Of course, the best-case scenario is to wait out the storm and to move once we return to normalcy. However, this isn’t always possible. Maybe a deal is too good to pass up on. Perhaps you need to relocate due to a purchase-and-sales agreement. Or perhaps it’s for work. Whatever the case, it’s evident that moving from an old home to a new one during the Coronavirus era is not a choice for some people. At the same time, there is a way to make the move safely. In this article, we look at what moving companies and truck rental services are doing to help you during this time. We also provide some tips to reduce the chance of contracting COVID-19 in the process of your move. 

How Moving Services and Rental Businesses are Ensuring Your Safety

Moving Services

If you’re hiring a moving company for your journey, it’s still possible. Most provinces have deemed moving companies an essential service. Further, as the number of new cases comes down, we’re starting to see a lot of businesses open again. With that said, moving companies are not just going on business as usual. 

One of the most significant changes is a move from in-person tours to virtual tours for pricing estimates. In a usual moving scenario, the movers would come to your home and take note of all the furniture and fixtures that they need to move to your new home. This provides the proper information to know what size truck to bring in, how many movers they’ll need, and what you can expect as a cost. But due to minimizing physical interaction in a COVID-19 world, mover now asks you to aid them in a virtual tour of your home as an alternative way to make their pricing estimate. 

Movers are also taking precautions during the actual move. However, they are limited in what protections they can use. While it’s ideal that movers wear masks and gloves, this protective equipment can interfere with their work. Gloves can ultimately reduce a mover’s grip and increase the chances that they drop something. This can not only damage your item but also injure the movers. Masks can also reduce the mover’s ability to breathe. And when they’re moving heavy furniture, a good airway is critical to safely maintain enough strength to hold heavy fixtures. 

Movers are requesting that you leave a washbasin open to them. As we know, washing our hands is more important now than ever before. Informing movers which sink is available to them and leaving some soap and hand sanitizer can help protect the movers, your family, and others. 

To prevent spread among different movers, companies are staggering when their employees come into your old and new home to reduce the amount of contact. Moving companies may also limit each truck to two people. 

Truck and Container Rentals

Opting to move without a moving company can be a safer option because it involves fewer people you don’t know. However, you’ll likely still need to rent a truck or container. Companies such as U-Haul are taking strict measures to sanitize their vehicles. They disinfect everything from steering wheels, seats, and seat belts. Additionally, many have implemented six-feet distancing guidelines when individuals come to their stores. Online check-ins for some companies are also available to further reduce contact with any truck rental company staff. 

What You Can Do to Ensure a Safer Move During COVID-19

As mentioned before, if you’re using a moving service, one of the best things you can do is provide the movers with a washbasin and soap. But there are additional steps you can take to secure yourself and your family further:

• If you want to monitor your home as movers come in and out, limit it to yourself or to one family member. Ultimately, limit the number of people present. 
• If your movers are comfortable using protective equipment on the job, a poncho is an additional step to ensure that there’s even less contact between them and your items/home.
• Pack whatever you can yourself. This can limit how many people touch your possessions. 
• Ask your moving company what health measures they have in place. Ensure that they’re sanitizing their trucks and equipment and staggering their staff as they enter and exit your home. 
• Disinfect any hard surfaces. 
• Provide movers with precise instructions on the layout of furniture in the new house. This can prevent the amount of time they need to spend at the property. 
• Prepare separate bags with clothes that you can use for the first week at the new property. This can help prevent the need to open your other clothing boxes. 

Additionally, it’s common that you’ll want to declutter the number of possessions you have during a move. Although it’s commonly a great time to bring some no longer used items to a donation bin, the Coronavirus pandemic has resulted in the closure of donation bins. Friends and family may also be wary of accepting any second-hand items as a precaution. Therefore, many of your no longer used possessions may end up in a recycling bin or landfill. Although this is unfortunate, it’s part of limiting the spread of COVID-19. 

There’s no doubt we’ve entered a new normal. In an ideal world, try your best to delay moving until the situation gets better. But for some, there’s no choice but to move to a new location. If you’re in that situation, know that moving companies and rental businesses are taking measures to make your move as safe as possible. Additionally, your own precautions, such as preparing clothing and home layouts, can help reduce the chance of COVID-19 spreading. 

The post What You Should Know If You’re Moving During COVID-19 first appeared on RankMyAgent - Trusted resource about Buying, Selling and Renting.

With spring just around the corner — she says, hopefully, in -27 C weather — we are quickly approaching moving season. Hard to believe that time is going by so quickly, she says, again, adjusting her toque and scarf.

June through September tend to be the most popular months to move, according to the Canadian Association of Movers, but we all know there are some eager beavers who may score some potential savings by moving during the unpredictable months leading up to peak season.

Regardless of when you decide to make the grand transition, there is a lot of stress that comes with it. There are a lot of moving parts and it’s all happening at once and the whole experience can feel pretty chaotic. But, there is a secret. Well, it’s not really a secret, we all know it, it’s just sometimes hard to practice than to preach it. The secret is — drumroll, please — PREPARATION!

Here are a few tips to help you break this gargantuan task into smaller, attainable tasks.

