So you are planning a move this summer.  Although it may seem like some time away with the cold lingering in the air, it is important to keep in mind that the moving season begins in May and goes into September.  This is the busiest time of the year for professional movers.  Therefore, if you are planning a move this summer, you need to evaluate your flexibility.  If you have a slim window of time to make your move, the earlier you schedule the date the better you will be.  The sooner you are able to select a date and schedule, it will be best for you because you will be able to ensure the move date of your choice.  Keep in mind, your professionals here at Starline will do their best to accommodate your request.  

If you are planning on selling your home in order to move this summer, the earlier you begin your preparations for the move the more time you will have to get the home ready for sale.  You will have the time to do the painting, cleaning, staging and downsizing without being pressed for time.  Further, the summer is the busy season for realtors.  Getting a head start will give you ample time to meet and interview potential real estate professionals and make your selection. Starting any preparations early will allow you to have the time to get things done.  In this competitive housing market, any extra effort will help you.

Great! You are moving abroad. Now, what do you do with your appliances? To move it or not, it is an important question?  The key take away is to do your research ahead of time.  There are so many different things to consider and moving appliances abroad can be costly.  Therefore, you definitely want to ask yourself these very important questions before you decide to take your appliances with you.

The important thing to keep in mind is to understand what is best for you and your family.  I do suggest you really rethink the transformer option, especially if you are planning on living abroad for an extended period of time.  You can use one but it does put a strain on your appliance and it may not be worth transporting it only for it to quit working in six months.  Further, living quarters in different countries vary greatly.  So your large side by side refrigerator may not fit in a kitchen or there may not be a laundry room for your large front end washer and dryer.  Know where you are going and what is common place in your new location.  It will save you in the long run.

As for your small appliances like toasters, kettles and hair dryers, it is in your best interest to just sell what you have and get complying ones when you get there. The biggest challenge you will face is your computer.  I suggest you check with the manufacture of your computer and find out what your options are.  If you have any further questions, Starline has even more great information for you.

If you are moving to or within Canada, redirecting your mail is an important part of your move.  If you are moving to Canada from the United States, there are some key differences that you should be informed.  First, the Canadians call forwarding mail redirection.  Also, be prepared to pay a fee for redirection services, which is a foreign concept to Americans.  When redirecting your mail from the United States to Canada, you will not be required to pay a fee from the United States Post Office.  However, if you are repatriating back to the United States or moving within Canada, you will have to pay to redirect your mail.  The fees will vary by the length of time, which is defined as a temporary redirection at three months or permanent redirection, which is six to twelve months.  It will also vary based on whether you are redirecting mail for a residence and/or business.  

It is important to plan ahead to ensure a smooth transition.  Let your creditors know about your move and your new address to prevent any delays.  Keep in mind the redirection will take some time to get going.

Moving to Calgary?

Moving to Edmonton?

As a matter of public safety, governments at all levels have passed legislation restricting the transportation of dangerous goods. Under the “Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act” we are prohibited by law from shipping these items. With this in mind, we would like to remind you for all owner packed boxes, crates, etc. it is your responsibility to ensure NO DANGEROUS GOODS are being transported.

If you have children, you want to make sure you do this for them as well.  You should also consider visits to the dentist and orthodontist if applicable.  It is important to squeeze these appointments in because it will take some time to find the right medical professionals in your new area.  

You also want to make sure you have the contact details of all of your medical professionals and understand their policies and procedures on obtaining your medical records.  This is so important so that when you find the right doctor in your new area, you are prepared and understand what to do to transfer the documentation.  Taking the time ahead of your move to do this will be worth it in the end.  You will be able to buy yourself some time to get settled and find just the right medical professional for you and your family.

Moving is a challenging experience for an adult, let alone a child, so helping them with this is key to a smooth transition.  Although you are pressed for time in the midst of a relocation, make time for your child.  The best way to mitigate some of the affects is to openly communicate with your family.  Keeping the lines of communication open will help them feel apart of the process and there are several things that you can do to help them feel included.  

Once you know you are moving, have a family meeting to discuss the upcoming move.  Outline some of the opportunities where they can be help or propose suggestions.  It is important to tailor your discussions and opportunities to the age of your child.  Explain to them that they can help pick their new room and decorate it.  Discuss how you will help them select a new school and activities.  Keep in mind that if you include them in the process, they will feel ownership and it will help with the transition.

It is important to note that moving will bring a mixed bag of emotions for both you and your child.  A great way to help with this is to start a journal.  Have your child begin one to help them deal with their feelings, document contact details for family and friends and draw pictures and diagrams of what they want their new room to look like.  It is a powerful tool that provides them an outlet to help with their new transition.

As you prepare for the holiday season and enjoy the company of your family and friends, if you are planning a move next year begin your preparations early.  Moving can be challenging, but the better prepared you are the easier it will be.  

If you know that you are moving, begin to prepare your family and friends.  Enjoy your holiday season with them so that when you start the process, you would have spent quality time with them ahead of your hectic moving schedule.

Take the time to do your research.  Investigate your new location, find out the necessary services and amenities in your new area.  Find out the cost of living so you can prepare your budget accordingly.  Take inventory of all of your high-valued items and take photos of each room to document your things.  

When the holiday season is over, weed through your holiday decorations and get rid of those that you did not use and pack up those that you will with your move in mind.  Go through your home and weed through your clutter.  It will enable you donate your things in time to help those in need for the holidays and allow you get rid of the things you do not want or need to move. 

Taking these extra steps will help alleviate some stress and minimize some expenses associated with moving items you really do not need or want.

The holidays are a stressful time for most and adding a move during the holiday season can be challenging.  The important thing to keep in mind is your professionals at Starline will make every effort to make your move as smooth as possible.  With the logistics of your move handled, what you need to concern yourself with is how to make the transition easier on your family.

Think about your family traditions during the holiday season and identify those that you could keep during the move.  Have a family meeting to discuss the upcoming move and what traditions are important to everyone and plan on keeping those that are feasible.  This will help everyone continue to look forward to the holiday season.  Tell your friends and family ahead of time.  Let them know that you are in the midst of a move and that certain things will just have to wait.  If you must get gifts during this time, consider gift cards.  It will free up your time to focus on the move and you will not be laden down with more things to transport.  If you send holiday cards, consider sending them after your move.  This way you will be able to let everyone know your new contact details and how you have settled into your new life.

Keep a positive attitude.  It may be challenging, but it makes all the difference for you and your family.  You will be making some memories that you will all fondly remember.  Keep in mind that this is a temporary situation and you will be in your new home sooner that you expect.