Home By Master

Archive for the ‘Checklists’ Category

Moving Day Countdown Checklist

Eight Weeks Prior to Moving Day

• Decide which items are to be moved.
• Select a moving company to perform your move.
• Start to use up items that are not easy to move, such as frozen foods.
•  Contact the municipal offices of the community to which you are moving to acquire information.

Six Weeks Prior to Moving Day

• Inventory and evaluate your possessions.
•  Compile a list of everyone you need to notify about your pending move using the Change of Address Checklist provided herein.
• Make arrangements, if required, to store specific items.
• Contact doctors, dentists, veterinarians, lawyers, accountants and schools to obtain copies or transfers of personal records, transcripts and, where possible, referrals.

Four Weeks Prior to Moving Day

• Notify post office of your new address and arrange for mail to be forwarded. Complete and post all Change of Address cards
• Arrange for special transport for your plants and pets
• Arrange to disconnect or transfer responsibility for utilities and services at your existing home.
• Arrange to connect or assume responsibility for utilities and services at your new home
• Confirm loading and delivery dates with your chosen moving company. Purchase packing boxes for those items you intend to pack yourself range your personal and family travel plans
• Arrange to close, transfer and/or open all financial institution and brokerage accounts to your new community
• Prepare a list of issues and open activities that need to be addressed prior to your moving day

Two Weeks Prior to Moving Day

• Collect clothing items to be cleaned or repaired
• Send out area carpets and draperies for cleaning and have them delivered to your new home
• Collect items loaned to others and return those borrowed
• Conduct a yard sale and/or give away unwanted items to eliminate that which you don’t wish to move
• Draw up a detailed floor plan of your new home, clearly indicate the positioning of all furniture, fixtures and chattels, and then provide a copy to your moving company and anyone assisting with your move
• Arrange for baby/pet sitting, if required, for moving day
• Arrange for insurance coverage for your new residence and all items placed in storage.

One Week Prior to Moving Day

• Set all items aside that you intend to transport yourself to your new home
• Prepare “DO NOT MOVE” cartons for items you intend to transport yourself to your new home
• Take down and/or dismantle curtain systems, blinds, shelving, build-ins, etc. if moving company is not responsible for performing same.

One Day Prior Moving Day

• Clean stove, oven and microwave
• Empty and clean your refrigerator and freezer
• Complete packing of personal items
• Set aside all personal and “DO NOT MOVE” cartons that you intend to move yourself. Get a good night’s sleep.

Moving Day

• Ensure that someone in the “know” is present at your existing home to answer questions and address issues as they arise throughout the packing and moving process. The movers will make note of the condition of your goods on a master list. It is your responsibility to make sure it’s accurate.
• Conduct a final inspection of all appliances to ensure they are clean and in proper working order
• Record all utility meter readings, and then verify the accuracy of your notations. Review and sign all copies of bills of lading for the moving company. Ensure your new home address and emergency contact numbers are correctly noted on these documents.
• Provide a detailed map as to how to get to your new home to the moving company driver and confirm his understanding of same
• Thoroughly clean all rooms, closets, the basement, and the garage in your existing home as the movers remove its contents
• Conduct a room by room inspection of the entire home and walk around the property to ensure all items that were to be moved have been, that all doors and windows are closed and locked, and that all lights, fans, and water faucets are shut off
• Contact insurance agency to confirm that you have vacated your existing residence. Notify your landlord or real estate sales representative and lawyer that your existing home is now available for vacant possession.

Taking Possession of Your New Home

• Ensure that someone in the “know” is present at your new home to answer questions and address issues as they arise throughout the moving and unpacking process. Review you floor plan with the moving company foreman.
• Examine all items as they are unloaded and check off each against your inventory list to account for all transported items and their condition upon arrival. Arrange to have appliances installed, where applicable.
• Arrange for the assembly of all items dismantled prior to being moved. Verify the condition of all items moved noting any damage prior to signing off on moving company’s final documentation upon completion of the move. 

