Moving Checklist.
Stay on Track.
While 90% of our checklist applies to any move, international relocations come with added complexity. That’s why we’ve tailored it for overseas moves.
The Waypoint Moving Checklist.
List of Services
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6 weeks until Moving DayList Item 1
- Explore your home meticulously, assessing what items need to be moved and deciding on selling, donating, or discarding the rest.
- Select an approximate moving date that suits your schedule.
- Contact CMS to schedule a visit with one of our moving consultants.
- During the consultation, show the consultant all items that require packing and transportation. The estimated cost of services will be based solely on these items.
- Discuss the option of professional packing services. If you choose to pack some belongings yourself, refer to our packing guide. For packing materials, we offer supplies at a nominal charge.
- Inquire about potential employer contributions toward your moving expenses.
- Keep all documents and correspondence related to your move readily accessible, as they will be useful during the moving process and for tax purposes. Do not pack them; keep them with you.
- Maintain a record of any questions or concerns you may have about your move for future reference.
- Obtain letters of introduction from your clergy, business associates, club presidents, doctors, dentists, lawyers, etc. Additionally, request copies of renewable prescriptions from your doctor.
- Manage the transfer or resignation of family club memberships.
- Plan farewell visits with family and friends.
- Organize menus to utilize existing canned and frozen food supplies.
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4 weeks until Moving DayList Item 2
- Ensure you notify your post office of your upcoming move and obtain your new postal code. Send change of address cards to update your contact information with relevant parties.
- Arrange for the disconnection of utilities at your current location and inquire about temporary cellular service options.
- Contact utility companies at your destination to have services connected promptly upon your arrival. Additionally, inquire with the phone company about the possibility of an early service connection before your move-in date.
- Request your bank to transfer your accounts to the branch closest to your new home. Obtain a bank draft or certified cheque to cover any cash-on-delivery (COD) charges for the move.
- If applicable, arrange for a safety deposit box at your new location, and consider leaving the contents of your current box until one becomes available at your destination. You can collect them during a return visit.
- To safeguard valuables, such as money, jewelry, bonds, etc., avoid packing them and instead, keep them with you or utilize a reputable courier service for transportation.
- If planning a garage sale, now is the time to do so.
- Review your insurance policy and ensure that your fire, theft, and other insurance coverage includes the long-distance move.
- Consult with your CMS moving consultant for a Welcome Wagon card, which you can mail to request a hostess to welcome you in your new city.
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2 weeks until Moving DayList Item 3
- Continuing with your moving preparations, refer to the notes you've made, and don't hesitate to seek guidance from your CMS relocation consultant if you have any questions.
- Request your Destination Agent Contact info from your CMS consultant, containing the name and phone number of the agent in your new city who will coordinate the delivery of your shipment once you're ready.
- Prioritize cleaning your rugs and draperies, leaving the rugs rolled and wrapped for easy handling during the move.
- Create a floor plan of your new home and make extra copies to assist with the moving process. Keep these plans alongside your other moving documents.
- If you plan to transport your car, ensure it's in good working order. Obtain necessary the maps and route information from your auto club for a pleasant journey.
- Make a list of essential items to take with you during your travel, and plan engaging activities for younger children to keep them entertained during the trip.
- Consider organizing a going-away party for your children and their friends to bid farewell.
- Enroute accommodations for your family can be arranged through our New Horizons program, featuring numerous participating hotels.
- If you plan to handle your own packing, it's time to begin. Alternatively, contact your CMS consultant to arrange for professional packing services. Review the packing guide, which highlights items that cannot be included in your shipment. For proper disposal of toxic or dangerous chemicals, get in touch with your city's public works department.
- Gather all items being cleaned, repaired, stored, or loaned to friends, and make sure to return any library books.
- Arrange for childcare during the busy days of packing, moving out, and moving into your new home to ensure a smooth transition for the whole family.
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1 week until Moving DayList Item 4
- If you're bringing pets along, consult your veterinarian about necessary inoculations, certificates, quarantine regulations, and entry requirements if you're moving abroad. Arrange air or rail transport for them, unless they're accompanying you directly.
