A step-by-step guide for a pain-free move

If you've recently signed a new lease, congratulations! That's the first part done. Now it's time to start outlining your moving plans so you can ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible and you don't waste any time. Read on for Panda7's step-by-step guide to a painless move.

First step: Organize your departure date

Chances are you've already informed your current landlord that you won't be renewing your lease. Contact them to let them know your moving date and arrange how you should return your keys, as well as any other formalities they'd like you to complete before you leave.

If you are moving out of your home, it might be a good idea to clearly explain to your parents how the move will go and what help you might need.

Second step: Plan the key steps

It's time to call or email your new landlord and work out some key steps in your transition. Remember to specify when you'll receive the keys, where you'll need to park, if they require a moving checklist, the first month's rent (e-transfer, check, or other payment method), and whether the elevators are working. Keeping all these details in mind will make things easier when the process begins.

Third step: Change your address

Once everything is planned, it's finally time to update your address. You can contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to update your CRA information as needed and choose whether the address is temporary, permanent, individual, or family-related. It's important to change your address at least two weeks before your move-in date, as this can be critical for bank accounts, online accounts, cable, utilities, and more. You could be left without service if you don't update these services quickly enough.

You may also want to consider updating your personal information with the new address, such as your medical practices, subscriptions, credit card, bank, and informing all your friends and family of the change of address.

Step four: Pack your belongings

This step goes hand in hand with a moving checklist. Start packing as early as possible, including personal items you don't need on a daily basis. Consider all your artwork, posters, decorations, books, movies, games, and clothing that you might not need until your moving date so you don't have to deal with things too close to your actual moving time.

Make sure you have a list of all the last-minute personal belongings you'll need to pack so you don't forget anything, and organize them so they can be easily transferred into suitcases or vehicles. If you're packing your belongings in boxes, remember to label them so you know what's inside.

Fifth step: hire movers

This step isn't mandatory, but it can help. While it depends on your budget, hiring movers can be a great way to speed up the moving process and relieve a ton of stress. You'll need to consider your budget, the movers' rates, how much you need to move, and how long it will take. If you can carry everything yourself, it might not be worth hiring movers. You can also ask for help from family and friends!

Sixth step: Consider reducing staff

If you're moving from your parents' house to a new apartment, or from a larger apartment to a smaller one, you might want to consider downsizing. Take a look at which of your belongings won't fit in your new apartment, or rent a storage unit, which can make it easier to keep your possessions safe and secure.

Step Seven: Get to know the neighborhood

Moving to a new place is one thing, but changing regions can be overwhelming if you were used to a five-minute trip to the grocery store and are now faced with a thirty-minute commute. Familiarizing yourself with local gyms, shops, and restaurants, and getting to grips with the transportation system, can save you hassle later when you desperately need something.

Step eight: Tenant insurance is a smart option

Tenant insurance may be required depending on your lease and can protect your belongings in case of fire, burglary, flooding, etc., and can protect you from liability if a guest is injured while visiting your apartment. Tenant insurance is quite inexpensive for the protection it offers, starting at as little as $20/month. That's less than the total monthly cost of your daily coffee.

If you have tenant insurance for your existing apartment, it's time to call your broker or insurer and update it with the new address and see if there is a change in premiums.

Ninth step: Buy new furniture

You may have moved some of your old furniture from your previous apartment, or perhaps you're looking for a new look. Whatever the reason, it's a good idea to visit local furniture stores or major department stores before you fully settle into your new apartment. This will give you a better idea of what to bring and what to leave behind. If you're moving out of your parents' house and into a new apartment, this step becomes even more important.

Congratulations!

Congratulations on the new move! While changing your surroundings can be difficult, it doesn't have to be. Moving is undoubtedly one of the most complicated things you can do in life, and it can lead to a lot of confusion. Nobody is an expert.

We hope this short guide helps speed up your moving process. We hope you enjoy your new home and that the move goes as smoothly as possible!