“MOVING: COMPANIES, QUOTES, TRUCK RENTAL, BOXES, ETC. – I HAVE SOME IDEAS, TIPS … EVEN A CHECKLIST!*” – UPDATE JUNE 3, 2013
Vol. 4, No. 9, Monday, June 3rd 2013
TITLE: “MOVING: COMPANIES, QUOTES, TRUCK RENTAL, BOXES, ETC. – I have some ideas, tips … even a checklist!*” – UPDATE JUNE 3, 2013
INTRODUCTION
With July 1st fast approaching, I’m thinking of moving day. Moving can be very stressful. Today, I will talk about doing a move in an organized manner. My book of the week is “Helping Hand Books: Lauren’s Moving Day [Hardcover] by Sarah Duchess of York (Author), Ian Cunliffe (Illustrator) (Editor’s Note: This is another post in a continuing series on home and family and also parenting.)
PREVIEW (Monday, June 25th, 2012): July 1st also is a national holiday in Canada. As a result, I will do an update on my post titled, “NATIONAL HOLIDAYS: The 1st of July – Canada Day; the 4th of July – (U.S.) Independence Day, I say: Let’s celebrate!*” (Vol. 2, No. 9, July 3, 2011). Bring your mini flags. (Editor’s Note: This is another post in a continuing series on holidays and special dates.)
MY LIFE & TIMES*
I have moved many times in my life. In my province and town, most people move on July 1st, thus making it prime time for moving companies to charge top rates. For a family with children in school, July 1st, being the end of the school year, is an ideal day to move…
My last move was a very difficult one. I moved on the 15th of May, which made it easier for me to hire a moving company at a good rate. I moved from a big single house to a duplex. Downsizing homes makes moving chaotic. I didn’t know what to do with the excess furniture. I eventually placed everything and stored the extra furniture in the garage. It is extremely important to be organized. I called and hired a moving company a few months in advance. I made arrangements for the telephone company, the cable company and the electricity company to make the transfers on the moving date. I packed everything before we moved. I labeled every box, so I could easily find what I needed at the other end. Every picture was removed from the walls. Whatever could be dismantled was done. By the time the moving company arrived, everything was packed and ready to go.
This brings to mind a move that I witnessed a few years ago. A friend was moving his office and I offered to help with the move. The moving day came and he hadn’t packed anything yet. When the movers arrived, we had been packing only for an hour or so. Needless to say, the movers were upset. They threatened to leave. After much convincing on my friend’s part, the movers decided to do the move. It turned out to be the move from hell. Regrettably, the move was very expensive.
UPDATE – JUNE 3RD, 2013
I’m moving at the end of this month. Hopefully this will be my last move. I’m packing and overseeing renovations. I feel overwhelmed. There is so much to do in a short period of time. I’ll have to go down my list and make sure I don’t forget anything. Wish me luck.
Doing major renovations is hard work. There is soooo much to think about. Everything has to be scheduled accordingly. I wanted ceramic floors in my kitchen and hallway. Someone was recommended to do the ceramic floors. When I called I was told that he was only available in September. I called too late. Now, I’m scrambling looking for someone else. Hopefully, everything will be done before I move in.
THE AUTHOR: Sarah Ferguson
Sarah Ferguson married well and became the Duchess of York. By the way, she later got divorced. She is an author, credited with writing a number of books. Ferguson is also a philanthropist, intent on making the world a better place. In 2007, she founded the Sarah Ferguson Foundation. This foundation funds programs that promote education and wellness. In 1993, she founded Children in Crises, which assists needy children around the world.
SERIES/COLLECTION
Books/Articles:
Several are:
- Ballerina Rosie
- Finding Sarah
- What I Know Now
- Little Red to the Rescue
- Tea for Ruby.’’
- ‘Little Red’ picture book series (Simon & Schuster)
THE BOOK: Helping Hand Books: Lauren’s Moving Day [Hardcover] by Sarah Duchess of York(Author), Ian Cunliffe (Illustrator)
If you have young children and your family is moving, you might check out this book. Moving day is nearly here and the youngster, Lauren, feels anxious. Like other kids in the same situation, her anxiety stems from not knowing what the new house will be like and how she will feel living there. Chances are the new room will be comfortable and the house will become home soon enough. Chances are also that she will make some new friends and all will feel just right. This book can be a great tool for parents to defuse the anxiety and make the transition easier.
CONCLUSION
Moving the wrong way is an ordeal to get through. But there is a better way.
Personal Comments
I say:
- The key to a good move is to be organized.
- Moving could be more pleasant if you have family and friends present and helping as much as they can.
The Point
There is a way to move the right way. Let me give you some steps to your new home.
ANTOINETTE’S TIP SHEET*
Everyone should:
1. Inquire into available moving companies; in this regard,
1.1 Get references and check out their records with the authorities, consumer groups and also the good business bureau;
1.2 Ask for a written estimate; and
1.3 Hire one as early as you can;
2. Reserve a rented truck-trailer as needed also as early as you can;
3. Secure (a) Boxes of all types and sizes – the super market is a great FREE source. (I like banana boxes with covers); (b) Several rolls of -packing tape plus a dispenser; (c) Thick twine; (d) Black markers; etc.
