Changing location: 10 Tips for an Effective Move

Moving is a matter of organization and planning. Whether with the help of professionals or with friends, a move is effective if conducted smoothly and methodically.

Here are 5 tips for you to "roll" on your next move, without breaking or forgetting anything.

Choose a moving Date

Determine a moving date that is convenient. In this regard, remember that movers are busy during the summer as well as on weekends. If possible avoid festive periods. If you live in a residential building, check the condition of the elevators and consider reserving them for a sufficient period of time

Prepare your move.

Long before the D-Day, document everything that will be useful to the logistics of the move. This will range from your future address to the parking conditions for the truck (at the departure and arrival locations) and the best access, including the list of people, organizations or companies to inform about your new address. Important documents, medicines and valuables that you carry yourself must also be listed. It is useful to make a summary plan of your home in order to indicate where your furniture should be placed. This will facilitate the work of the movers or people who will help you. . Do not forget that you may need to hand over the keys to your home on the day of your departure.

Choose your moving truck

The size of the truck may vary per m3 and it is up to you to judge the capacity necessary for your furniture and your boxes. Among the rental companies, some will give you additional services such as man with a van, the driver of the truck and a place for storage.

Take inventories

Making an inventory of your belongings, objects and furniture is a safety measure. This will give weight to your arguments in the event of "disappearances" or breakages during the move. Arrange them by room or by category. If you are packing, you should know that the mover cannot be held responsible for the contents of your boxes. Do not hesitate to write on them what they contain (followed by "FRAGILE", if they contain objects that can easily be damaged) or in which room they will have to be deposited. Once at your destination, do not delay reporting your dissatisfaction to the manager of the moving company if you notice any improper procedure or damaged furniture.

Clear up spaces

Small preliminary work is likely to facilitate the conduct of operations. This can be the removal of doors or the displacement of objects and belongings that stuffs up the corridors and entrances. It is also pertinent to collect, and even fix together, some similar and bulky objects (skis, hockey stick, brooms, etc.). Be sure to have all the necessary equipment if you pack your own things (cardboard boxes, duct tape, wrapping paper, scissors, markers, etc.).

Consider emptying the refrigerator and freezer, these devices must be thawed, cleaned and prepared so that their shelves and doors remain locked for the duration of the move. The washing machine must also be prepared; Make sure there is no more water in it (including the pipes). Do not pack your tool box and some cleaning products; they can be useful to you both on departure and on arrival. Also make available a first aid kit.