Before you list your home:
- purge – the more you get rid of, the less you have to pack and unpack during your move
- read strata minutes (your Realtor should do this) but it’s good to know yourself if there are any upcoming levies on the building. This could affect pricing and timing of the sale.
- Give your tenants proper notice and time to move if they need to. See the rules at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residentialtenancies/
- Make sure your home is clean including the carpets because this could affect the sale price.
Subjects are removed (It’s official!):
- save money by getting Life Insurance instead of Mortgage Insurance (ask us for details)
- start collecting boxes, shrink wrap, tape and blankets to cover large items
- put your valuables in a safe place so you know where it is on moving day, or put it in a safety deposit box
- Get measurements for the rooms in your new home
- choose and enroll your kids in the new school
- order your pets new ID tags. Here is an online site for you https://www.tagsforhope.com/
30 days before moving:
- schedule cable and phone cut off date with company
- schedule hydro cut off well in advance
- get home insurance
- arrange for friends/family to help you move if you don’t want to hire a moving company. IDEA-(Have a packing party!) Box things up together with some wine and everyone is happy
- LABEL the boxes as to which room they will be going in, LABEL fragile items
- forward your mail at the post office so the new owners don’t get it
- Purchased a smart home? Check with your realtor to get the seller’s instructions on any surveillance system, smart locks and smart thermostats
- Reserve the elevator if you’re moving to or from a strata building
2 weeks before moving day:
- address change (driver’s license, banks, bills, friends/family)
- follow up with your moving helpers or moving company to confirm date and time
- connect with a handyman/painter/cleaner etc if you plan to make changes to your new home
- (strata properties) book the elevator and parking spot out front for the moving truck
- order your pets new ID tags with the new address
- schedule cable and phone companies to set up at your new home
- arrange for childcare for moving day
2-3 Days before moving day:
- pack a bag of clothes and toiletries for the first night in the new home
- take photos of how the electronics are plugged in so you can refer to it later
- Make a file for everything the new owners will need. Extra keys to things other than the front door, garage door openers, instructions to the alarm and the mailbox number
- Empty and defrost fridge and freezers
All moved in:
- (Strata) sign up for easy payments online within 14 days
- Change the locks to your new home and check that the smoke alarms are working
- Have trades come in before setting furniture up if you want to make any changes
- Ask your realtor about any concerns or questions you have when we follow up with you!