- For the night before moving day, arrange to spend it with friends to ensure comfort with everything packed away.
- Take the family on visits to places that hold happy memories for them, creating cherished moments before the move.
- Donate plants not being moved to hospitals or nursing homes, ensuring they find a new home.
- Prepare meals between now and moving day, considering dining out or having meals delivered on busy days. Donate excess canned and frozen food to your community food bank.
- Keep essential food, plates, and utensils separate for the last days, packing them on your moving day.
- Prepare a list of items you'll need immediately at your destination, like flashlights, light bulbs, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, packaged snacks, drinks, etc. Pack these last and unload them first, along with necessities like the crib and playpen.
- Categorize items you want packed together, such as linens, toiletries, and toys, placing them in separate groups.
- Two days before the move, complete all laundry and retrieve clothing from the dry cleaners.
- Drain fuel from the lawnmower and other machinery, and safely dispose of gasoline, matches, paints, aerosol cans, etc., listed as dangerous goods.
- Confirm your hotel/motel reservations for the trip.
- Organize all moving and travel documents, as well as valuables you'll take with you.
- Confirm your destination's readiness and your ability to move in on schedule to ensure a smooth transition to your new home.
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1 day until Moving Day
- Wash and dry all dishes and place them in cupboards, and dispose of garbage before the move. If you'll be spending the night elsewhere, strip the beds but leave all furniture assembled.
- Begin taking down curtains, blinds, rods, shelves, etc., and unfasten any fixed carpets that are to be moved. Please note that these tasks are not performed by our team.
- Pack your suitcases with personal belongings for easy access during the move.
- Designate a closet or area to set aside items like luggage that you do not want packed or moved. Choose a small cupboard to collect essential items such as keys and prescription drugs that must not be packed.
- Upon the packers' arrival, guide them to any items requiring special attention. Tour the house to show them all items that are not to be packed.
- Before the packers complete their work, perform a final check of closets, cabinets, and storage areas to ensure no articles have been overlooked.
- Once the packers finish, sign the Certificate of Packing and Unpacking, verifying the number of containers they packed.
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On Moving Day
- Be present when the CMS moving team arrives, or provide written authorization for someone else to oversee the process, ensuring they are well-informed of the necessary tasks.
- If you have any questions or need guidance during the move, rely on the moving team, who will be in charge of the entire process.
- Inform the moving team of any items you'll need immediately upon arrival at your destination. They will load these items last and ensure they are unloaded first for easy access.
- Accompany the moving team throughout your home as they tag each item with an identifying number that corresponds to your inventory. Ensure that the team is aware of which items are to be moved and which should stay behind.
- Sign the inventory and keep a copy along with your other moving documents for reference.
- Keep children and pets away from the loading area to maintain safety. If you wish, the moving team will be happy to show you and your children the container before loading. It's essential to keep children on their normal routine as much as possible. Prepare some favorite toys or set up a movie in a quiet room. Please bear in mind that the loading area is now a work zone, and movers carrying heavy items may not easily see pets or children.
- Before signing the Bill of Lading, carefully review the details, paying special attention to Declared Valuation, destination address, and contact phone numbers. Clearly specify where you can be reached upon your shipment's arrival. Sign the Bill of Lading and retain a copy with your moving documents.
- Prior to the container's departure, conduct a final comprehensive check of the items to be loaded.
Related FAQs.
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This Month's Essential Reads.
Explore our expert articles for tips, insights, and advice to help with your next move.
Discover expert packing techniques to ensure your items are organized and well-protected during your move. Learn about the best materials to use, how to label boxes efficiently, and ways to maximize space.
A discussion about how the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted global supply chains, as well as logistical solutions to mitigate its impact. The article highlights the importance of diversifying supply chains, investing in automation and robotics, building collaboration and communication between stakeholders, and building a resilient and flexible supply chain. These solutions can help businesses manage supply chain disruptions and ensure the continued flow of goods and services.
Learn the ins and outs of shipping your car, whether you're moving across the country or overseas. This comprehensive guide covers the necessary paperwork, choosing the right transport service, preparing your vehicle for shipment, and understanding the costs involved.