Change of Address Checklist

Packing Checklist:

1.  Get packing paper, pad for inventory, marking pens and boxes.
2.  Heavy twine or masking tape.
3.  Get boxes or containers.
4.  Empty gas from lawnmower, outboard motors, etc.
5.  Remove batteries from toys or appliances.
6.  Mark cartons clearly as to contents and room to be put in.
7.  Set aside things you will carry in car in carton “Do Not Load”.
8.  Mark cartons you want loaded last and unloaded first.
9.  Tie or tape curtain rods, mops and brooms into bundles.
10.  Point out and mark fragile or delicate items.
11.  Carry money, jewelry and valuable papers with you.
12.  Do not overload drawers when packing items in dressers.
13.  Liquids in bottles should have tops secured.
14.  Blankets are best moved in large boxes; towels and pillows in dresser drawers.
15.  Large mirrors, glass table tops and valuable pictures can be crated.
16.  Cartons weight should not exceed 60ounds or 27 kilograms.
17.  Pack lampshades in boxes by themselves.
18.  Do not use newspaper to pack anything: the ink rubs off.
19.  Do not leave shelves loose in fridge or stove.
20.  Small appliances should be wrapped and packed in bottom of boxes.
21.  Do not pack cleaning products in same box as food.
22.  Table lamps should be packed.
23.  Place heavy china items at bottom of box: all flat pieces should be placed on edge.
24.  Small items should be packed in a small box inside a larger one.
25.  Move clothes and drapes in a wardrobe supplied by mover.
26.  Do not roll mattresses or rugs; leave for movers (special cartons).
27.  Do not wrap furniture or tie with rope.
28.  Large power tools should be dismantled for moving.
29.  Leave furniture in place for movers to move.
30.  Take down any fixtures fastened to wall.

Great tips on how to making your packing more organized as you get ready for the big move:

Moving Day Checklist 

1.  Be on hand for movers.
2.  Keep personal luggage away from movers.
3.  Arrange for a few favorite toys for the children.
4.  Put all valuables in a safe place.
5.  Get floor plan of new home.
6.  Arrange for supplies for transition period.
7.  Make shopping list for first day.
8.  Get keys to new home.
9.  Remove trash.
10.  Disconnect telephone.
11.  Ensure doors and windows are locked.
12.  Notify neighbours.
13.  Heat turned down.
14.  Have necessary papers money, tickets, traveller’s cheques with you.
15.  Arrange for sitter on arrival.
16.  Final check of basement, rooms, cupboards, attic and garage.
17.  Keep copy of mover’s inventory with you or in a safe place in case of serious loss or damage

 House moving can be one of the most stressful events, especially if you’re unprepared. To make moving as easy as possible, whether hopping across town or relocating across the country, Meghan Carter of http://www.AsktheDecorator.com visited professional organizer Cynthia Ivie and got the guidance of a professional:

Maintenance Checklist

Exterior:

• Check condition of and clean window wells.
• Check for termites and other insect infestations.
• Check the siding for splits, dents, and decay. Is the paint worn off, blistering or peeling? If your home is brick, check for missing mortar and cracks in mortar joints.
• Check soffits (overhangs) for indications of moisture buildup.
• Check soffit and attic vents for blockage.
• Check for worn, loose, or missing shingles. Look for possible roof leaks.
• Check condition of chimney and flashing (sheet metal used in waterproofing the angle between chimney and roof). If it’s a masonry chimney, check condition of mortar.
• Lubricate and check operation of attic fan.
• Check roof valley and flashing for poor seal.
• Check television antenna for secure anchorage.
• Check to see that television antenna is properly grounded and lightning arrester is attached.
• Check condition of and clean gutters and downspouts.
• Check windows for loose or crackled glazing.
•  Check wood around windows for cracking, rotting and warping. Are window sills sloped for water drainage?
• Check for damaged screens or broken glass.
• Check caulking around all joints and openings between dissimilar materials.
• Clean around condensing unit of conditioner and check for obstructions to air flow.
• Check hose or leaks. Drain outside waterline before freezing weather. Unhook all hoses from outside faucets.
• Check condition of all locks on all windows and doors and lubricate all moving parts.
• Check weather stripping and caulking on all windows and doors.
• Do exterior doors have sills raised above the entrance piece platform to prevent wind, rain, or snow from blowing under doors?
• Winterize and remove window air conditioners.
• Convert all electrical outlets to ground fault interruption type.
• Check for proper drainage away from house.
• Check sidewalks and steps for unsafe conditions and cracking.

Bath

• Check caulking and grouting around tub and sink area.
• Check for correct drainage in sinks, tubs, and toilets.
• Are there any leaks in the plumbing and pipes or fixtures, and is water pressure adequate?

Kitchen:

• Check to make sure fire extinguishers are properly charges.
• Clean filter on oven hood.
• Check appliances and drop cords for loose and frayed wires.
• Clean the coils on the back or underneath the refrigerator.

