Let’s start by asking a simple question: Why are you moving? We recommend that unless it’s a job transfer – think twice before you move, especially if you’re moving to another apartment. There are many things to consider before you incur the standard $2,000 moving expense.
Every time you move it costs money. We typically advise people that when you move, you choose a place where you can live comfortably for three years. If you have to look for additional storage space, then you clearly should have rented a bigger apartment. It’s amazing how people will cheap out on rent but pay two or three hundred a month in storage fees. It makes no sense. If you aren’t using it, lose it or better yet just throw it out.
When looking at an apartment, you should always consider storage or closet space available. Keep in mind that the average Canadian accumulates an average of 10 per cent in possessions on an annual basis. Just think about the clothes, sports equipment and furnishings you acquire every year. There has to be somewhere to put those new things. If it’s sports equipment, you need storage. If it’s clothes you need closets. If it’s furniture you need the space for it.
If you absolutely need to move, the first thing you should do and something most people forget is to change your address at the post office. You have no idea who is moving into your space when you leave. Do you really want people reading your mail, going through your bills, or just throwing important items like cheques in the garbage? Most people never think about it, but that’s what really happens when someone else gets your mail. Yes, it’s against the law to open another person’s mail but it’s one of those things that if you didn’t see it – it didn’t happen. A far more important consideration in this regard relates to identity theft. With all of the sensitive information, from bank and credit car account numbers to tax documents with your social insurance number and drivers license with your date of birth, if your mail isn’t rerouted right away and this information falls into the wrong hands it would be very easy to victimize her.
The last and most important thing you need to consider is that almost all rental terms in this country end on the last day of the month. Don’t ever assume you can move on the first of the month. Always check with your landlord. They might enlighten you and if they have the apartment rented because your lease term ends on the last day of the month then they could hold you responsible for the rent for that month, especially if they lose a good prospect because you still haven’t moved out. Rule of thumb, don’t assume anything!
The day you move out, always remember to turn in your keys. We also recommend that you ask for a suite inspection at the same time. This gives your landlord an opportunity to ensure there’s no damage to your unit. Nobody wants to receive a bill after they’ve move out. It also gives you a chance to thank the superintendent for their hard work. In some provinces damage deposits aren’t taken but that doesn’t mean the landlord won’t bill for damages and cleaning if a resident hasn’t left their unit in a reasonable condition. It’s a mistake a lot of people make and they’re often shocked when they get the bill. Keep in mind that it doesn’t matter where you live in Canada, if you destroy a unit or leave it in a bad state of repair you’re going to pay because every landlord will hold you accountable.
Happy renting!