30 ways to make moving an adventure and not a chore

1. Be as organized as possible. Solve as many unknowns as you can.

2. Assign specific duties to your friends. Move supervisor, parking, refreshments etc.

3. Make a floor plan of your new apartment. Give a copy to everyone. Post a floor plan on the new apartment wall.

4. Plan your move. Room by room. Pack the truck in the easiest order to empty. Plan truck filling.

5. Label each room on the plan and in the new apartment. Label all items as per room.

6. Boxes and bags should not be too heavy. If it's easier for anyone to carry, it will be quicker.

7. Find boxes on recycle day, from dry goods stores or from people who have just moved. Or buy them brand new.

8. Send someone ahead to verify the parking and move-out progress of the previous tenant.

9. Have at least two cell phones for contact, updates, emergencies, food orders, etc.

10. Use same-sized boxes. Use orange garbage bags, not green, for the move so they won't be mixed up with garbage.

11. Write the contents and room with felt markers on the bags. Use large labels if using green bags.

12. Have double sets of moving tools. Multi-head screwdrivers, pliers, tape guns etc.

13. Do not label valuables as valuable. Do not leave them alone. Cover original boxes.

14. Move valuables the day before, or store at a friend’s place or family home.

15. Use car trunk as a lock-box. Cover things in the back seat. Do not leave them alone.

16. Make sure the phone, Internet, Hydro (final reading), cable, etc. is cancelled and the mail re-directed.

17. Clean up your old apartment. Take final photos. Check for any damage caused by you, and repair it.

18. Make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked during and after the move.

19. Get extra sun block, light bulbs, cleaning supplies, toilet paper and water. Have a ladder available.

20. Your local dollar store or hardware has gloves, small tools, tape, drop-cloths, etc.

21. Moving areas must always be kept clear. Check for loose stairs, railings, etc., and repair them.

22. Measure all doorways, corridors, corners, railing width, etc., beforehand. Measure your furniture.

23. Use the lane, back stairs, balcony doors, windows as extra access/exits.

24. Invite the landlord in for a final inspection. Return keys to the landlord or the new tenant. Get receipt.

25. Have fast dry plaster/paint tools available for damages during move. (See #17)

26. Locks should be changed by the landlord very soon after move, or you install your own.

27. Have lots of liquids during the move. Light food, with protein to sustain energy.

28. Alcohol is for afterwards only, otherwise it will slow your move. Move now, fun later.

29. After or during the move is an ideal time for thieves to hit your apartment of vehicles. Stay close.

30.) Party! Party! Party! Afterwards! Your friends are still your friends. At least most of them.

Set up a communications network (cell phones) to cover any problems and coordination.

The above covers many of the common occurrences and needs before, during and after a move. It will assist your friends to be aware of the normal concerns and the things most likely to be forgotten or ideas that fall into the category of “Why didn’t we think of that?”

Anything legal is covered only in a rudimentary fashion. Specific detailed legal advice may be required in specific legal circumstances. Consult counsel as needed.