Preparing Your Items for Storage

Last week I shared some tips about what to look for when putting your items into storage. This week I want to share some ways to “prepare” your items for storage. Again, some of these come from the Canadian Association of Movers which can be found at www.mover.net.

•Wrap sofas and large upholstered items in protective material. Place sofas on sofa racks to keep them safe.

•Wrap finished furniture to protect it from scratches and marks.

•Moth proof and wrap rugs and place them on racks when storing.

•Wrap anything fragile like mirrors, pictures and smaller delicate items.

•Leave fridge and freezer doors open (or have them serviced) to prevent mold and mildew from growing in them.

•Consider purchasing depository insurance or for if you are really concerned: full protection to value. This will cost you a regular monthly fee, but may be worth the peace of mind, depending on the items.

•Do not store dangerous or perishable goods.

By: Andrew Brown and Sharon Osvald

For more info on how we can help make your move a smooth move, visit www.movingagain.ca

Storing Your Stuff

With our world being so mobile, it is more common for people to need to place their belonging into storage. It is important that you are certain your items are being stored safely and securely.

The Canadian Movers Association makes the following recommendations when choosing a storage facility:

1.Find out the reputation of the storage facility you are considering.

2.Make sure you completely understand the services that the company is offering, what your responsibilities are, the liability of the company in the case of damage or theft, how the items are secured and if you have access to your items while being stored.

3.Ask what the additional charges are. Are there charges for wrapping or protective materials, moth-proofing, packing items like mirrors or servicing appliances to prevent the growth of mildew?

4.Keep complete lists of all the items being stored. Compare lists with the company storing your belongings to ensure it matches.

5.Visit the storage facility to see if it is clean, dry and rodent-free. Ask about climate control and security.

For more information visit www.mover.net
By: Andrew Brown and Sharon Osvald

Staying Put Part Two

With the New Year around the corner, now is the time that many people begin to reflect on their lives, what they are doing and ultimately – where they are living. As you look at your current situation and your life goals the question becomes should I move or should I stay put? Here is Staying Put - Part Two

Some things to consider before you “leap”:

1. How will this move affect the people in my life?
Will moving to a new city or area improve your relationships with extended family or other loved ones? Will this move your children closer to grandparents who can lend support or will it separate you from a strong established support system? If you have children, consider the age of your children and their personalities. For some moving is an exciting adventure, for others it can be very traumatic - especially for a teenager.

2. If you are moving from a rental or a starter home, be careful when purchasing your next home. Low interest rates and easy credit can lure people into buying into a lifestyle they can not afford. Be sure to plan for emergencies in your long term budgeting.

3. Know the hidden costs. Many first time home owners are not truly aware of all the hidden fees involved when buying a house and moving. Lawyers fees, taxes, insurance and real estate fees can add up quickly. Even moving to a new rental adds up with the cost of shutting off services,various processing fees, post office costs and first and last rent. Before signing on the dotted line, be sure you've planned for all the expenses.

Next week we'll talk about how to make sure you are hiring a "good" moving company.
By: Sharon Osvald and Andrew Brown

Staying Put? Part One

With the New Year around the corner, now is the time that many people begin to reflect on their lives, what they are doing and ultimately – where they are living. As you look at your current situation and your life goals the question becomes should I move or should I stay put?

Here are some things to consider before you “leap”:

1. Am I acting on impulse? Before making a life changing decision, be sure you have thought it through completely. Are you just mad at your boss, your landlord or your neighbour? Are you reacting out of boredom? It is easy to make big changes based on knee jerk reactions. Make sure your move is based on facts not emotional response?
2. Have you done your research? Have you weighed all the pros, cons and costs of moving. You may decide rent is a bit cheaper in another area, but is the neighbourhood as safe/nice? One place might charge less rent but not include utilities you are not used to paying. Is the cost of the move worth the final outcome? Can you really afford your current situation or is it time to downsize?
3. Are you staying put out of fear or lack of motivation? Is it obvious to everyone around you that your current living or life situation needs to change – but you don’t like change? Take an honest look at yourself and if you need to give yourself a push to improve your life – do it. ~A.B.

By: Sharon Osvald and Andrew Brown

Moving with Kids Before and After Part One

Moving with Kids- Before and After ~ Part One

Moving can be stressful for everyone, particularly children. While we recognize this for older kids and teens, sometimes we can be lulled into thinking that moving is not a “big deal” for young children. While each child is different, this is not always the case.

