Moving? Plan ahead

Anyone who's ever moved can tell you how much of a hassle it is

And spring and summer are peak times for moving. Matt Guest, owner of First Rate Movers Inc. , helped compile this list of moving to-dos to take some of the stress out of the process.

RESERVATIONS

Try to book a moving company or a truck as early as you can to make sure you have what you need on the date you need it. Guest says that although the busiest times for moving companies is between April and August, it's even worse during the last week of each month. Make arrangements sooner rather than later.

NOTIFY & COLLECT DOCUMENTS

If you're moving out of the area, make sure to let all the firms you deal with know about a month before the move so they can collect your records - in many cases, new firms will need to have access to them. Here is a list to keep in mind:

- Doctors, dentists, orthodontists and optometrists

- Cable, telephone and Internet providers

- Utility companies (such as gas, hydro and water)

- Schools

- Veterinarian

CHANGE ADDRESSES

Changing your address on all of your documents is not only good practice, it helps prevent identity theft as well, according to a release from Experian's ProtectMyID. Identity thieves often use unclaimed mail to steal an identity, so it's important to make sure your mail ends up at your new place.

Most provincial ministries have a list of government documents that need updating, but other companies need to be notified, such as:

- Health card, driver's licence and outdoors card (accompanies a fishing licence)

- Vehicle ownership and insurance company

- Magazine and newspaper subscriptions

- Library memberships - Gym,

- Employer (for your pay cheques and personal records)

- Post office and banks

MAKE ARRANGEMENTS

About a week before your move date, call your service providers to schedule a time to have your new house hooked up with everything you need:

- Cable, telephone and Internet providers

- Hydro, oil and gas companies

- And be sure to confirm with your moving or rental company.

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