitude of factors to consider.
By approaching your move with careful consideration and a composed mindset, you can navigate this transition smoothly, ensuring a seamless experience.
Unsure where to begin? Let's delve into 7 steps for effective moving planning.
1. Establish your moving date
The first crucial step in your moving planning journey is to determine the date of your relocation. It could depend on factors like the expiration of your current lease or the finalization of a property purchase. In any case, defining you moving date is important as it can impact several aspects of your move such as:
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The availability of moving companies;
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The total cost of your move;
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Time required to prepare.
It's important to be mindful of unique challenges associated with certain dates, such as July 1st in Quebec or winter moves. These factors can affect logistics, availability, and even the overall experience of your move.
Once your moving date is determined, it's wise to promptly request time off from your employer. Securing a day off well in advance can alleviate stress as your moving day approaches.
2. Determine the total moving expenses
As your moving day draws nearer, the financial aspect becomes increasingly prominent. Here are key factors to contemplate when calculating your total moving expenses:
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Will you be hiring a moving company or relying solely on assistance from friends and family?
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Is your move local or are you moving to a different city?
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Are you transporting just a few boxes or a substantial amount of furniture and appliances?
Once you've assessed these factors, setting a specific budget for your move early in the planning phase is prudent. This allows you to allocate funds appropriately, prioritize expenses, and avoid financial surprises. By planning and being mindful of your budget, you can organize your move effectively without breaking the bank.
3. Make a to-do list
A move is like assembling a complex puzzle, with numerous pieces requiring careful attention. Since you already have a lot on your plate, overlooking crucial details is all too common. Thus, why it is crucial to create a thorough to-do list for moving day.
By organizing tasks within a set timeframe, you can prevent last-minute rushes and unnecessary stress. So, no matter the format you prefer, ensure your list covers all necessary tasks, helping you stay organized for a smooth transition.
4. Book your transport
When planning your move, weigh your options thoughtfully: hiring a moving company, renting a truck, or tackling the heavy lifting independently. Regardless of your choice, meticulous planning is key.
In peak moving seasons, it's vital to reserve your vehicle or professional movers well in advance to lock in your preferred date and avoid any last-minute stress.
5. Make your address changes
Updating your address is a crucial task when planning a move. Through the Service québécois de changement d’adresse, you can conveniently update your address with seven government agencies:
1. Commission des Normes, de l’Équité, de la Santé et de la Sécurité au Travail (Labour standards, pay equity, occupational health and safety board)
2. Revenu Québec (Quebec revenue agency)
3. Régie de l’Assurance Maladie du Québec (Quebec health insurance board),
4. Société de l’Assurance Automobile du Québec (Quebec automobile insurance corporation)
5. Ministère du Travail, de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité Sociale (Ministry of labour, employment and social solidarity)
6. Retraite Québec (Quebec pension board)
7. Élection Québec (Quebec elections commission)
Keeping this in mind, remember that you'll still need to manually update your address with other important entities such as your bank, subscriptions, pharmacy, and more. To ensure you cover all your bases, you might want to consider using mail redirection services offered by Canada Post for a fee.
Additionally, if you're moving to a new neighbourhood or city and have children, start the process of transferring them to a new daycare or school well in advance. This proactive approach can help minimize any potential disruptions to their education and routine.
6. Start making your boxes early
To alleviate the stress as your move approaches, it's beneficial to start the packing process ahead of time. Often, the overwhelming pressure of the numerous tasks often leads to last-minute packing or even packing the day of.
Of course, the goal isn't to live amidst boxes for an extended period, but rather to begin gradually sorting through your belongings and packing items you won't need before the move. Whenever you have a moment of free time, seize the opportunity to make progress in packing, thereby reducing stress as the moving day draws closer.
When should you start packing?
Starting to pack your boxes around six weeks before your scheduled moving date is generally recommended. This timeframe provides ample opportunity to pack your belongings carefully and establish an organized system for labelling your boxes.
7. Prepare a moving kit
D-Day, or moving day, can be incredibly demanding both mentally and physically. It's crucial to prioritize your well-being and prepare a moving kit to help ease the transition.
Since unpacking all your boxes on the same day might not be feasible or desirable, your moving kit should contain essentials to get you through your first night in your new home.
While customizable to your specific needs, your moving kit should include items such as:
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A toilet paper roll
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Toothbrush and toothpaste
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Your cell phone charger
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A few utensils
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Paper plates
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Garbage bags
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A change of close
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And other necessities you may require
A few more tips to make your move easier on D-day
1. Carefully identify your boxes and indicate the rooms where they are to be deposited.
2. If possible, clean and paint your new home before moving day.
3. If necessary, reserve a parking space for the moving truck.
4. If you’re moving in winter, ensure your driveway is cleared of snow and ice.
5. Arrange childcare or pet-sitting.
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