First things first: congratulations on your move! This is an exciting time — despite all the craziness — and I hope you take a moment to really appreciate it all. Take it all in. Next, it’s time to map out a plan. Grab that notebook and let’s draw the blueprints for plan “Moving Possible”. 

PLAN AHEAD, GIVE YOURSELF TIME

Remax suggests planning a move at least six weeks in advance is best. By giving yourself plenty of time, Remax says, you can give yourself the time necessary to “edit” your belongings. This way, you are only moving the things you actually want to keep and use in your new home.

DECLUTTER AS YOU GO

Create a designated bin, box or bag for donations, trash and keep, and start in your most un-used space. For me, this would be the garage, basement and closets — AKA impromptu storage units. I know I won’t be needing to access the things I do wind up keeping from these spaces straight away, so they are safe to be packed up earlier on in the grand scheme of things. Plus, I’ll probably be throwing away or donating the most from these areas, anyway.

COLLECT FREE BOXES

It is in these first few weeks that you can start collecting boxes from local shops. A lot of establishments are more than thrilled to give you free pickings of their seemingly endless supply of boxes. I suggest picking boxes up from liquor stores — especially Superstore or Loblaws, as they seem to have more available. Wine boxes are the perfect size to move heavy items, such as books because you can’t overpack them. And they won’t destroy your back, or your mover’s back, on the big day.

With that being said, it’s time to start looking for a moving company — if that’s the route you intend on taking.

FINDING THE RIGHT MOVING COMPANY

Ask friends and family who have recently moved if they have any good recommendations and read reviews online. Online reviews from reputable sources can seriously be a lifesaver. Checking the Better Business Bureau is another way to ensure you are getting the best company to handle your belongings. It’s OK to shop around and ask for quotes and estimates. Be sure to ask questions about hidden fees, contracts and insurance that will cover your stuff in case of losses and damage.

PREVENTING LOSS

As for loss prevention tricks, Updater.com’s Most Epic Moving Checklist suggests compiling all of your important documents on a cloud-based service in case anything goes missing or is temporarily buried in the bottom of that last-to-be-opened box. They also encourage people to keep all important personal records such as birth certificates and government-issued ID in a portable folder that you can carry with you in your vehicle on the big day.

Also be sure to keep an ongoing document on Google Docs, or a similar platform, to compile all of your moving-related costs and expenses. This could come in handy come tax season for deductions.

PACKING UP

As the moving day approaches and it’s time to start packing the more high-traffic areas of your home, Remax suggests packing items you will need first in clear totes. That way they are easily located once you get to your new home.

Packing up kitchens always seems to be the most daunting task because of all of the fragile items. Be sure to use newspapers, hand towels or t-shirts in between dishes to prevent breakage. I’d recommend socks and t-shirts because it’s essentially a 2-in-1. You’ll be packing up your dishes and your clothes and everything will be nice, snug and secure during travel.

While putting your kitchen away, be sure to donate all unwanted and unopened food to help lighten the load. The same can be said for those unused toiletries we all seem to have stashed around the bathroom and linen closets.

Be sure to meal prep some food to sustain you during those days leading up to moving day that doesn’t require any utensils that are already stashed away. This will help you save some money while skipping out on the fast food and take out.

The key tip I can offer you for packing is to do a little bit every day. No one wants to have to do it all the night before. That’s how things get misplaced, lost or even broken.

THE DAY BEFORE

Time’s running out. It’s time to finish that deep clean and ensure everything is ready for your home’s new occupants.

Take some photographs of the space so you have evidence that your place was, indeed, move-out ready. This is an important tip for renters as well. You want to make sure that you have proof your home was in fantastic condition before the new tenants moved in.

Unplug your freezer and fridge to allow it to defrost. Lay towels on the floor for any potential spillage. Give this a wipe down in the morning and it will be as good as new.

Make sure your essentials are packed away in an easy-to-grab container. These include any medications, clothes, documents, toiletries and snacks and food you’ll need within the next 24-hours.

The Most Epic Moving Checklist also suggests to pull out cash to tip your movers. Or for those who are using a self-moving service like U-Haul, make sure you have access to funds for that pizza and beer you promised your friends.

Be sure to get a lot of sleep because tomorrow is going to be a long one.

THE DAY OF

Rise and shine! It’s time to move! If you have movers scheduled to come, be sure to be there to greet them and show them where all of the agreed-upon items are to be moved. Lay blankets, moving pads or towels to protect your floors and walls. And don’t forget to use these on big items of furniture in the truck to prevent scratches and dings.

If you’ve hired movers, many companies will come in and take all the preventive measures for you, however, there’s no harm in having some extra, just in case.

When you get to your new address, set up the bed and hang the shower curtain because chances are a nap and shower will be desperately needed as the journey of unpacking begins.

Now it’s time to settle into your new home. Congratulations, you made it! Welcome home.

The post Get a Move on Moving: A how-to guide on making the move painless first appeared on RankMyAgent - Trusted resource about Buying, Selling and Renting.

