Moving made easy

If you don't want to feel that the roof is caving in on you come moving day, you have to plan everything. Of course, you can't empty the refrigerator a month ahead of time, but there are a number of small details that can be taken care of beforehand.
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Planning is the key
A winning strategy
Overcoming the packing
Getting the kids on side
Getting ready for M-Day?
Renovate or decorate?
Starting a new!
First, the kitchen
The bathroom
Living room, rooms and hallways
Stunning faux-finishes
Windows and lighting
Getting ready to move

Planning is the key

As soon as you decide to move, you also need to decide whether or not you will use the services of a professional mover. If so, ask friends who may have hired professional movers for advice and references. Then get cost estimates and, when you have decided on the mover you wish to use, book your move as soon as possible. Demand for movers is high and you do not want to find yourself without help when M-Day arrives. If you are planning a move into or within Québec, you may wish to avoid July 1st, Quebec's infamous moving day. This way, you will likely get better rates from the mover.

If you decide to move yourself, including furniture and appliances, reserve a truck as soon as possible. And get your friends on side soon.

A winning strategy

Once you have chosen your new home, take the time to draw a detailed plan for each of the rooms, identifying each room on he plan and indicating exactly where you want major pieces of furniture and appliances. Then, be sure to indicate on each box that you pack the exact room in which you want it taken and unpacked. This way, you will save time, money and energy.

Overcoming the packing

Packing does not have to be a dreadful experience. Look at it as an opportunity. Take your time and take advantage of the situation to do that major cleanup you have been postponing. Return borrowed items to their rightful owner, give away to charitable organizations any piece of clothing or other item you no longer want and get rid of dangerous garbage such as paint and oil cans, chemical products in an ecological manner. Most cities provide for special collections of such garbage from time to time. Consult your municipal office for information. Also, clean up your medicine chest and return to your pharmacist any prescription or other drugs that have expired.

Place in one or more boxes all items that are intended for a specific room. Identify the contents of each box on at least two sides of the box. And do not forget that magic word "Fragile" whenever necessary. Always wrap dishes and porcelain in clean paper. Avoid newsprint. Use towels and blankets to protect fragile items. And think of your back! Boxes should never weigh more than 20 kg (44 lbs).

To make the boxes very easy to open before closing them with tape, place a piece of string between the flaps. Stick the tape over the string leaving both ends free. When unpacking, you just have to pull the string.

To move your mirrors carefully, make an X on them with masking tape before wrapping them. In case of breakage, the mirror pieces will be held together.

Getting the kids on side

Moving can be stressful for kids. They may be worried about such a major change. So take the time to explain to them why you are moving, emphasising the positive changes that await them in their new environment. If they are old enough, get them involved. Have them pack their favourite toys in a bag they can later take with them in the car. You may even ask for their opinion on the decorating of their new bedroom.
Your pets can also suffer from the changes brought about by a move. Try not to disturb their habits too much. On moving day, leave your cat in a closed room with food, litter and a favourite toy until you are ready to go. Then, if your cat is used to travelling by car, you are set to go; if not, you may wish to use a cage, which you will cover with a blanket.

Getting ready for M-Day?

Movers like to start with large appliances. So, on the eve of your move, empty the refrigerator, wash your appliances and prepare them so they can be loaded first. Precious and expensive items such as jewels and computers can be transported in the car. Do not forget to clean your home before leaving and hope that the occupants of your new home will do likewise. It is important to clearly identify those boxes that need to be opened first. Just before leaving for good, make one last inspection paying particular attention to those secret hiding places you once used and making sure you are not leaving anything behind. Once in your new home, make sure the telephone company has connected your phone properly. It is practically a sure be that you will not want to cook on your first night in your new home. The phone could come in handy to order your first pizza!

Do not try to get everything done on the first day. Unpack boxes containing sheets and blankets, kitchen utensils and food. After eating, take the time to check and make sure nothing was forgotten or lost. Then, take the time to rest. The days following a move are also very busy days!
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