Your home in the heart of the city...Calgary Place Appartments

Custom WorkCalgary Place offers you all the advantages that come with downtown living. You’ll love being so close to an incredible selection of stores and shops, and a host of great entertainment and recreational facilities—all within walking distance.

Moving Tips

Tuesday, 02 February 2010 01:01 VTV
Print PDF

Make Moving Your Home Easier


Make a list


Write everything down! Before you pack even one box, create a simple record keeping system. Create a computer-printed list of numbers with a space to write the contents. Or have a spiral-bound notebook for the job. You’ll place a number on EVERY box you pack and list the contents on your list.

Have plenty of supplies

Moving boxes. Packing tape and paper. Bubble wrap. Some moving companies offer refunds for unused moving boxes. Have about 10 boxes set aside to use for last minute items on moving day, such as bedding, clothing, and cleaning supplies. Use unprinted newsprint (newspaper can stain your items) or packing paper or bubble wrap to wrap and cushion. Don’t make the boxes too heavy to lift.

Color coordinate

Designate a color for each room in the new home. Apply colored stickers on the box near the box number. The movers will know where to put everything when they arrive at the destination. It’s also helpful to post a big sign on the wall in the room where you want boxes stacked, (“Boxes here please”) to keep them out of furniture and traffic areas.

Keep things together

Insist on keeping things together when you or the movers are packing boxes. Keep light bulbs with lamps, and extension cords with appliances. Small, loose parts can be attached to their item with tape or placed in small envelopes/bags. Keep larger corresponding items (such as a cable TV cord) in re-sealable bags, and tape these to the underside or back of the item. As a backup, have a “Parts Box” open and fill it with cables, cords, parts, pieces, brackets, or nails that are removed from any items of furniture. Keep this box with you, or mark it well with a rainbow of colored stickers so it can be easily located on move-in day.

Pack ahead

Anything you can pack ahead will save you time on moving day. Starting with off season clothes out of the way. Box up your shampoo and extra toothpaste and live out of a travel cosmetic case for the last week or two. Pare down cooking utensils and food supplies to bare essentials. Pack wastebaskets and use plastic grocery bags (hang them on a cabinet door or door handle to collect trash.)

Consolidate cleaning supplies

If you must clean your old place after moving out, put together a kit of basic cleaning supplies and rags. Clean anything possible ahead of time (the inside of kitchen cupboards, the oven, windows, etc.), and if possible, vacuum each room as movers empty it.

Use your luggage

Fill luggage and duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels, and paper goods. Even for local moves you’ll be able to quickly spot and unpack your suitcases whereas boxes might remain elusive for days.

Safeguard valued items

It’s a good idea to keep valuable possessions, such as silverware, collections, or antiques, with you. Either way, check your homeowner’s insurance to see how you are covered during the move, and if you need additional insurance from the mover. Also, find out what paperwork (receipts, appraisals, and photos) you might need to file a claim in case of loss.

Keep important papers with you

Your list of “important” papers might include: birth certificates, school records, mover estimates, new job contacts, utility company numbers, recent bank records, current bills, phone lists, closing papers, realtor info, maps, and more. Don’t leave these with the mover. Keep them with you!

CalgaryRent.ca

Copying this article without permission of CalgaryRent.ca is prohibited

Last Updated on Wednesday, 03 February 2010 19:31
 

About our magazine

Calgaryrent magazine is published monthly by Total Print Media Inc. A free publication,distributed through the Calgary SUN, College and University newspapers and gallant Distribution to hundreds of locations in and around the City of Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane,High River and Canmore