Jeff Shields RE/MAX Anchor Realty serving Qualicum Beach, Parksville, French Creek, Coombs of the Oceanside area on Vancouver Island British Columbia

Jeffery Shields - REALTOR

RE/MAX Anchor Realty
(Independently Owned and Operated)
113 West 2nd Avenue, PO Box 1890
Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1T5 Canada
Cell: 250-240-5021
Bus: 250-752-2466
Fax: 250-752-2433
Toll Free: 800-668-3622

Moving Hints

"TIME IS MONEY"

The secret to a stress free and successful move is organisation. Take things one step at a time. The less the mover has to handle, the better packed and prepared you are, and the less expensive your move will be.

  1. As soon as you know your moving date, get started! Reserve a moving date and time with your moving company or truck rental company and your friends. Get two or three estimates from moving companies well in advance. Check insurance coverage, labour costs of packing and unpacking, transportation costs, method and time of payment.
  2. Remember that it costs money to move each item. Decide what you want to take with you and what you can live without. Dispose of unnecessary items now. Have a garage sale.
  3. You can save money by sending out loose carpets and curtains to be cleaned, and then having them delivered to your new home. If you are planning on recovering chairs, sofas or refinishing furniture, send them out now, and have them delivered to your new home and save the cost of moving.
  4. If there is anything of special value you are worried about moving, call your insurer and let them advise you on additional insurance coverage.
  5. Get your children involved with the move. They can help in their own rooms, advise on the decorating of their new room, pack their special toys, take charge of the pets. Older children can help with packing. Psychologists agree that children adapt more easily when they move during the school year. They are immediately thrust into the life of the new school, which enables them to meet new friends and new neighbours quickly.
  6. Go through your address book and notify all pertinent people of your new address, i.e. family and friends, doctors, lawyers, etc. Have any records transferred that need to be, i.e. school, telephone, hydro, bank accounts, medical, dental, etc.
  7. Packing is the most difficult part of your move with all kinds of challenges that can crop up. How does one move pets or fish, plants or those valuable fragile items such as that special mirror, your crystal and china? Number each box and to write the number on at least three sides and the top of each box with a marker pen. Make a master list, with box numbers and a detailed list for each box. This master list can eliminate the panic of trying to find whatever you may need at the spur of the moment and also provide an inventory check for your move.
  8. The last box to go should be your First Night box. Make sure your First Night box is plainly marked, so that it won't get lost in the moving shuffle. It should be the last box to go on the moving truck, and the first one off. You will find it invaluable if you include items such as light bulbs, toilet tissue, pyjamas, toothbrushes, medication, can opener, rags and whatever additional clothing you require. You may consider including fresh sheets, pillows and blankets, so you can spend the first night in your new home in comfort. Don't forget pet food. Never leave valuables in your drawers. Take them personally to your new home or make arrangements for a secure transfer to your new location.
  9. Be there when the movers arrive. Check the walls and woodwork with the driver and take note of existing damage. Make provisions for runners to be laid on wall-to-wall carpets before the move. As you unload, refer to your checklist, making sure all your furniture and boxes are unloaded and placed in the room they belong. After the move, check your home for damage, which may have been caused by the move. Make note of any damage, be it to walls, furniture, or boxes, etc. and alert the driver.
  10. When the hustle and bustle of unloading is over, Celebrate! The weeks of turmoil are over and you're finally in your new home! Get a good night's sleep and start your unpacking fresh, the next day.

See my Moving Check List for a detailed list to help you prepare for your move.