Moving Day

The moment you have been waiting for, both with excitement and dread is upon you. It is moving day. There is so much to do and remember. Here are some tips to help you get through the day successfully.

• Clear communication is key to a happy and successful move. Whether you’re using a moving company or your two brothers and five best friends, it is important that you communicate clearly what everyone’s role is and who is to take care of what, when and where.
• Assign “point people” – one at the residence you are leaving and one where you are arriving. The first point person will make sure everything is packed and loaded in the right order. You don’t want to pack all the furniture first and then boxes or at arrival time you’ll have a house full of boxes with no room to place your furniture. This point person will also document that everything did in fact get packed up, cleaned up and closed up.
• The second point person is the one who meets the movers at the new home. This person should be quickly checking the arriving boxes, furniture and directing it to the appropriate room. You don’t want to discover after everyone has gone home that your heavy antique bedroom dresser was placed in the basement rather than on the second floor where you need it.
• If you did not use a professional mover be prepared to feed and water your movers when they are finished. It is good form to treat these tired helpers with pizza or some kind of food for their effort.
• And these last two remember (from the last post) to have your “kit” for each member of your family. Children will want to travel with their favourite stuffed animals, books, videogames, small toys and snacks. Adults will also want to pack comfort items as well as any jewelry, money, important documents and plants to travel with them.
• Be mindful to have your “Last Day” Kit handy, making sure these are the last items to leave your home and the first items needed at the new place. Items should include: a first aid kit, hammer, nails, screwdrivers, screws, tape, toiletries, cleaning supplies, a vacuum or broom, paper towels. Keep this aside- it will be needed.
• Enjoy your new home

By: Sharon Osvald and Andrew Brown