Plan ahead so you can get a jump on things well before you take possession of your new home. The more work you can get done ahead of time, the more smoothly moving day will flow.

4: Whittle away at that to-do list

Use a checklist to keep on top of pre-move and moving day tasks, and streamline chores between household members. Our comprehensive moving day to-do list starts three months out. Ready?

Get cracking!

5: Edit, edit, edit

We’re talking furniture, clothing, paperwork and more. Declutter mercilessly so there’s less to pack and less to move. You can even offset some of your moving costs by selling some of your preloved furniture.

6: Budget for closing costs

Be prepared for the thousands of dollars you’ll be spending in closing costs. While it can sting, knowing they’re coming is half the battle. Don’t forget that as a first-time homebuyer, you may qualify for the First Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit and regional land transfer tax rebates.

FOLLOW BEST PACKING PRACTICES

Even if you hire a moving company to pack for you, chances are you’ll be doing some of the wrapping and packing yourself. Here’s how to lighten the load.

7: Pack in the right order

Start with less busy rooms, such as your storage area – anything you haven’t already purged (you’ve already completed Tip No. 5, right?) can be boxed up. Then, move to less frequently used spaces, like the dining room, if you tend to eat in the kitchen, for instance. Kitchens, bedrooms and baths tend to be packed last, though you can get a head start by packing out-of-season clothes or lesser-used small appliances and moving them to a storage room or low-traffic corner.

8: Upgrade your packing supplies

Although used cardboard boxes are free, they take effort to procure, and there’s also the risk of bugs. Brand-new cardboard boxes, on the other hand, cost money – as does packing tape – both of which will be thrown away afterwards.

An easier alternative that’s neater and eco-friendly, to boot? Plastic moving boxes – just Google rentals in your area. (Or invest in heavy-duty plastic storage boxes, as you’ll probably be needing them for your new home, anyway.)

9: Photograph everything!

Besides capturing those memorable new-homeowner moments for Instagram posterity, your phone can also save you money and headaches.

Snap pics of your old apartment once it has been emptied and cleaned, to ensure you get your damage deposit back. Your photographs will also come in handy in the event of damage to your new home or belongings during the move. (Don’t forget to keep a charger handy at all times during moving day.)

TIP:  Also consider videoing your current home before you start packing, so you have documented proof of what you own.

10: Get the bath ready beforehand

If you have possession of your property before moving day, clean and set up your bathrooms the day before the move (stash pyjamas and a change of clothes, too). That way, you’ll feel more comfortable on a crazy-hectic day, without having to guess where your essentials are before taking a relaxing shower and heading out for a celebratory dinner – or collapsing into bed!

Thanks to Genworth Canada for the tips!