What to Expect on Moving Day

Saying good-bye to one neighbourhood and discovering a new one is an exciting adventure. But let's face it, at the end of your home-buying process you may find yourself exhausted. After all, the other obligations in your life have not paused.

What's more, now there's another cost -- moving. Whether you hire professionals or strong-arm friends into helping, be prepared for the cost of the move. Here are some suggestions on how to reduce the cost of your move, but let's first look at how to prepare for the big day.

You will have noticed that your possessions expand to fill the space allotted. Guess what, if you're moving into a larger home, you'll be gathering more stuff, so start out right.

• Don't take it all. Before you pack it all into boxes and cart it to a new location, take a good look at everything and find out what you can live without. This is a great time to have a garage sale and what doesn't sell, you can give away to charity.
• Have all of your change of address cards filled out months in advance. You'll want to notify friends, family, businesses, organizations you're a member of, etc. Have the cards ready to mail once the deal is closed. Redecorate before the move. Sometimes it isn't possible, but if you have the chance to work without the obstructions of furniture, you'll find that you can get twice the work done in half the time.
• Put the utilities in your name. Hydro, water, gas are the first companies to call. But don't forget to coordinate your telephone and cable service. Of course, you'll want to let the companies servicing your old home know when to disconnect service there.

Get Packing
You'll want to ensure that each item you own is well packed to minimize damage during travel. Whether you're moving around the corner, across town or across the country, the moving process is always the same.

To Hire Movers or Not to Hire Movers?
If you hire movers to pack for you, they'll descend on your home with a crew of experienced packers who will seal, pad and itemize everything you own in a day or two.

During the move, you'll want to make sure you're insured while your belongings are in transition. Many moving companies also offer additional insurance.

On moving day, go through the house with the crew supervisor and have him take note of any special instructions. If there are items you will need first in your new home (like a crib) make sure they put it in the moving van last. The movers will also make note of the condition of your goods on a master list. It is your responsibility to make sure it's accurate.

After the van is unloaded and your goods are unpacked, inspect everything and make note of any damage. While movers do unpack, they don't put dishes or linens away.

If you are undertaking the packing process by yourself, it will take time. Pack well in advance, and take note of what you can really live without. You'll have items that need special attention and other items that need to be disassembled. Label each box in detail and, if you know where it will go in your new home, put the destination on the box.

• Pack what you need most last!
• Label each box carefully!
• Designate a destination!

You'll also want to pack a box of essentials. These are items you're likely to use once you arrive in your new home. Include items like:

• toilet paper
• soap
• toothbrushes and toothpaste
• paper towels
• garbage bags (a lot of them!)
• paper plates, cups and plastic utensils
• can opener
• hammer, screwdrivers, pliers
• a flashlight
• some light bulbs
• snacks and drinks
• a radio