4. Pack everything you can before moving day, in this regard, (a) Wrap individually dishes, glassware, etc.; (b) Use packing chips; (c) Label everything: identify the contents of each box as well as the intended room; (d) Wrap furniture in blankets to protect it from scratches and breakage;
5. Dismantle furniture and/or tape or tie all drawers and doors with twine or tape to make it easier for transport;
6. Discard items, as you’re packing, of no use-value and set aside anything no longer needed for goodwill or a future garage sale;
7. Move everything possible to your new quarters in advance of moving day;
8. Contact your insurance company and request coverage for your new place; in this regard,
8.1 Increase the value if acquiring new and additional furniture;
8.2 Ask the company to immediately send you by fax a binder for the new address and your policy, later by snail;
9. Advise the building manager about the expected date and time of the move-out or the move in, so that you can get an elevator and permission to park at the entrance;
10. Inform family and friends of your new address and redirect your mail or at least three months;
11. Change your address with: (a) Governments (b) Banks (c) Credit cards (d) Utilities: (i) Electricity or gas (ii) Telephone and/or cable, etc. – try to bundle;
12. Ask family and friends to help you; if these people are there for you,
12.1 Have food and drinks available at each meal time
12.2 Consider a gift as a token of your appreciation
13. Move in your own vehicle your fragile stuff (like computers, TVs, audio equipment, cameras, etc.);
14. Give instructions to movers to place furniture in the desired location along with the room appropriate boxes;
15. Take a big breath and start the unpacking. Give yourself a break and don’t try to do it all in one day.
A VIP lives in your home … you. And I want you to get there with the minimum fuss and muss.
And that’s my thought of the week on books, what’s yours?*
Take it out for a spin and tell me if you agree.
ALP
“Books are life; and they make life better!*”
P.S. Big News: There are big changes coming to my blog – Please stay tuned.
P.P.S. #1 I have a TWITTER page. Consider becoming a follower? Visit www.twitter.com – saveandread
P.P.S. #2 I also have a FACEBOOK page. Consider becoming a friend? Visit: www.facebook.com – Alp Save Andread – please check it out.
P.P.S. #3 I am on Linkedin. Consider becoming a connection? Visit www.linkedin.com – Antoinette La Posta
*TM/© 2012 Practitioners’ Press Inc. – All Rights Reserved.
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ANNEX I: NEED SOMETHING FURTHER? TRY AN ANECDOTE OR A QUOTE:
S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #1: New Neighbors
“Lauren Graham was excited about moving into her New York apartment in 2003, telling everyone she knew that it was the building in which Conan O’Brien lived. During an appearance on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” shortly thereafter, Graham shared the exciting news with O’Brien himself, and was promptly informed that she was sadly mistaken. “I moved out of there,” said Conan. “It was rat-infested!” (Source: Anecdotage) – http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=4007)
S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #2: Too Cute
“In 2002 Will Smith, planning to move with his family into a new house, sat down with his young son Jadan (‘the sensitive one’) and asked him how he would feel about “maybe not living in this house anymore… maybe living in another house.”
Jadan’s eyes started welling up and he asked: “By myself?” (Source: Anecdotage) – http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=6268)
S & R* CHOICE ANECDOTAGE #3: True Grits?
“Prior to moving into the White House, Jimmy Carter’s wife asked whether the chef could prepare the same Southern meals which the Carters often enjoyed at home. “Yes, ma’am,” he replied. “We’ve been fixing that kind of food for the servants for a long time.” (Source: Anecdotage) – http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=3660)
S & R* QUOTE #1: Oprah Winfrey
“The whole point of being alive is to evolve into the complete person you were intended to be.” (Source: Wisdom Quotes) – http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/life/)
S & R* QUOTE #2: Marge Piercy
“Life is the first gift, love is the second, and understanding the third.” (Source: Wisdom Quotes) – http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/life/)
S & R* QUOTE #3: Barbara de Angelis
“No matter what age you are, or what your circumstances might be, you are special, and you still have something unique to offer. Your life, because of who you are, has meaning.” (Source: Wisdom Quotes) –http://www.wisdomquotes.com/topics/life/index5.html)
ANNEX II
SCHEDULE I
“IT WORDS FOR ME!*”
For today, my word/phrase(s) are: “Moving day”; etc.
Moving Day
“Moving Day (French: Fête du déménagement or journée nationale du déménagement) is a tradition, but not a legal requirement, in the province of Quebec, Canada, dating from the time when the province used to mandate fixed terms for leases of rental properties. It falls on July 1, which is also Canada Day. ” (Source: Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia)-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moving_Day_(Quebec))
SCHEDULE II
STUDY/STATISTICS:
“The tradition began as a humanitarian measure of the French colonial government of New France, who forbadeseigneurs, the semi-feudal landlords of the seigneuries, from evicting their tenant farmers before the winter snows had melted.[citation needed]. Historian Yvon Desloges notes that it was common to move in the spring in the 18th century, citing a 1750 bylaw by Intendant François Bigot.
