If you’ve ever moved, you’ll know that there are a lot of items to check off your to-do list in order to make the transition as smooth as possible. Everything from changing your address to ensuring that you have internet access must be taken care of, but there’s always a few tasks that get overlooked.

As electricians, we are often called when someone moves and asked to install appliances, fix lighting, or make general electrical upgrades. In our 28 years as electricians in Toronto, we’ve been a part of a lot of moves and have gained some wisdom we would like to pass along.

10 Things you need to do when you move:

For your current home:

1. Arrange to terminate or transfer your Toronto Hydro (electricity) account at least one month before you move. This will ensure that you’re being charged for the right usage. You wouldn’t want to be paying the bill for your old house’s new owners and their huge hot tub!

2. Change your mailing address on your drivers’ license and contact the post office to have your mail forwarded to your new address. Some of the many places you’ll want to notify of your move are:
   – The Canadian government
   – Your financial institution
   – Your phone/internet/cable company
   – Any print publication subscriptions

3. Prepare a packing list and start packing. Slowly start squirrelling away sturdy boxes and prepare other packing materials, e.g. adhesive tape, bubble wrap, markers and string. If you’re hiring someone to do the move, make sure that you’ve chosen a reputable company who will be taking inventory of what they pack.

4. Keep the items you’ll need to unpack immediately in a convenient place. The boxes containing daily necessities and items for setting up the furniture should be together and easy to find. Some of these items should include:  towels, bedding, basic kitchen supplies, toiletries, a hammer, and screwdrivers.

5. Check to ensure electricity and other utilities are properly turned off in the old house before leaving. Trip all breakers to ensure there is no electricity flow/usage after you leave.

For your new home:

6. Arrive at your new home before the movers. Your movers will want to go over your packing list and will need you to direct them on where to put some furniture and boxes.

7. Switch on the electricity supply. Reset any tripped breakers. If you’ve purchased an older home and are concerned about the state of your electrical, please contact us as soon as possible.

8. Take advantage of having extra hands on deck. As we mentioned, getting to the house before the movers is key to getting everything in the right place. If you already have an idea of how you would like your furniture to sit in each room, save your back and ask your movers to put each item where you would like it to go!

9. Check to ensure that all electrical appliances are installed safely and are working properly. The sooner you know what needs repair or maintenance, the better. Remember, we are available 24/7, so you can give us a call anytime (416.490.8093).

10. Don’t use adaptors, plugs or extension cords if they do not comply. This tip is the start to getting to know your new house. Just as you’ll need to get to know your house’s squeaks, you’ll need to understand how your electrical works. Feel free to contact us if you would like us to come and answer any questions you might have about your new home.

Picture from: clutterbgone.ca