A Month Before the Move

1. Contact MSA Moving & Storage Ltd. at:
   2061 Riverside Rd, Abbotsford, BC  V2S 5Z5, Phone: (604) 859-5066, Fax: (604) 859-1161 to arrange for a free moving estimate and consultation.
2. Ask for references and check with the Better Business Bureau.
3. Don't be fooled by rates. Ask about additional charges and methods used to compute time on local moves. Make sure both estimates are for similar weights. Check the rate per 100 lbs.
4. If furniture is going to be stored, make sure the insurance will cover the entire contents.
5. Start a moving expenses book. Some of your expenses may be tax deductible, so be sure to save the receipts.
6. If you're moving to another province, contact the provincial health insurance departments of both the province you're moving to and the one you're leaving. If you're staying in the same province, make sure the department has your new address.
7. Gather together all important documents for every member of the family. Don't forget your pet's documents.
8. Register your change of address with the post office.
9. Begin mailing change of address cards and keep a record of cards sent. Don't forget to notify all credit card companies and other creditors. such as insurance companies and financial institutions.
10. Contact your bank. Arrange for the transfer of all accounts and personal loans. Remember to order cheques with your new address.
11. Get estimates from at least two moving companies. Provide clear instructions on everything that must be moved. Don t include jewelry or other small valuables that could be easily lost or damaged.
12. Cancel newspaper subscriptions or change delivery address.

 2 Weeks Prior to Moving

1. Have a garage sale. It's a fun and profitable way to get rid of items you no longer need.
2. If you are doing your own packing, begin.
3. Number all boxes and keep an inventory. Label all boxes as to content.
4. Return all borrowed items, and retrieve items you have loaned to others.
5. Make a floor plan of the new house and plan where everything will go. Don't guess, take measurements.
6. Book the freight elevator if you are moving in or out of an apartment.
7. Arrange for the changeover of all utilities

 1 Week Before the Move

1. Call MSA Moving & Storage to confirm your move. 
2. Confirm the booking of the freight elevator with your superintendent.
3. Prepare a list of all items you want to take with you personally. 
4. Include all jewelry and valuable items which the movers are not responsible for. 
5. Dismantle and/or unfasten anything that requires it. Defrost and air dry the deep freezer.

 2 Days Before the Move

1. Double check that all your valuables are accounted for. 
2. Disconnect, defrost and air dry the refrigerator. 
3. Do your last load of laundry.
4. Disconnect the washer & dryer. DON'T forget to drain the washer!

 1 Day Before the Move

1. This is you last day to pack.
2. Pack all items you plan to take with you in the car. Label them "Do Not Load: For Car". Try to take these items out of the house before the movers arrive.
3. Lead packers around the house and make sure they understand all your instructions.
4. Make sure you have all keys for the house for the new owners. (Don t forget garage and shed keys!)

 Moving Out

1. Lay down heavy plastic or old runners to minimize dirt in the house. Do not use them on stairways - they're dangerous.
2. Lead the movers around the house again and make sure they understand all your instructions.
3. Check the movers' inventory against your inventory. Count the number of boxes.
4. Clearly label and leave all spare keys, and the code for the security system if you have one, inside the house unless otherwise arranged.

 Moving In

1. Get to the house before the movers. Arrange to take milk, bread, coffee, tea and snacks with you. It will be a long day.
2. Verify that all utilities have been turned on.
3. Find your floor plan and give copies to the movers. When your goods arrive check each item carefully as it is put in place and mark it off your inventory.
4. First priorities will be the children's rooms, TV or radio, and a basic kitchen.
5. Since you have not yet unpacked, go out and have a nice dinner. You deserve it!

 1 Day After the Move

1. Have movers unpack if they packed.
2. Inspect for possible damage. If any, contact the mover immediately.