Make your next move a smart move

<!—

Following death and divorce, moving is considered the third most stressful life event. Not only is your normal routine disrupted, but the “to do” list for dismantling and then setting up a new life can seem endless. Advance planning can not only help to keep moving costs down, but help to preserve your peace of mind. Here are 12 tips to help make your next move a smooth one.

Map out your moving strategy. Make a list of the tasks you need to accomplish before the move and create a time-line. The more you can spread out the work over time, the better. Not only will you reduce moving day stress, but you’ll save money by not having to move unnecessary items. To help you plan out your move, check out Premiere Van Lines’ Pre-Move Counseling Service.

Note: Keep all documents related to your move in a specially designated folder or notebook.

Find a reputable moving company. Whether you’re moving across town or across country, selecting the right moving company is critical.

• Visual, in-home visits are more accurate than estimates given over the phone or the Internet. Show the move estimator everything you want moved to avoid add-on charges later. All estimates and cost guarantees should be put in writing.

• Discuss up front any special services you may want, such as having a piano moved or arranging for temporary storage.

• Make sure you have adequate (certified) insurance coverage for any damaged or lost goods. Your moving company should have a Workers’ Compensation Board certificate to cover any injuries incurred by his workers on your premises.

• If one estimate is significantly lower than others, be sure this is not due to shoddy equipment, sub-standard packing material or untrained personnel.

• Do a reference check with your local Better Business Bureau or the Canadian Association of Movers.

Arrange utilities/change of address. Contact the appropriate delivery and utility services the week prior to your move and arrange turn-on and turn-off dates. Canadians on the move can change their postal address at www.smartmoves.ca.

Organize important papers. Place your passports, medical records, insurance and financial information as well as other important documentation in one box or file. Take these with you – not with the movers – during the move. This is also true for other valuables such as jewelry or special mementoes.

Thin out the load. Now is the time to be ruthless. Who wants to pay to move items you don’t either love or need? If an item has no real practical or sentimental value, get rid of it. For great tips on how to conquer clutter, click here.

<!—

Pack early and often. If you’re doing your own packing, the earlier you start the better. Stock up on boxes and other packing supplies and set a minimum number of boxes you’ll tackle each day (3-5 boxes daily over a 4-6 week period can reduce last minute stress considerably!) Be sure to pack in an orderly fashion, beginning with items you’re less likely to need. Pack like-items in the same box and –take the time to label each box carefully, listing both contents and room designation.

Note: don’t forget to fill your suitcases. For more packing tips, click here.

Call in the professionals. Consider professional packing for fragile heirlooms and expensive electronics. Packing these items properly helps to ensure their safe passage. If you’re planning to pack these items yourself, use the same materials professional movers use – double and triple cell constructed cartons, cushioning wraps and packing tapes.

Make a survival pack. Each family member should hand-carry a tote or box containing essential toiletries, medications, bed linens, change of clothes, etc. Other items you might want to pack separately include basic tools, cleaning supplies, pet food, soap and toilet paper.

Keep the little ones occupied. Find creative ways to keep the children occupied during the move. Involve them as much as possible, perhaps by giving them fun, age-appropriate jobs. Is your child or grandchild a budding Picasso? Encourage your little artist to paint, draw or decorate the moving boxes. And make sure they have their own entertainment such as books, magazines, music or video games.

Don’t forget about the pets. Moving can be stressful for all members of the family, even the furry and scaly ones. If you have pets, don’t wait until the last minute to make decisions on how you’ll help them during the transition. For valuable tips on moving with pets, click here.

Be kind to your plants. Like any living thing, plants require special attention. Should your move involve a long-distance trip, you’ll want to move plants in a temperature-controlled environment such as your car.

Note: Try not to let foliage rest against the windows, as the leaves will scorch. For more on moving your leafy friends, click here.

Do not pack flammables like aerosol cans, paints, or gasoline. For more information on personally transporting or disposing of these potentially dangerous items, click here.

<!—

Premiere Van Lines is North America’s fastest-growing moving services company with 30 offices and over 1000 employees coast to coast across Canada and into the U.S.A. Hard work and excellent customer service has made us the leader of the moving industry in Canada and across North America.

Contact us to arrange a no-cost, no-obligation consultation for your residential moving needs. Are you a member of CARP? Click here to read about our special discount for CARP members. You can reach us by telephone at 905-820-MOVE (6683) or toll-free at 866-981-MOVE (6683).