The Ottawa Mover’s Manual: Expert Advice for Your Relocation
Moving to a new place can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you're relocating across town or to a different city, this blog post is your go-to guide for a smooth transition. Discover expert moving tips, from packing hacks to settling into your new home, designed to make your move stress-free and enjoyable. Let's turn your moving experience into an adventure!
Moving in Ottawa
Moving in Ottawa comes with its own unique challenges and opportunities. One of the secrets to a successful move in this vibrant city is specific planning. Research different neighbourhoods to find the one that suits your lifestyle best. Ottawa's weather can be unpredictable, so packing essentials for all seasons is crucial. Another secret is utilizing the city's excellent public transportation system and bike-friendly paths to explore your new area. Finally, hiring a reliable local moving company with knowledge of the city can make the entire process smoother, helping you settle into your new home in the heart of Canada seamlessly.
5 Moving Companies in Ottawa
Two Men and a Truck Ottawa
Cargo Cabbie
First Rate Movers
Déménagement Total
Parkview Moving Co.
Timeline from 6 Months - Moving Day
6 Months
Order supplies for the move
Take measurements of each room to know how much room you have in the new house
Understand and plan the width and length of the new rooms
Confirm arrangements with everyone helping with the move
Label medical records to ensure they don’t get lost in the move
Separate valuables and make sure they don’t get lost
Notify important parties about your move so that everyone is aware
2 Months
Sort and purge
Research movers
Create a moving binder
Organize school records
Get ready for a school board change if necessary
Use a binder to help keep track of what you’re moving
Go through everything and decide if it’s worth keeping, think if it's hard to pack
Investigate moving companies, follow a step-by-step process and checklist
Weeks Out
Get a tune-up, to make your old house look ready for the buyers
Clean out your safety deposit box so it’s ready
Contact your moving company to ensure the dates
Plan for payment with your preferred choice of payment
Defrost freezer for next buyers
Double-check details to ensure everything is going according to plan in your binder
Pack suitcases for your backup “essentials” box
Moving Day
Final walkthrough
Stay organized
Supervise the process by being there and present during the move
Be vocal to movers
Have the Essentials box ready to go
Inform Utilities of your move
Inform movers about fragile items
Check inventory and checklist
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions - Answered
When should I start planning my move?
The correct answer is as soon as possible but to be safe anywhere from 2 months out from the moving date is ideal.
How do I find a reliable moving company?
Ask for recommendations
Read online reviews
Check credentials
Get multiple quotes
Ask for an In-Home Estimate
Inquire about experience
Check for complaints
Ask about the services provided
Discuss insurance coverage
Trust your instincts
What items should I pack with caution?
Be gentle packing hazardous materials, perishable foods, valuables and important documents, and irreplaceable Items.
How can I save money on my move?
To save money when moving you need to start by decluttering your belongings and selling or donating items you don’t need. Try to self-pack using free or low-cost moving supplies. Be smart about your moving date, and aim for when companies have lower rates. Ask friends for a truck instead of hiring one. Lastly, compare quotes from other moving companies to find the most affordable option.
Should I buy moving insurance?
This all depends on the value of your belongings and your comfort level with the risk. If your items are high value or you're making a long-distance move, getting moving insurance can help financially and can take a lot of your stress away. It’s helpful if your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy doesn’t offer coverage for items in transit. Evaluate the value of your items and the longevity of your move to decide if you will need moving insurance.
How can I pack fragile items safely?
Gather sturdy boxes in different sizes, packing paper, bubble wrap, and packing tape. Wrap the item with bubble wrap or several layers of packing paper and secure it with tape. Place a layer of packing material at the bottom for cushioning. Make sure it all fits perfectly, fill any empty spaces with packing material, and finally label the box as “fragile”.
What should I pack in an “essentials” box?
An essentials box is used for items you will need immediately when you arrive at your new home. For example; essential toiletries, a change of clothes, important medications, basic kitchen items, important documents, phone chargers, etc. The box ensures that you have the necessary items available to you without having to go through all your boxes on the first day of your move.
How do I inform people and companies about my change of address?
You contact the following people in this order from most important to least important: postal service, government agencies, financial institutions, service providers, insurance providers, subscription services, online retailers, professional contacts, health care providers, school, friends, family, and online accounts.
How can I pack and move large or special items?
Moving large items requires careful planning. For large items like furniture or appliances, disassemble if possible, wrap individual components securely and label them so they are easy to reassemble. Use furniture sliders or dollies to move heavy items and protect floor damage.
What do I do on moving day?
Be organized and oversee the moving process. Prepare your essentials box which should include immediate necessities like toiletries and important documents. Guide the movers on fragile items and before leaving do a final walkthrough of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind. When you're at your new place direct movers to where you want them to go and unpack your essentials box to make the moving process go smoother. Moving can be stressful but if you follow this guide, you will receive nothing but success and a new happy home.
A successful move in Ottawa depends on careful planning, taking advantage of the city's resources, and tapping into the warmth of its community. By researching neighbourhoods, preparing for variable weather, and exploring your new surroundings through public transport and bike paths, you'll feel right at home in no time. With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to embracing your new life in the capital city of Canada. Happy moving!
