It’s well known that moving house is considered a super stressful life event. In most surveys it comes in just behind the death of a loved one and divorce….yikes!
Moving long-distance presents its own challenges such as making new friends, moving to an unknown neighbourhood and starting a new job.
But have no fear, there are several ways to minimize your moving stress and prevent those sleepless nights.
So get a pen and paper or open an excel spreadsheet (it is the 21st century after all) and start making the mother of all lists!
Find a Good Moving Company
Finding a reliable and reputable company that meets your specific needs should be top of your list. Do you want them to pack for you or would you rather pack yourself? What can you afford? How many people will it take?
There’s so much to think about. Here are the main things to consider when looking for a moving company.
Determine your Budget and Stick to It
Staying within your budget is important but at the same time, this is the most important aspect of your move so you don’t want to cut corners. Simply the Best Movers will work with you to get the best, customized plan for you.
Size Doesn’t Matter
A bigger company does not always mean better, and a smaller one doesn’t necessarily mean cheaper. At Simply the Best Movers we charge hourly rates for loading and unloading based on two movers. What are the travel fees?
Will you get charged if the journey takes longer due to weather or traffic? Whether you are moving from Calgary to Edmonton or Calgary to Vancouver Simply the Best will not charge you extra if we are held up in traffic. We charge $3.50 per km for the journey.
Is Packing Included?
Do you even want them to pack for you? Not everyone does. You have to do what is best for you.
Getting a Quote
Any moving company worth their salt will come to your house to give you a quote. Under no circumstances should you hire a company that will only quote over the phone. Get in touch with us for a free quote.
Special Items
Do you have a grand piano or a safe? Take into account that you may be charged extra for these items.
How Long Will it Take?
Let’s face it you don’t want to be sat outside your new pad without your stuff! Simply the Best offer same-day service from Calgary to Edmonton and the next day to Vancouver so you can rest assured your belongings will be there when you are.
Pack Like a Boss
Gee! I love packing….said no one ever. Love it or hate it packing has to be done and is probably the most time-consuming part of your move so it needs to be done right.
De-clutter Before you Pack
Do you really need that fondue set that has been sitting at the back of the cupboard for two years? Or how about the three cocktail shakers? Your future self will thank you for getting rid of all the excess stuff you simply don’t need.
Make an Inventory
Do this after you have de-cluttered then plan where everything is going to go in your new home.
Label Like your Life Depends on It
Once you have planned where everything is going to go label up your boxes with the intended rooms on. Be as specific as you can with your labelling. Your future self will thank you for it.
Get your Moving Company to Pack for You
If you simply don’t have the time or inclination to pack yourself then why not get your moving company to pack for you?
If you need us to then Simply the Best will take care of all your packing for you. Enjoy some peace of mind safe in the knowledge that your belongings are being packed quickly and safely by professionals. Read more about our packing services.
Prepare Your ‘Essential’ Boxes.
These are things that you will need as soon as you get into your new home such as your kettle, bedding and basic cooking utensils. Do the same thing with your clothes.
Make Sure that You Insure Your Stuff.
This is a bit of a no-brainer. Insure your stuff. Simple.
Future Proof Yourself
Let’s face it, moving from Calgary to either Edmonton or Vancouver is not like moving to the next town. There is a great deal of people that you will need to notify, from the tax office to utility companies. Make a list of everyone you need to tell about your move.
Consider your social life as well. If you play sports or love the gym then have a look online at what is on offer in your new area. If you have kids see what local clubs there are. Is there an online parents group for their new school where you can get to know other parents before you move?
Health
Tell your doctor you are moving and organize a new one. If you are on medication then make sure you have enough to see you through until you get to see the new doc.
Interests
Maybe you’d like to join a choir or a gym. Is there a local spin class that you could sign up to? You might even make some new friends in the process.
Important Folk
The Tax office, government departments, phone and utility companies all need to be informed of your move. These are all vital for a smooth transition into your new home so don’t leave it until the last minute.
Schools
If your kids are in school then make sure you have done everything you need to do to enroll them in their new school. Do this well in advance of your moving date.
The BIG DAY
So the big day is finally here! This is where all your awesome planning pays off. This is also where you find out whether you have chosen the right moving company.
Don’t leave it to chance. Simply the Best Movers will do their very best to ensure that your moving day goes without a hitch to leave you to concentrate on starting your new life in your new home.