Resources

We want to make your move as easy as possible. Start by reviewing our relocation resources.

Now that you’ve decided to move, the planning can begin. Over the next few weeks or months, there are several recommended steps to help reduce stress and make you as prepared as possible for your moving journey. While every relocation is different, we suggest following these fairly standard steps throughout the relocation process.

Preparations Before your move

  • Set your moving date
    • Set your dates. It’s not always easy to choose your moving date in advance however, reaching out and booking our services as early as possible is important, especially during peak season (May to September). When speaking with our relocation coordinators make sure to discuss packing dates if you are choosing this service.
  • Document Everything
    • Keeping organized during your relocation is important. We recommend using a file folder to keep track of and reference any paperwork related to your move. Examples of things to keep track of includes: reservations, move confirmation, checklists, receipts, important phone numbers, or anything else you need to quickly reference.
  • Figure out how your traveling
    • Whichever mode of transportation you decide, you will need to move yourself and your family in addition to your household goods. If you’re planning a road trip, start planning accommodations ahead of time. If you don’t plan on driving, look into our auto transportation service to get your vehicle to the destination. You may also want to start looking at flights for after your moving date.
  • Change your address
    • To ensure your mail makes it to the right address, contact your service providers and inform them of your address change. As an extra layer of assurance, Canada Post will also allow you to purchase mail forwarding to your new address for up to 12 months. You can visit their website for more information on this service.
  • Update your Utility accounts
    • Contact any utility service providers you work with to ensure they are updated on your move-out/closing date and your moving-in/possession date. This will help prevent delays in service and ensure you aren’t overcharged.

Do-It-Yourself Packing Tips

If you plan to pack your own belongings, we recommend ensuring you have the proper materials, give yourself lots of time, and learn the techniques before jumping in. If you don’t want the hassle of packing your own belonging, discuss our different packing options with your relocation coordinator to learn how we can further reduce the stress of your move.

  • Ensure you have the following items for packing:
    • Regulation moving cartons – We offer a full suite of moving cartons
    • Packing Tape
    • Markers
    • Packing paper and bubble wrap
  • Here are some additional DIY packing resources
  • Prepare a first-night carton
    • Packing a first-night carton or bag is a good idea for a successful move. In a bag or carton, pack things like toiletries, clothes, movies, disposable plates, cutlery, or anything else you will need easy access to on your first nights or weeks in your new home. This will prevent you from needing to go through multiple boxes on your move day.

Preparations for packing day

  • Declutter and organize
    • One of the most important steps in preparing for professional packers to pack your belongings into cartons is to review the items you want to move and declutter those you don’t. Many people take this opportunity to purge items that they no longer use or wish to take with them in their move.
  • Walkthrough
    • Ensure that you walk through your home with the packing crew before and after packing is complete. This helps ensure that they are aware of which items to pack and will avoid items you will be getting rid of.

Tips for moving day

  • Take pictures of your old place
    • If moving into or out of a rental, ensure to take pictures of the empty space to document the cleanliness you left it in and for proof of any damage that is already there.
  • Organize your home
    • To avoid confusion and to ensure the moving crew doesn’t load items that aren’t supposed to be moved, inform the moving crew of all non-moving items.
      It can also be prudent to photograph any delicate items that require disassembly. This can help with reassembly at destination.
  • Be available
    • Ensure you are available to answer any questions the moving crew has about the items to be moved. Some items can be difficult to disassemble or handle. The moving crew may ask for your assistance to disassemble intricate items or those items requiring special care or tools. Examples of items that may require your assistance are Ikea furniture and bedframes along with special high-value items.
  • Review your paperwork
    • During the moving process the crew leader will provide you with a bill of lading and inventory listings to review and sign. Ensure you review each page of the inventory as the crew leader will have taken notes and exceptions of your furniture items. They will also review important dates and information regarding your move.
  • Complete a final walkthrough
    • After the loading crew finishes loading, you’re your household goods, it is recommended that you walk through your home with the crew. This is to ensure that all items meant to be moved were actually loaded onto the moving truck.

Preparing for delivery

  • Ensure you have the keys
    • When booking your move with McMinniman’s and United Van Lines you would have received a delivery window, or, transit time guide for the delivery of your goods. Your furniture items can arrive at any point within this window. Ensuring you have possession of your new home before the start of your delivery window can help reduce costs and delays in receiving your goods.
  • Have a plan for unloading
    • Before the crew shows up to deliver your goods, tour your new home to determine the placement of your belongings in each room. This can reduce stress during the unloading phase and ensure that your room is set up the way you want it.
  • Be present
    • Throughout the delivery day, make sure you are there to direct the crew as to which rooms your possession are to go to. This will speed up the delivery process and reduce confusion.

We are here to help

As an additional resource please check out the United Van Lines customizable move planner: United Van Lines - Move Planner

You can always reach out to our relocation coordinators for more resources.

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Speak with one of our relocation coordinators to find out how we can help you with your upcoming local move.

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