Storage Tips








Getting organized for your move

  • Take inventory of your home. Decide what to keep and what to give away. Donate items that you no longer want or have a yard sale.
  • Buy a large accordion file for all important moving-related documents. Many moving expenses are tax deductible, so keep all receipts. Use this file to also organize important household papers.
  • Check on insurance coverage for your possessions while in storage.
  • Ask your pharmacy about transferring your prescription to a pharmacy closer to your new location.
  • If you have school-age children, talk to your current school and the new one to find out how to transfer your child.
  • If you will be changing banks, open your accounts and order new cheques in advance.
  • Start packing belongings that you don’t often use.
  • Make sure you filed a “Change of Address” form with the post office.
  • Arrange to have your utilities stopped at your old address a day after you’ve moved out, and request that any deposits be returned. Call the local utilities serving your new address to have service connected a day before you move in.
  • Depending upon your circumstances, the list of utilities might include telephone, heat, electric, water, cable, garbage pickup and so on.
  • Once you have your new phone number, call your long distance carrier and sign up for, or transfer, special savings programs and services.
  • Cancel (or transfer) newspaper delivery at your old address.
  • Pack a “survival” kit: Identify what each person in your household must have while you are in the midst of moving – from special foods to prescription drugs.

Items you should NOT pack:

  • Keys to your new home.
  • Basic tools: Hammer, screwdriver, nails, masking tape, tape measure, flashlight, light bulbs, pocket knife and trash bags.
  • Kitchen essentials such as snacks, paper plates, cups and plastic utensils.
  • Miscellaneous items like eyeglasses, address book, chequebook, telephone, clock, a change of clothes and prescriptions.

Have these items on hand, ready for moving day:

  • The keys to your new residence.
  • Phone number, address and directions to your new home.
  • The file with all of your moving-related documents.