You may want to read the previous chapter on accepting buyers’ offers and closing duties here.
Now it’s onto your new home! Try to think how many things there are for you to transport. Is that everything? No, there’s more for sure. Sometimes it feels like you’ll never get everything sorted and boxed up, but you will!
For a nearby move, it may be worthwhile to transport small and valuable goods by yourself, but larger items will likely require a professional mover. Think about temporary storage if it’s needed for some items before they can be brought in/installed into your new home.
Photo by Josefrén
The preparation you did way back before your home went on the market is probably coming in handy now. If you were thorough about cleaning out closets, basements and attics back then, it means there will be less to do now! Hopefully everything that’s left in the home is stuff you will be taking with you.
Are you moving across the province or beyond? If yes, you’ll likely require an experienced mover and the use of a large van. Moving internationally: in addition to finding a reliable mover, be sure to contact the closest embassy of the country you’re heading to and inform yourself about the restrictions and limitations on goods which you can import. Firms like Suddath specialize in international moving and can be particularly helpful if you are moving into the U.S.
Or are you moving locally by yourself, with a U-Haul-type service? You’ll need to consider packing boxes, peanuts, blankets or padding and a van rental. In any case, planning is key. Stock up on boxes, packing materials, tape and markers. Always mark boxes so that movers will know where goods should be placed. Call and reserve your rental truck well in advance or you might be stuck with whatever they happen to have on the lot that day. Be sure to find out everything about your truck rental (included mileage, restrictions, drop-off/pickup requirements, charges for gas, etc.) in advance.
Make sure your movers have the right equipment, training and experience to do a good job. A mover, no matter how large or small, should be able to provide recent references for home sellers with a similar volume of goods to transport.
Get mover estimates in writing. Be aware that it’s possible to get discounts through membership organizations and, sometimes, on the basis of your profession: clergy, for example, sometimes qualify for a discount. Movers should be licensed and bonded as required in your province, and all partaking employees, plus your property en-route, should be insured.
Photo by Mpopp
Before you set off, make sure that you have:
- enough money for the haul,
- medicine easily available at all times,
- numbered boxes so you can trace each upon arrival,
- your hygiene products and kids’ favourite toys within reach,
- secured special handling and arrangements for your antiques, breakable and valued items, and
- your contacts, laptop or smart phone with you in case you need to reach somebody, look up a place, or check your email.
Farewell!
This is the end of our home selling guide for Torontonians. Please let us know in the comments if our guide helped you with your own home sale.
If you would like to learn about home trading from the buyer’s perspective, please check out our home buying guide for Torontonians here.
If you find this guide helpful and want to read about more tips, sign up and get the Pdf printable version of our Free Report on Buying and Selling Your First Home in Toronto!
