Visit
our store and pick up all your packing supplies such as
boxes, tape, wrapping paper, bubble wrap, markers, gloves,
mattress and sofa covers.
Start
cleaning out your closets, basement and anywhere else
you store things you don’t use. Donate things you
don’t use anymore to charity.
Start
packing things you don’t use much first such as
Christmas decorations, photo albums, books etc. Hint:
Don’t forget to make that list of what you’re
packing in each box!!!
Start
looking for a reputable removals company. We advise that
you get written quotes from at least 2 removal firms.
Don’t be afraid to ask and check for references.
Have them demonstrate to you proof of replacement insurance
in case something breaks or goes missing. Increase the
insurance cover if you feel it’s inadequate.
Make
sure you inform your home insurer of your move so that
they can arrange transfer of your home insurance to your
new place.
Inform
all people that provide services such as cleaners, gardeners,
pool service providers of your upcoming move. Try to arrange
for these services at your new place ahead of time.
A
COUPLE OF WEEKS PRIOR TO YOUR MOVE
Arrange
for disconnection of utilities (“Darse de baja”):
Telephone, electricity, gas, cable T.V., internet, alarm
monitoring etc. And don’t forget to arrange for
these services at your new place – “Darse
de alta”.
Advise
family, friends, your employer and anyone else you think
may require your new address. Examples include credit
card companies, magazine subscriptions, frequent flyer
programs, Hacienda (the tax man), schools, your doctor,
lawyer, accountant, financial adviser etc.
ONE
WEEK PRIOR TO YOUR MOVE
Confirm
details of your locations (where you live and where you’re
moving to) with the removal company.
If you’re
moving far away, pick up dry cleaning, prescriptions,
photos or anything else you have outside your home.
Start to
run down your stocks of food.
Clean out
your school or gym locker.
A
FEW DAYS BEFORE THE MOVE
Clean out
and defrost the freezer.
Clean the
house or arrange to have it cleaned.
Finish
packing all household goods for the move. Ensure all boxes
are clearly labelled.
Keep important
possessions and documents such as passports, birth certificates,
financial records, home purchase/sale records and jewellery
in a box you will personally carry. Mark DO
NOt MOVE on the box.
Have the
removal company load those boxes that you will open first
loaded last onto the Lorry/truck. In these boxes you should
have: a tool kit, towels, bedding, basic toiletries and
bathroom supplies, a first aid kit and toys or games for
the children.
Label the
keys for the people moving into your house and provide
them with a forwarding address and your telephone number.
Have some
cash available on moving day for incidentals that may
arise. Don’t forget to tip the movers if you feel
that they’ve done a good job.
Gather
all manuals and warranties and leave them in one place
for the new occupants.
Make sure
the vacuum cleaner or broom and your gloves are handy.
Have some
food and snacks ready for move day.
Don’t
forget to have that mobile phone fully charged!
MOVE
DAY ... KEEP THIS LIST HANDLY ALL DAY!!
Have your
mobile phone or home phone connected.
Check the
final meter readings for the gas and electric companies.
Supervise
the move and ensure furniture and boxes are delivered
to the correct rooms.
Leave the
place tidy; this is why you left out the broom & vacuum.
Check all
rooms, closets and cupboards so that nothing is left behind.
Turn down
the thermostat.
Lock up
and leave the labelled keys with the real estate agent
or landlord.
Arrive
at your new home before the removals company (if possible)
to instruct them on where to place your things.
Have you
been given keys for every lock in your home?
Review
the removals company bill of lading before signing. Check
for damaged items before you sign!
Check that
the utilities are working at your new place.
Open those
boxes that were labelled open
first.
Unpack
your bathroom & kitchen supplies and set up your bed.
