MOVING TIPS

By GEORGE L. CRAIG , Real Estate, Wills & Estate Law Department

The purchase and/or sale of real estate often involves a personal move for the parties involved.

The following tips are not intended to be exhaustive but may provide some helpful information, now or in the future.

1. TIPS ON GETTING STARTED

(a) GET ORGANIZED:
The first and most important suggestion to minimize inconvenience, hassle and confusion is to "get organized."
(b) PREPARE LIST:
Establish one central location for all the information which you will require to successfully complete your move.
(c) IMPORTANT ADDRESSES AND PHONE NUMBERS:
List the names, addresses and phone numbers for the following for both your current and new home: utilities, professionals, insurance, publications, clubs, organizations, financial institutions, and licences.
(d) UTILITY SERVICES:
We will ensure to attend to the reading of meters and the payment of accounts with respect to any transaction in which we represent you.
(e) INSURANCE:
Contact your insurance agent to ensure that you have appropriate coverage including coverage for items in transit.
(f) CHANGE OF ADDRESS:
Notify the post office of your change of address and also advise publications, financial institutions, licencing agencies, clubs and organizations of your new address.
(g) INVENTORY:
Take an inventory of each room in your house and determine with respect to each asset whether it will be:

(i) kept
(ii) discarded
(iii) cleaned
(iv) sold
(v) stored

(h) CLEANING:
Any carpets, rugs, draperies or clothes that need to be cleaned should be attended to prior to the move and then kept in the cleaning bags and packages during the move.
(i) LAYOUT IN NEW HOME:
Draw up a floor plan of your new home and indicate the location of all furniture.
(j) FOOD:
Check your kitchen, pantry and freezer and make meal plans to use up goods prior to the move. Ascertain how your unused food stuffs will be moved.
(k) GARAGE SALE:
One way to dispose of unnecessary items is to have a garage, yard, basement or driveway sale. This will permit you to get rid of unwanted or unnecessary items (and to reduce the items to be moved) and will permit you to have a little fun, say good-bye to neighbours and make a little money. Check whether a permit is necessary.
(l) TAX DEDUCTIONS:
Ascertain what tax deductions are available to you with respect to the move. If there are any tax deductions available be sure to keep track of all expenses directly related to your transportation to your new home including temporary living expenses.

2. AS MOVING DAY DRAWS CLOSER

(a) ARRANGEMENTS WITH MOVERS:
Ensure that you have arranged with your movers as to what you are to do and what they will take responsibility for doing.
(b) PLANTS AND FROZEN FOODS:
Make specific arrangements of the moving of items which require special care including plants, frozen food, mirrors and glass.
(c) CLEAN-UP:
Clean out your garage, basement and tool shed and discard or give away any items which are flammable.
(d) VALUABLES:
Gather valuables and pack them securely and plan to carry them with you.
(e) MIRRORS AND PICTURES:
Mirrors and pictures that are breakable should be left on the walls or in their normal location until you are ready to actually move them.

3. IF YOU ARE MOVING A LONG WAY

(a) TRAVEL PLANS:
Ensure that you confirm your travel plans, especially airline reservations and hotel/motel reservations.
(b) CLOTHING:
Make sure that you have appropriate and adequate clothing for all members of the family for the move.
(c) PETS:
If you are planning to travel with family pets, make sure they have the necessary shots and tags.
(d) VEHICLES:
Ensure that your vehicle is completely tuned up and safety-checked.
(e) FAREWELLS:
Make a special date for your farewells to friends and neighbours.
(f) BANKING:
Have your bank transfer any deposits and released your safety deposit box.
(g) CARRY ALONGS:
Make a list of items specially prepared to be taken with you in the care.

4. MOVING WITH CHILDREN

(a) POSITIVE EXPERIENCE:
Most experts agree that any move with children can be a positive and rewarding experience if appropriate plans are made.
(b) TIMING:
If possible, plan your move during the school year so children can meet new friends.
(c) CONSULTATIONS:
Children can and should be consulted with respect to their view on the move. The reasons for a move should be explained to children and the positive aspects stressed.
(d) INFORMING CHILDREN:
Be sure your children hear about the move from you first.
(e) PERMANENCE:
Ensure that your child takes along any items which are special and emotionally supportive (toys, games, animals, collections).
(f) "KIDS BOX":
Pre-pack a box including toys, activity books, stuffed toys, books, snacks and baby need.
(g) MEDICAL NEEDS:
Pre-pack a medical kit.
(h) ENROUTE:
Pack blankets and pillows and plan frequent stops. If your purchase or sale of real estate involves a move for you (and your family), we suggest that you carefully and thoughtfully prepare for the move. We hope that some of the above suggestions will be helpful to you in you preparations. The above is not intended to constitute legal advice. Please contact a lawyer to clarify your legal rights.

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The above is not intended to constitute legal advice. Please contact a lawyer to clarify your legal rights.