When you’re moving in or out of a condo apartment, things are a little more complicated than a simple relocation to a house. With concierges and lobbies to navigate, plus elevators to move furniture in and out of, and parking and loading bays to contend with, the process becomes a whole lot more involved. As a result, it’s worthwhile to do a little extra planning before the big move — we promise it’ll save you time and grey hairs in the long run.
Take measurements
You might think that a floor plan will provide enough details on the dimensions of your new condo. However, it’s extremely important that you take a tape measure to at least one of your viewings. Some condos can have awkward layouts and difficult spaces. Having precise measurements, not just for the size of the rooms but also for the distance between alcoves and cabinet edges will help to gauge what you can fit — and what you needn’t bother transferring.
Start a budget for moving
Between the packing supplies and expenses offered by moving companies, things can start to add up quickly. Start by doing a good inventory of what you already have then do your research and estimate how much it’ll be to move once you factor in any hidden fees or expenses. If you have the flexibility to move at any time, consider the time of year. Since Canada’s undesirable winters are not
a great time to move, booking a moving company may be more difficult during peak seasons.
Start early and buy more boxes than you think you’ll need
Packing takes way more time than you think it will so start the process as early as you can. Try to get a mix of large and small stackable containers so you don’t end up filling them up too fast and wasting time and space. If you have a lot of delicate or
fragile items, buy bubble wrap to keep things safe.
Book a truck or get a quote for movers
You don’t book the first flights you see when you’re taking a vacation, so why would you take the first quote you get for a moving truck or a moving company? Shop around a little and let other companies know that you’ve been quoted. Figure out if you want packers or just movers. Do your research and don’t forget to factor in potential hidden costs — base costs may not include specialty items like a piano and truck rentals may not include gas prices which may add up during a long-distance move.
Book your elevator now
Whether you’re moving in or out of a condo, you’ll need to find out how to book a service elevator for the big day. Some condos require you to fill out paperwork while others allow you to do it simply and easily online. It may require a cheque or a temporary bank deposit that will later be refunded. Consider booking two time slots back-to-back for an extra buffer.
Allow more time than you need
Even with the ultimate organization and the best will in the world, moving your worldly possessions is bound to take more time than you think it will. Plus, you can’t control every step of the process. Maybe getting the keys to your moving truck is delayed or perhaps you hit traffic on the day of the move. Giving yourself an extra window of time for each leg of the journey will lower your stress levels
immeasurably.