Ah, love is in the air. Little pink, red and white Valentine’s Day decorations adorn every window of every store and heart-shaped candy is aplenty — and tempting. Couples are oversharing their affection in public and bombarding you with cutesy images on Instagram and Facebook.
Yes, Valentine’s Day is a macro lens on all romantic cliches, but what about when you zoom out? Enter today’s topic: Couples living.

Whether renting or purchasing a home, moving in with a partner is a significant moment in any relationship and there are a lot of moving parts we have to consider in this decision-making process: What happens if we break up? Are we ready yet? Is it better to move into a rental unit or buy our own place? Our incomes are very different, how do we strike a balance? Do we need to be married first? Our styles are very different, how do we decide how to decorate?

There is a seemingly endless stream of questions that you and your partner should discuss. And yes, unfortunately, some of these questions are going to bring about tough and uncomfortable conversations about finances and debt, future financial and life goals and more. But, it has got to be done if you are to gain a realistic picture of what your future with your partner entails.

Buying with your boo:

Buying a home with your partner is pretty scary — especially when you’re not married. It’s still less common to purchase a home with your boyfriend or girlfriend, so you may experience some stigma and backlash from friends and family. They may tell you that buying a home with someone you’re not married to is a deathwish. This is simply not true.

Although divorce rates have dropped slightly from their peak of 41% during the mid-’80s, CBC reported that four in 10 first marriages end in divorce — of course, this information was based on a 2006 census, but StatsCan has since stopped collecting divorce data. With that — somewhat tragic — info being said, it’s important to realize that these couples will also have to go through the break-up processes that unmarried common-law couples will endure. So, really, it’s essentially the same product with different labels.

Buying a lovenest with your honey is a great idea, especially if the market is leaning in your favour. Take advantage of that. Again, be sure to discuss debt and finances as your partner’s debt could influence the outcome of your mortgage approval.

The debt talk matters, Realtor.com says, because it will uncover your debt-to-income ratio, the “number your lender will look at to decide if you can pay back a loan.” This number can’t be higher than 43% and lenders will figure it out by adding up all monthly debts and dividing it by monthly income.

The down payment is another big-ticket item you’ll have to discuss with your partner. How will you afford this, plus closing costs? Realtor.com says this can be acquired through savings, a gift from a family member, or it can come from an RRSP. 

But who will pay for what? And how will the costs be divided? Realtor.com says this discussion is necessary before any paperwork is finalized. Some couples are fine merging all of their funds together in one giant pot and tackling everything together, but some find this can lead to a “yours and mine” mentality that can be detrimental to a relationship.

One way to conquer this is to keep things separate — to an extent — and based on income. It’s rare that couples earn the same amount of money so it doesn’t make a whole whack of sense to split the costs of a new home down the middle, 50-50. Instead, break it down.

One technique to do this involves opening a joint “house account” that both you and your partner will contribute to while keeping your other finances separate. Together, you can decide what you will pay together and what you will keep separate, such as student loans, or that travel debt you acquired in your gap year.

“Make a list of all your combined expenses: housing, taxes, insurance, utilities. Then talk salary,” Cynthia Ramnarace from HerMoney says. “If you make $60,000 and your partner makes $40,000, then you should pay 60 per cent of that total toward shared expenses and your partner 40 per cent.”

To make this fair and equal, set up a direct deposit from individual accounts to a shared-joint account. Be honest and keep that line of communication open. But, Ramnarace says, keep some emergency funds tucked aside in your personal account in case of unexpected changes in the bills department.

But what if we break up?

Breakups can happen whether your married or not, so Realtor.com suggests establishing a contract that defines what happens to the equity in such a case. This contract could give partners a limited time-frame of 30-60 days to buy the other out, or you can agree to sell the home and split the proceeds.

Having this contract in place, although bleak, can save you a lot of hardship if this situation ever arises. It’s best to think ahead and protect yourself.

Even if you’re renting, a contract like this isn’t a terrible idea. It could protect both of you and the financial contributions you invested in the relationship, like furniture and expensive housewares. Perhaps a deal can be made to buy out the other instead of feeling ripped off — on top of having a broken heart.

On a lighter note…

Now that all the serious talk is winding down, let’s discuss something a little more fun. DECORATING! You two have moved into your new home — rented or purchased, either way, congratulations! And it’s time to start decorating!

First things first, you’re going to have a lot of duplicates of things so it’s best to purge the doubles. This will save you space in your new home. No one needs four spatulas — you’re not running a Wendy’s out of your home.

Next, keep your all your sentimental things and mix your styles. The home should represent both of you and your individual styles, interests and flair.

Compromise, compromise, compromise. You will not be on the same page about every little detail, so really try to emphasize what is really important to you and what you are OK on budging on a bit. Again, you want the space to reflect both of your personalities while highlighting what makes you two work well together.

My only real big suggestion on this topic is to avoid conflict be sure to check in with each other a lot. Be sure to check in before making any crucial purchases and be sure to check in before you start randomly tossing things that may contain your partner’s personal belongings.

Enjoy this time. It can be really fun and you can really get to know each other on a whole new level.

To all you lovebirds out there, cohabitating or thinking about it, we at RMA wish you good luck and a very happy Valentine’s Day.

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