However, a little thinking ahead and careful parenting can make even the farthest move less painful for your children. Here are some tips – this week we’ll discuss what to do before moving to make the transition smoother.

Clear and Open Communication

Speak to your children as clearly and as age appropriately as possible about the upcoming changes. People only like surprise parties – not life changes! Keeping things from them to protect them from feeling bad doesn't work. They need time to process and prepare themselves, just like you do.

Involve Them in the Process

Involving your children in the move will give them a sense of control. Whether it is as simple as packing and labeling boxes, looking at pictures on MLS or sketching out the room out layouts, getting your children involved in the process will make them more excited about moving.

Expressing Their Feelings

It is important to give your children permission to express their disappointment, anxiety and excitement about the upcoming move. Validate what they are feeling rather than telling them not to be negative or angry, but encourage them that things will get easier. Also, often children have trouble discussing what they’re feeling. Be on the look out for changes in their behaviour and let them know you are there for them to talk to.

Come back next week for Part Two of Moving with Kids-Before and After

By: Sharon Osvald and Andrew Brown

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

The Week of Your Move

The Week of Your Move:

There are so many things to think of before a move. Here are some ideas that might make this last week less chaotic and more productive.

• Finish packing! As crazy as that sounds we’ve all offered to help move people only to arrive and find their cupboards are still full of food and glass knick-knacks sitting on their coffee table. Don’t be one of these people. If you can’t do the packing yourself ask people specifically ahead of time to help you.
• The day before your move defrost your fridge and clean it. This is also a good time to pull out your fridge and dryer and give it a good clean behind it.
• Drain the gas from your lawn mower, snow blower or any other item powered by gas or kerosene.
• If you have not already, arrange for childcare and pet care if necessary the day of your move.
• If possible take apart large items like computer desks or sectional sofas. This will make it easier to fit them in the truck and move them.
• If you have not already, make sure you have good sturdy boxes, pack and label boxes by room. This makes things so much easier at the new residence.
• Wrap fragile items individually and tightly. If you’ve run out of newspaper or tissue paper, extra towels and pillowcases are great for wrapping.
• Large garbage bags are great for packing linens, comforters and bulky winter clothing.
• Pack all linens and draperies together and mark clearly. (This should be one of the last things on your truck).
• Create a “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.
• Create a “Last Day” Kit. These should be 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.

By: Sharon Osvald and Andrew Brown

Moving 101

           

Step One

Moving can be very exciting. There’s something wonderful about a fresh start, a clean slate, a new beginning. However, moving is also a very stressful time. There is so much to do, so many details to think of and so much to remember. To make your move a little easier, I’ve broken it down for you.

First things First

• As soon as you have confirmed your move, firm up your moving plans. Whether you’re booking a mover, calling on friends or renting a vehicle, get these plans done as soon as possible. This is not one of those items you want to leave to the last minute. Since most people choose to move around the same time of year and time of the month, you may be surprised to find trucks and moving companies book up quickly. If you are choosing a moving company, get referrals and be sure you are dealing with an experienced and reputable company.
• If you are moving locally and can afford it, try to book a little overlap in your move dates. If you can give yourself a week or two where you can get into your new place, without having to rush out of your current home, this will allow you time to clean, paint and plan – decreasing your stress.

A Month or Two Before

• Declutter. Declutter. Declutter. The rule of thumb for keeping items is if you haven’t used it in six months- you don’t need it. I’ll be more generous and say one year. Now is the time for a fresh start. Get rid of those unused clothes, books, electronic equipment, papers and gadgets. Why pay to move things you are not using? There are many organizations like the Ontario Cerebral Palsy Organization and the Cystic Fibrosis Organization that will do donation pick ups right from your front door. If the season is right, make a little extra moving money with a garage sale.
• Contact your utility, phone and Internet companies to book the end and beginning of services.
• Create an inventory of items being moved and begin packing them in categories that make sense for you, i.e. “Knick knacks from Living Room” etc.
• Begin to use up food in your freezer and canned goods in your pantry. Again, it cost money to move these items and transporting frozen foods can be unsafe. Begin shopping with more of a short-term mind set.
• Notify your post office, bank, magazine/ newspaper subscriptions and family/ friends of your upcoming address change.
• Contact your insurance company about changes to your mortgage and content insurance.
• Research and contact schools your children may be attending (if applicable).

Visit next week  for more steps on planning your move.

By: Sharon Osvald and Andrew Brown