Basement:

• Check the foundation and basement walls for cracks and deterioration.
•  Check condition of floor for cracks or evidence of sagging.
• Check condition of electrical service entrance.
• Drain, clean and check all parts of the dehumidifier.
• Clean and check condition and operation of sump pump and sump pit. Is floor drain working properly?
• Check plumbing for any drips or possible leaks.
• Check basement for dampness or leakage after heavy rain.
• Partially drain and check condition of water heater.
• Check furnace filters monthly; change as needed. Have heating system checked and serviced. If it’s a hydraulic system, check for leaks. Service radiators and valves.
• Test and start humidifier for proper operation.

Attic:

• Check for adequate insulation in the attic.
• Make sure insulation doesn’t block vent openings.
• Inspect rafters and roof sheathing for signs of dry rot, mold, decay or deterioration.

General:

• Check all interior walls and ceilings for cracks.
• Check condition of paint.
• Check all floors for any signs of sagging.
• Check smoke detector charge.

General Checklist

Before you start:

1. Make flow chart for days/weeks before move.
2. Make daily schedules.
3. Get estimates from moving companies and arrange method of payment.
4. Get boxes of packing containers.

Notify post office and send out changes of address to companies to inform of move:

•  telephone
•  insurance
•  mail order clubs
•  book and record clubs
•  gas or fuel oil
•  electric company
•  property tax dept
•  laundry
•  newspapers
•  magazines
•  doctor
•  dentist
•  lawyer
•  community centre
•  stockbroker
•  accountant
•  cable television
•  utilities
•  motor vehicle branch
•  vets
•  credit card companies
•  motor club

Other activities (things to do) are listed below:

1. Transfer or resign club or association memberships.
2. Sell, give away, discard unnecessary belongings.
3. Get letter of introduction to church, new clubs, bank.
4. Make arrangements to move family, hotel reservations, plane tickets.
5. Get all medical, dental, birth, baptism and marriage records.
6. Transfer house, car, personal insurance records and check auto licensing requirements.
7. Check and clear tax assessments on your current property.
8. Ensure that your moving out and in days do not conflict with the two other parties involved.
9. Check storage facilities.
10. Collect and send out items to be cleaned or repaired.
11. Arrange for connection or disconnection of utilities.
12. Have your car prepared for the trip or transport.
13. Dispose of flammable items.
14. Defrost and clean fridge one day before moving:clean stove.
15. Arrange to have meter read on moving day.
16. Make arrangements with caretakers if renting.
17. Use up perishable food.
18. Arrange to transport pets, plants and perishables.
19. Clean rugs and drapes.
20. Arrange for work that has to be done at new home.
21. Get warranties and tips from previous occupants.
22. Plan for children and pets on moving day.
23. Get moving company appraisals of items for future claims.
24. Check swimming pool equipment.
25. Cancel cleaning staff, pool maintenance, window cleaners, gardener and snow removal.
26. Leave house clean for new occupants.
27. Transfer prescriptions for drugs and eyeglasses.
28. Transfer government or private health and hospital plans.
29. Return library books.
30. Cancel or pass on subscription tickets.
31. Arrange for money during move period.
32. Transfer stocks, wills, bank accounts, contents of safety box.
33. Ensure you have adequate insurance for goods in transit.

Cost Checklist: 

1. Check land transfer taxes.
2. Check tax increases, deductions and exemptions for the move.

If the company is moving your family, check what they will pay for:

•  hotels
•  meals
•  movers
•  house-hunting trips
•  transportation
•  moving insurance
•  storage
•  lawyers
•  loss on house sale or rent
•  mortgage penalty
•  real estate commissions
•  overlapping expenses
•  travel for spouse prior to move
•  housing policy  

Other activities (things to do) are listed below:                                                                                                   

1. Net revenue from selling or renting current home.
2. Cost of new home.
3. Check lawyer fees.
4. Check mortgage transfer.
5. Will there be an increase in mortgage costs?
6. Will there be a lapse in paychecks during move?
7. Check movers’ fee.
8. Check other costs re: move, transportation, food, kennels, sitter.
9. Check living expenses in new community.
10. Will you need a second car?
11. Check new land taxes and personal taxes/exemptions.
12. Maintenance and renovations to new home.
13. Check real estate broker’s fee if selling.
14. Check penalty if lease is broken if renting.
15. Will there be an overlap of mortgage payments?