Later, this evolved into a requirement that urban leases begin on May 1 and end on April 30. In law, this date was set in the Civil Code of Lower Canada of 1866.[2]
Moving Day is a boon and a headache for commercial moving companies, and people often must reserve their services more than six months in advance in some cases.[4]
Although moving day is seen as a headache for most people, Montreal-based columnist Josée Legault sees a few positive aspects in the annual festival, pointing out that July 1 occurs at the end of the school year, not two months before as is was the case before the 1970s. Bargain hunters —especially people who don’t move— also enjoy the numerous garage sales occurring before moving day and the common practice of leaving behind slightly used furniture and appliances on the curb side or in the alley, in effect giving them to anyone in need.[12] ” (Source: Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia)- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moving_Day_(Quebec))
SCHEDULE III
S & R* NEWS ALERT* #1: Key insurance tips for homebuyers
“You just bought a home but before you think about paint colours and planning that house warming barbecue, there are some tips you should consider to prevent costly disasters.
Buying a house is one of the most important investments you will ever make, says Ian Wilson, Claims Innovation Director at RSA. And although it’s really easy to get caught up in the excitement, it’s important to take the proper measures to keep that investment safe, particularly if you are buying an older home.
Most people wouldn’t consider buying a house without first having a home inspection done to uncover any hidden hazards or potential disasters lurking. But even a good inspection won’t eliminate all risks.
RSA recommends the following tips:
Replace all external locks “This should be an immediate action upon moving into your home. You never know who else has a spare key to your house.
Oil tank maintenance- Oil tanks are very common in Atlantic Canada but less so elsewhere in the country. Oil tanks rust from the inside and the resulting damage can be extremely costly. As a homeowner you are responsible for the environmental clean-up of the soil and the water-course. Insurance companies generally won’t insure a house with an external oil tank that is older than 10 years or an internal one that’s much older than 15 years. It’s wise to spend a few hundred dollars and install a fibreglass or plastic tank. Most of these have warranties of around 25 years.
Check your roof and your eaves troughs- The home inspector will do this but if you bought the house while the roof was blanketed in a thick layer of snow, you may not get the full picture of its overall condition. Look out for curling shingles which may indicate an old and weathered roof that could leak. Make sure your gutters are secure and sloping toward the downspout without any dips or curves. All downspouts should also direct water away from your home’s foundations. This will help prevent water from leaking into the basement.
Mould- Often home inspectors can’t access the attic or crawl spaces during the inspection, yet these areas can be sources of mould. Check your attic, crawl spaces and closets for mould. Signs include, a musty smell, water stains, swelling of the baseboards or white patches under carpets.
Avoiding water damage – Sewer backups, burst pipes, and leaky foundations and roofs is a common cause of home insurance claims across Canada. Checking the state of your plumbing on a regular basis will help. Look at the water pipes and waste pipes which over time can wear out and need replacement. Consider installing a backwater valve in your basement. If your sewer unexpectedly backs up, it is designed to close automatically and helps you avoid a costly mess.
Check your electrics – Look out for missing or faulty GFCI outlets (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter). GCFIs should be installed in external locations or internally where water is close by, such as in bathrooms and kitchens. They are equipped with a button and they should trip, cutting off the electrical supply, when tested. If the GCFI doesn’t trip, replace it. You could save a life.” www.newscanada.com
S & R* NEWS ALERT* #2: Make your home a poison-free zone
“Nearly all parents with children 14 and younger feel it’s important to lock up medications and cleaning products away from children, but half of them store medications in a medicine cabinet and more than 60 per cent store cleaning products under the sink, according to a recent Leger survey conducted for Safe Kids Canada. Unfortunately, these common spots are often too accessible to little hands.
Each year an estimated seven children under 14 die and close to 1,700 end up in the hospital with serious injuries due to poisoning, according to hospital data. Young children are curious by nature and explore their environment by touching and putting things in their mouths, says Pamela Fuselli, the executive director of Safe Kids Canada. So it’s crucial to check your home for potential poisons and store them where children can’t see them and lock them up so children can’t get at them.
Here are some tips from the organization to help you poison-proof your home:
Buy medications with a child resistant cap whenever possible and store all medications and vitamins in a locked box (a small toolbox with a combination lock or padlock works well). Keep the locked box, and the key, out of sight and out of reach of children.
Store household cleaners, like oven cleaner and bleach; car supplies, such as windshield washer fluid; cosmetics, like nail polish remover; and pesticides, in locked cupboards or drawers. A child safety latch is an acceptable alternative.
Keep all medications and other household poisons in their original containers with their original labels.
Never tell your children that medication is candy; they may seek it out when you’re not around.
If you suspect your child has been poisoned, call your local poison centre or 911. Add the number of your area poison centre to your cell and home phones.
More information about poison prevention is available online at safekidscanada.ca.” www.newscanada.com